Ruta Nacional 7 – Aconcagua High Route
High Andes access to the roof of the Americas
Route 7’s high-altitude detours branch off the main trans-Andean highway into the heart of Aconcagua Provincial Park, where the Western Hemisphere’s highest peak dominates the horizon at 22,837 feet. The circuit includes access roads to Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas base camps, plus remote tracks through Quebrada de Vacas and the Horcones Valley. These aren’t Sunday drives—expect washboard surfaces, river crossings, and altitude that’ll test both you and your rig above 13,000 feet.
Moderate to difficult depending on route choices, requiring high-clearance 4WD for the technical sections and low-range for river crossings during snowmelt season. Summer (December-March) offers the most reliable access, though weather can change fast in the high country. Fuel up in Mendoza and carry extra water—services are nonexistent once you leave the pavement. The payoff is unmatched access to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the continent, with opportunities for serious backcountry camping under Andean stars.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 85 mi / 136.8 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13200 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Mendoza, Mendoza |
| Land manager | Aconcagua Provincial Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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