Paso de San Francisco Border Crossing
One of South America's highest vehicle crossings
The Paso de San Francisco cuts through volcanic moonscape at 4,748 meters, making it one of South America’s highest vehicle crossings. This route follows ancient trading paths through the Puna de Atacama, past the massive Ojos del Salado volcano and countless volcanic peaks that pierce the thin air. The road climbs relentlessly from Copiapó through mining country, crossing the Río Salado valley before the final push to the frontier post at Paso San Francisco.
This is serious high-altitude driving requiring acclimatized vehicles and drivers—altitude sickness is real here. Stock 4WD with good tires handles the gravel and washboard sections, but carry extra fuel, water, and emergency gear. The pass is typically open April through November, weather permitting. Border formalities can take hours, and the nearest fuel on the Argentine side is in Fiambalá, 200km away. You’re rewarded with otherworldly volcanic landscapes and the satisfaction of conquering one of the continent’s most challenging border crossings.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 186 mi / 299 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15574 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Copiapó, Atacama |
| Land manager | Chilean Customs and Border Control |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle handle Paso de San Francisco, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle can complete this crossing, but you need low-range capability and solid all-terrain tires — the gravel is loose, washboarded, and the grades are steep. A suspension lift helps but isn't mandatory; ground clearance and mechanical reliability matter far more at this altitude.
When is Paso de San Francisco actually passable, and what closes it?
April through November is the reliable window. Summer (December–March) brings severe snowstorms that can close the pass completely without warning, and at 15,500+ feet, conditions deteriorate fast. Don't gamble on a summer crossing unless you have real-time intel from locals in Copiapó.
Do I need any permits or advance paperwork to cross at Paso de San Francisco?
Yes — this is an official international border crossing managed by Chilean Customs and Border Control, so you need all standard vehicle import/export paperwork for both Chile and Argentina, plus valid passports. Crossing hours are restricted; confirm current operating hours with the Copiapó customs office before you leave, as they are not 24/7.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I actually expect?
The climb to the summit near the border post is the crux — steep, loose volcanic gravel with minimal traction, and the altitude (15,574 ft) will hit both you and your engine hard, especially turbocharged or naturally aspirated rigs running lean. Acclimatize in Copiapó for at least a day before attempting it, carry extra fuel, and don't push through if you're feeling cognitive fog — altitude sickness at this elevation is serious.
How far is the nearest fuel stop, and is there any water on the route?
Fuel up completely in Copiapó before departure — there is nothing on this 186-mile route, and the nearest Argentine fuel on the other side (Fiambalá) is roughly 100+ miles past the border. There are water crossings on the route but treat or filter anything you take — bring at least 10 liters per person as backup given the altitude and remote exposure.
Trail track
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