Cordillera de los Andes Paso de Agua Fría
High Andes copper mine crossing
This brutal mountain crossing follows deteriorating mining roads through the heart of the Chilean Andes, climbing from the Aconcagua Valley floor to over 4,000 meters at Paso de Agua Fría. Originally built to service remote copper prospects in the 1960s, the route winds through increasingly technical terrain past abandoned mining camps and across multiple river fords. The final approach to the pass involves navigating loose talus slopes and snow patches that linger well into summer, with panoramic views of Aconcagua’s southern flanks rewarding those who make it.
Expert-level route requiring experienced high-altitude driving skills, winch capability, and emergency gear. Stock vehicles will struggle with steep grades, loose surfaces, and potential snow. Plan 2-3 days and carry extra fuel, emergency food, and cold-weather gear. Best attempted December through March when passes are generally clear. This is serious backcountry with no rescue services — satellite communication essential. The reward is accessing some of Chile’s most pristine alpine wilderness and experiencing the raw challenge of the high Andes firsthand.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 75 mi / 121 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13120 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with winch |
| Nearest town | San Felipe, Valparaíso |
| Land manager | Private/CONAF |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or 4Runner handle Paso de Agua Fría, or do I actually need a winch?
A stock vehicle won't cut it here. You need a modified 4WD with a winch, high-clearance suspension, and all-terrain or mud tires minimum — the rocky surface and steep mine road sections will punish anything less. Bring recovery gear and know how to use it.
When is Paso de Agua Fría actually driveable, and what shuts it down?
December through March is your window — Andean snowmelt keeps the high passes clear enough to cross. Outside that window, snow closes the route at elevation and water crossings become dangerous with glacial runoff; don't gamble on shoulder seasons at 13,000 feet.
Do I need permits to run this trail, and who manages access?
The route crosses a mix of private land and CONAF-managed territory, so access permissions are not straightforward — contact CONAF in the Valparaíso region before you go and verify current conditions with locals in San Felipe. There is no standardized permit system or fee booth; entry may depend on who controls access at the time of your trip.
What's the hardest section, and what makes it genuinely dangerous?
The most punishing sections are the exposed high-altitude rock climbs on the abandoned mine access roads, where loose rock, no guard rails, and sheer drop-offs leave zero margin for error. Altitude at 13,120 feet compounds everything — your engine loses power, your body moves slower, and a mechanical problem up there means a serious situation with no cell service and no quick exit.
How many water crossings are there, and can I plan water resupply from them?
There are multiple Andean stream crossings along the 75-mile route, and while exact crossing counts vary by season, expect several that require careful line selection, especially mid-summer when snowmelt is running hard. Crossing water is generally safe to filter and treat for drinking, but assess each crossing on foot first — depth and current change fast in the high Andes.
Trail track
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