Ruta Nacional 150 Paso de San Francisco High Puna Traverse
Argentina's highest road to volcanic Chile
This is Argentina’s highest international road crossing, climbing from Fiambalá through the otherworldly Puna de Atacama past the 6,793-meter Ojos del Salado volcano, the world’s highest active volcano. The route traverses a landscape of salt flats, volcanic cones, and high-altitude lagoons including Laguna Verde and Laguna Brava, home to three species of flamingos, before reaching the San Francisco Pass customs station at 4,726 meters elevation.
This is an extreme route demanding excellent mechanical condition and altitude preparation – many vehicles suffer vapor lock or overheating above 4,000 meters. Carry extra water, warm clothing, and emergency food as weather can deteriorate rapidly with temperatures dropping to -20°C even in summer. The pass is typically closed May through September due to snow. Chilean entry requires permits for some nationalities. The reward is driving through one of South America’s most spectacular high-altitude volcanic landscapes with world-class volcano mountaineering access.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Extreme |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, International Border, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 124 mi / 200 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15500 ft |
| Best season | November-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Fiambalá, Catamarca |
| Land manager | Dirección Nacional de Vialidad |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4WD handle RN 150 or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can complete the route, but you need low-range capability and solid tires — the gravel is loose, washboarded, and punishing at altitude. A lift and all-terrain tires make it significantly less miserable. Anything less than a proper 4WD is a no-go.
When is RN 150 open and what kills access?
November through April is the reliable window. Winter snowfall and ice close the high sections unpredictably, and even in summer sudden storms can make the pass impassable for days. Check conditions in Fiambalá before you roll — locals will know.
Do I need permits or special paperwork to cross into Chile at Paso San Francisco?
Yes. You need a valid vehicle travel permit (Permiso de Circulación if Chilean-registered, or the equivalent export/import documentation for foreign vehicles) plus valid passports for all occupants. The border crossing has limited hours — confirm them in advance because missing the window means camping and waiting.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The crossing above 4,500 meters near the volcanic summit is where it gets serious — thin air kills engine power, the gravel surface gets soft and rutted, and there's zero infrastructure if something breaks. Altitude sickness is a real threat; don't rush the ascent and give your body time to adjust in Fiambalá before you start.
How far is the last fuel stop and is there any water on route?
Fiambalá is your last confirmed fuel stop — fill everything you have, including any jerry cans, because there is nothing for the entire 200 km to the Chilean side. Water sources exist near some salt lakes but are unreliable; carry at minimum 10 liters per person for the two-day crossing.
Trail track
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