A wild mining road to Vicuña volcano in the Andes

Vicuña is a volcano at an elevation of 5.495m (18,028ft) above sea level, straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Vicuña volcano

Where is Vicuña volcano?

Set high in the Andes mountain range, the volcano is located on the border between the San Juan Province of Argentina and the Atacama Region of Northern Chile.

Can I drive to Vicuña volcano?

Located in the central region of both countries, the road to the summit is entirely unpaved. A 4x4 vehicle is required. The area is rich in copper and gold and the road to the summit is a mining road.

Can I drive to Vicuña volcano in winters?

The climate is cold and windy, typical of the high Andes. Because of its altitude, this road is open only in summers (from December through April). The rest of the year is blocked by snow.