Paso de San Francisco
World's highest border crossing at 15,577 feet
Paso de San Francisco is Argentina’s highest international border crossing, topping out at 4,748 meters where your engine gasps for air and most overlanders feel the altitude bite hard. The route from Fiambalá climbs through the Puna de Atacama, passing the massive cone of Volcán Ojos del Salado (6,893m) and crossing endless salt flats that’ll cook your eyeballs without sunglasses. The final push to the Chilean border is across loose volcanic scree that’ll test your vehicle’s cooling system and your nerve.
This is expert-level overlanding—altitude sickness, zero cell service, and weather that can turn deadly without warning. You need a reliable 4WD with extra cooling, spare parts, and at least a week’s worth of water and food. Only attempt this May through September when winter storms won’t trap you at altitude. What you earn is bragging rights for one of South America’s most punishing crossings and landscapes that look more like Mars than Earth.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 186 mi / 300 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15577 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with extra cooling |
| Nearest town | Fiambalá, Catamarca |
| Land manager | Gendarmería Nacional Argentina |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| 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
What's the minimum vehicle setup to attempt Paso de San Francisco?
A modified 4WD with reinforced cooling is the floor—stock rigs regularly overheat above 4,000 meters. High-clearance, a snorkel if crossing any water, dual batteries, and a full-size spare (minimum) are expected. This is not a trail to push your luck on with a lightly built rig.
When is Paso de San Francisco actually passable?
May through September is the dry season window and the only realistic time to cross. Winter storms outside those months can close the route entirely with snow and ice at altitude, and conditions can turn without warning even in the best months.
Do you need permits to drive this route, and what's the border crossing process?
Yes—this is an official international border crossing into Chile managed by Gendarmería Nacional Argentina, so you need all standard vehicle and personal documentation for both countries, including a vehicle title, passport, and Título del Automotor if driving an Argentine-registered vehicle. Clear your paperwork before you leave Fiambalá; there are no workarounds at 4,700 meters.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The approach to the summit near 15,577 feet is the crux—loose volcanic rock, steep grades, and altitude-induced power loss will hammer your engine and your body simultaneously. Altitude sickness is a real risk; acclimatize in Fiambalá for at least a day before attempting and don't rush the climb.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and where's the last reliable gas?
Fiambalá is your last confirmed fuel stop before a 300 km stretch with nothing—plan for the full route plus a meaningful reserve, as the altitude and low-range driving will burn significantly more than your normal consumption. Carry at least two jerry cans on top of a full tank; fuel is not available on the Chilean side until you reach towns well past the border.
Trail track
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