Volcan Ojos del Salado Access Route
Highest drivable point on planet Earth
The access route to Ojos del Salado base camp follows mining roads and jeep tracks to the highest drivable point on Earth at 6,500 meters. Starting from Highway 31 near Laguna Verde, the route winds through lunar landscapes and past thermal springs, with the final push to Refugio Tejos requiring serious altitude preparation and technical driving skills on loose volcanic scree.
This is extreme-altitude overlanding requiring acclimatization, emergency oxygen, and a fully prepared expedition vehicle with low-range gearing. December through March offers the best weather window, though conditions remain harsh. You’ll need permits from CONAF and climbing permits if planning to summit. The reward is standing at the world’s highest vehicle-accessible point, with views across the Puna de Atacama that few humans ever witness.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Extreme |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 21325 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Expedition 4WD with modifications |
| Nearest town | Copiapó, Atacama |
| Land manager | CONAF |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| 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
What vehicle do I actually need for this route — will a stock Land Cruiser or Hilux cut it?
A stock Land Cruiser or Hilux will not cut it above 5,500m. You need a fully built expedition 4WD with a snorkel (dust is relentless), reinforced suspension, all-terrain tires rated for sharp volcanic rock, and a cold-weather-tuned engine — temps drop well below freezing at altitude even in summer. Bring a full-size spare minimum, two is smarter.
When is this route actually passable and what closes it?
December through March is the only realistic window — outside that, the upper route gets buried in snow and ice that makes it impassable even with chains. Even in peak season, sudden Andean storms called 'temporales' can close the high section for days with no warning.
Do I need a permit to drive this route and how do I get one?
Yes — you need authorization through CONAF (Chile's national parks authority) and must also register your expedition with the nearest CONAF office in Copiapó before departure. Border zone regulations apply near the Argentine frontier, so carry all vehicle and passport documents; Chilean Carabineros checkpoint stops are common in this corridor.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect driving it?
The upper approach above 5,800m is the crux — loose volcanic scree, shelf roads barely wider than a truck, and zero margin for error on exposed drop-offs. Altitude hits hard here; thin air means your engine loses 40-50% power and your decision-making degrades faster than you think, so build in acclimatization days lower on the route before pushing to 6,500m.
How far is the nearest fuel and can I resupply anything once I leave Copiapó?
Copiapó is your last reliable fuel stop — fill every can you have, because there is nothing for the entire 45-mile route. Plan for significantly higher fuel consumption at altitude and factor in a safety buffer for getting stuck or backtracking; teams regularly burn 30-40% more fuel than expected on the upper volcanic terrain.
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.