Ruta Provincial 47 – Cordón del Plata Circuit

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.