Ruta Nacional 23 Paso de Pircas Negras
Oxygen-starved border crossing at 4,165 meters.
At 4,165 meters, Paso de Pircas Negras marks one of Argentina’s most challenging border crossings, threading through abandoned copper mining infrastructure where the air thins to dangerous levels. The route climbs relentlessly from Fiambalá through switchbacks carved into volcanic slopes, passing the ruins of Mina La Mejicana before reaching the Chilean frontier where customs officials work in shifts due to altitude sickness.
This is expert-level overlanding demanding modified vehicles with upgraded cooling systems and passengers acclimatized to extreme altitude. The road surface deteriorates above 3,500 meters into loose volcanic scree and washouts that claim unprepared rigs annually. April through October offers the only viable weather window, with mandatory fuel reserves and emergency oxygen recommended. Those who make it earn bragging rights to one of South America’s most technical high-altitude crossings.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13664 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with altitude prep |
| Nearest town | Fiambalá, Catamarca |
| Land manager | Vialidad Nacional |
| 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 Tacoma or 4Runner handle Paso de Pircas Negras?
No. You need a modified 4WD with a fuel system tuned for high altitude — carbureted engines and poorly-tuned fuel injection will struggle badly above 4,000m. Suspension lift, skid plates, and a working recovery kit are non-negotiable on this route.
When is Paso de Pircas Negras actually passable?
April through October is the window. Winter storms between November and March can close the pass completely with snow and ice at 4,165m — the crossing becomes genuinely dangerous or outright impassable. Always check with Vialidad Nacional or Gendarmería in Fiambalá before you go.
Do you need permits or special documentation to cross into Chile here?
Yes — this is an international border crossing into Chile. You need valid passports, vehicle documentation (título and permiso if the vehicle isn't in your name), and both Argentine and Chilean customs forms completed at the border post. Confirm in advance that the crossing is staffed and open; hours are limited and it is not always operational.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The final push to the 4,165m summit is the crux — loose volcanic rock, steep grades, and altitude-induced power loss hit simultaneously. Expect your engine to run noticeably weak, your body to feel the hypoxia if you haven't acclimatized in Fiambalá first, and the track to narrow with exposure on one side. Take it slow and don't rush the descent into Chile.
Where do I fuel up and is there any water on route?
Fiambalá is your last guaranteed fuel stop — fill completely before leaving town, there is nothing on the 75km crossing. Water sources are scarce and unreliable at altitude; carry all you need for 1-2 days plus emergency reserve. Cell service is completely dead the entire route, so a satellite communicator is essential, not optional.
Trail track
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