Ruta de los Caracoles Mining Circuit
29 hairpins to high Andean mining country
This legendary mining road snakes through the central Andes with 29 numbered hairpin turns that give it the name ‘Route of the Snails.’ Built in the 1960s to access copper deposits, the track climbs from 2,800 meters to over 4,000 meters through abandoned mining camps and glacial moraines. The notorious Curva 15 offers technical rock ledges while Paso del Caracol provides panoramic views of Aconcagua’s western face across the border.
Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance 4WD and experience with altitude — engine performance drops significantly above 3,500 meters. Best tackled April through October when snow clears but weather remains unpredictable. Carry extra fuel, water, and emergency gear as cell service is nonexistent and the nearest help is hours away. The payoff is accessing some of the most remote Andean scenery in Chile with world-class dispersed camping spots among 6,000-meter peaks.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13123 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Los Andes, Valparaíso |
| Land manager | CONAF |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or high-clearance SUV handle this trail without lockers?
A stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — think Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado, or equivalent. Lockers aren't required on the main route, but the loose dirt on the hairpins and some eroded mining track sections will punish low-clearance vehicles badly.
Is the trail passable in winter or after heavy rain?
Best season is April through October — Andean winters bring snow above 3,000m and the upper sections near 13,000 ft become impassable. After rain at any time of year, the dirt surface turns greasy and the hairpins get sketchy fast.
Do I need permits or fees to run this route?
CONAF manages the area and may require an entry fee depending on which sections touch protected land — confirm current requirements with the Los Andes CONAF office before departing. No advance permit booking system exists as of now; it's handled at entry points.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The upper hairpin sequence — all 29 of them — is where it gets real: narrow shelf road, loose surface, steep drop-offs, and zero guardrails on most corners. The difficulty isn't raw technical terrain; it's sustained exposure and the cumulative fatigue of threading switchbacks at altitude with thin air affecting both you and your engine.
Is there any water or fuel between the start and end points?
There is no fuel on route — fill up completely in Los Andes before you leave, and budget for the return leg too. Water crossings exist on trail, but treat any water sourced there; carry your own drinking supply for the full 1-2 days since resupply is nonexistent and cell service is zero throughout.
Trail track
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