Ruta Nacional 7 – Los Andes Pass Circuit
High Andes mining roads above the tourist highway
The RN-7 backcountry spurs split off from Chile’s main trans-Andean highway, threading through mining roads and forgotten passes above 3,000 meters. The Portillo ski area marks your jump-off point into serious altitude, where century-old mining tracks climb toward Cerro Aconcagua’s shadow. Technical sections include the abandoned Cristo Redentor railway grade and switchbacks through loose scree fields that’ll test your diff locks.
This is moderate to difficult terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD with low range and recovery gear. Best tackled April through November when snow clears but before summer washouts. No permits needed for the main route, but fuel up in Los Andes—next reliable station is Mendoza. The payoff is legitimate solitude in the roof of South America, with condor sightings and views across both countries from passes most overlanders never see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11800 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with low range |
| Nearest town | Los Andes, Valparaíso |
| Land manager | Ministerio de Obras Públicas |
| 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 lifted Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do you need something more serious?
A capable mid-size 4WD with low range, good ground clearance (8+ inches), and all-terrain tires can manage it. The rocky mining road sections and steep grades will punish anything less — a stock crossover or AWD-only vehicle has no business up here at 11,800 feet.
When does snow close the high passes on this route?
The best window is April through November, but early April and late November can still catch surprise snowfall at elevation. December through March is winter in the Southern Hemisphere — passes can close without warning, and the Ministerio de Obras Públicas does not always post timely closures online.
Do you need permits to run this route, and is there a border crossing fee?
No dedicated trail permit is required for the Chilean side under MOP jurisdiction. If your route brings you to the Argentine border zone near the Paso Los Andes, carry your passport and vehicle documentation — Chilean and Argentine customs both operate checkpoints and can turn you around without proper paperwork.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it technical?
The upper mining road switchbacks approaching maximum elevation are the crux — loose rock shelves, off-camber turns, and sheer drop-offs with no barriers. There's no room to pass oncoming vehicles on several sections, and a wrong line on the loose aggregate can put a wheel over the edge.
Is there any place to refuel or get water along the 47 miles, or do you need to be fully self-sufficient?
There are no fuel stops, services, or reliable water sources on route — Los Andes is your last chance to top off fuel and water before departure. Water crossings exist but are not safe to drink without treatment, and at altitude dehydration hits faster than most people expect, so carry more than you think you need.
Trail track
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