Ruta Provincial 47 – Cordón del Plata Circuit
Technical mining roads to 13,000 feet
Ruta Provincial 47 climbs into Mendoza’s Cordón del Plata mountains through a maze of mining roads that’ll test your line choice and vehicle setup. The route starts near Potrerillos and winds up to the abandoned Paramillos mining camp at over 13,000 feet, passing through terrain that shifts from desert scrub to alpine moonscape. The notorious Quebrada de Matienzo section features loose shale switchbacks where one wrong wheel placement sends rocks tumbling hundreds of feet down.
This is expert-level terrain requiring modified 4WD with rock sliders, skid plates, and low-range gearing. Weather changes fast above 10,000 feet—pack for snow even in summer. December through March offers the best window, but always check conditions with local miners who still work these mountains. The technical challenges are worth it for access to some of Argentina’s most pristine high-country camping and direct views of Aconcagua’s eastern face across the valley.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock|Loose |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Technical |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 55 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13123 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Potrerillos, Mendoza |
| Land manager | Dirección Provincial de Vialidad |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Hilux or stock Land Cruiser 200 handle this trail?
A stock LC200 will struggle — rock armor, a quality skid plate setup, and at minimum 2 inches of lift are necessary. The loose scree sections and exposed shelf roads at altitude will punish anything without proper underbody protection. A modified Hilux with lockers is a solid choice; a stock one is not.
When is the trail actually passable — and what shuts it down?
December through March is the only realistic window. Snow closes the high passes the rest of the year, and afternoon thunderstorms in the Andes can make sections dangerous even in summer. Check weather in Mendoza before you leave — conditions at 13,000 feet change fast.
Do you need permits or pay fees to run this circuit?
No formal permit is currently required to access Ruta Provincial 47, but regulations in Mendoza's high-altitude zones can shift — check with the Dirección Provincial de Vialidad in Mendoza city before departure. Some mining road segments may have private access gates; have your paperwork and ID ready regardless.
What's the hardest section and what makes it dangerous?
The high-altitude shelf roads approaching the 13,000-foot segments are the crux — narrow, loose, with significant exposure and no guardrails. Altitude-related judgment impairment is a real factor up here; your engine loses power, your body loses sharpness, and there's no recovery vehicle coming if something goes wrong. One wrong line on the loose rock near the ridgeline sections can end the trip.
How far is the nearest fuel and is there water on trail?
Fuel up fully in Potrerillos or Mendoza city before heading in — there are no services on this circuit. Water crossings exist on trail from glacial melt, but treat everything; bring a reliable filter and carry at least 10 liters as backup. Dispersed camping is possible but you're fully self-sufficient for 2-3 days, and cell service is zero throughout.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.