Sierra de Comechingones Merlo to San Luis Mining Circuit
Wartime tungsten mines technical mountain traverse
The Comechingones range hides Argentina’s forgotten tungsten boom in weathered granite peaks between Merlo and San Luis city. This demanding route follows mining tracks established in the 1940s when these mountains supplied strategic materials for the war effort. The trail climbs through Quebrada de los Cóndores past abandoned processing plants and worker settlements, then drops through technical granite boulder fields where Wehrmacht engineers once surveyed mineral deposits. Cerro Sololasta at 2,260 meters offers the most challenging ascent with loose rock and exposure.
Difficult to expert difficulty requiring serious 4WD with rock sliders, skid plates, and low-range gearing. Articulation is critical for the granite gardens above Villa de Merlo. Best attempted April through September when water levels are manageable and temperatures moderate. No permits needed but inform local police of your route plans. Fuel in Merlo or San Luis – nothing reliable in between. Multiple river crossings can become impassable during summer rains. This is pure technical driving through stunning geology with genuine historical significance – where Argentina’s wartime industrial efforts left their mark in stone.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 67 mi / 107.8 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7414 ft |
| Best season | April-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Merlo, San Luis |
| Land manager | Provincial mining authority |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Land Cruiser run this trail without modifications?
No. Rock armor, skid plates, and a proper suspension lift are minimum requirements. Granite boulder sections will destroy unprotected underbodies, and the river crossings demand real ground clearance — not factory spec.
When is the trail passable and what closes it?
April through September is the window. Summer (October–March) brings heavy rain that swells the river crossings to impassable levels and turns the trail into a muddy mess at altitude. Snow can hit the upper sections near 7,400 ft even in the shoulder months.
Do you need permits to drive this route and access the old mine sites?
The provincial mining authority manages the area — check in with them before departing Merlo. Access rules and site entry permissions can shift, and showing up unannounced at active or heritage mine zones can get your rig turned around.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it technical?
The upper granite boulder fields between the mine sites are the crux — loose, angular rock with no clear line and steep exposure. At that elevation with no cell service and 2-3 days from a mechanic, a broken axle or cracked sump is a serious problem, not an inconvenience.
How far do you need to carry fuel for the full 107 km circuit?
Top off completely in Merlo before you leave — there are no fuel stops on route. 107 km of low-range crawling burns significantly more than highway driving, so calculate your range at 4x4 consumption rates and carry a jerry can as backup.
Trail track
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