Cordillera de los Andes Paso San Francisco

The Paso San Francisco cuts through some of the highest driveable terrain in South America, connecting Argentina’s Catamarca province with Chile’s Atacama Desert across a moonscape of volcanic peaks and ancient salt flats. This historic route follows old mule trains that carried silver from Potosí, climbing relentlessly through the Cordillera de San Buenaventura to the 4,726-meter pass where Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano, dominates the western horizon.

This is an extreme high-altitude route requiring properly acclimatized drivers and vehicles prepared for sub-freezing temperatures even in summer. 4WD with low range is essential for loose volcanic scree and washouts from rare but violent storms. Carry winter gear, emergency food, and extra fuel — the nearest help is 200+ kilometers away. Weather windows are brief (November-March) and altitude sickness is a serious risk above 3,500 meters. Rewards include some of the most alien landscapes on Earth and camping under crystalline Andean skies.