Ruta Nacional 150 Paso de San Francisco High Puna Traverse

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.