Rooftop of the Andes — Paso Sico to Paso de Jama via the Puna de Atacama High Volcanic Circuit
Two passes, one brutal Andean loop.
Most people drive Paso de Jama and think they’ve seen the Atacama. They haven’t. The real Puna circuit runs south from San Pedro de Atacama through Paso Sico — a mostly unpaved, rarely enforced border crossing into Argentina’s Salta Province — then arcs back northwest via Laguna Tolar Grande, the Salar de Pocitos, and Laguna Blanca before looping back into Chile. You’ll pass within striking distance of Volcán Socompa (6,051m) and share salt flats with Andean flamingos that don’t seem to register your presence. Carachipampa junction is your last chance to bail east toward Salta; after that, you’re committed to the circuit. Watch for unmarked roads that look equally plausible — navigation errors here cost you a full day and potentially your fuel budget.
This is legitimate high-altitude expedition territory. Elevations rarely drop below 3,800m and spike past 5,000m on the Paso Sico road — acclimatize in San Pedro for at least two nights before attempting. A built-up long-travel overland rig runs it easier, but a solid stock 4WD with high clearance and an LSD will manage in dry season (April–September). Carry a minimum 60 liters of extra fuel and 15 liters of water per person — there is nothing out here. Chilean and Argentine customs operate at both passes but hours are irregular; confirm before you go. Dispersed camping on the salt flat edges is surreal and completely free.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 310 mi / 499 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 16700 ft |
| Best season | April-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance with LSD |
| Nearest town | San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region, Chile |
| Land manager | Bienes Nacionales (Chile) / Gendarmería Nacional (Argentina) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Chile Customs — Border Passes Argentina Gendarmería — Border Info |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Land Cruiser handle this route without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with a locking or limited-slip differential is the bare minimum. Skid plates are strongly advised — the volcanic rock is sharp and unforgiving. A lifted or modified rig with a long-range fuel tank will have significantly less stress on this route.
What months is this route actually passable and what shuts it down?
April through September is the reliable window. Summer (December–March) brings the Bolivian winter — violent afternoon storms that flood salt flats, wash out tracks, and make crossings genuinely dangerous. Snow can also close both passes without warning outside the best season.
Do you need permits or visas to cross between Chile and Argentina on this loop?
You need valid passports and vehicle documentation for both border crossings — Paso Sico and Paso de Jama are official international crossings managed by Chilean Aduana and Argentine Gendarmería. Paso Sico has limited hours and seasonal closures; confirm current operating status with Chilean customs before you leave San Pedro de Atacama. No separate trail permit is required.
What's the hardest section and what exactly makes it dangerous?
The interior puna tracks between the two passes are the crux — unmarked two-tracks crossing salt flats at 4,500–5,100m with soft sand, no shade, and zero rescue infrastructure. Altitude sickness is a real threat at sustained elevations above 14,000 feet; combined with cold nights, isolation, and the physical demands of vehicle recovery, this is where underprepared rigs and crews get into serious trouble.
How much fuel do you need to carry and where's the last reliable fill-up?
San Pedro de Atacama is your last guaranteed fuel stop before departure — top off completely. The loop runs roughly 310 miles with no fuel available en route, and the high altitude, sand, and 4WD engagement will cut your mileage significantly. Carry enough for at least 400 miles of actual consumption and have a jerry can contingency.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.