Abandoned Mine "La Mejicana" (4WD only) | Tourist Attraction
Argentina
Details
- Verified:
- 10 days ago
- GPS:
- -29.01274, -67.77510
- Altitude:
- 4400.0 masl
- Contributor:
-
kasbah.ch
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Description
This very scenic route in the province of La Rioja leads to an abandoned mine and then loops back down. The trail is perfectly suited for high-clearance 4WDs. You definitely do need low range gears and off-road tyres. We rate it an easy drive at this time of year because it presents no major challenges (like extremely steep ascent or descent, rock steps, deep water crossings, crossing slopes, deep mud, etc), however, the some times sharp rocks provide ample opportunity to damage tyres! So - air down your tyres and go slow.The route follows a beautiful stark-yellow river (ochre) and you need to cross it many times but the water level at this time of the year doesn't cause any problem. The scenery is just stunning. The highest point is the abandoned mine la Mejicana at 4400 meter above sea level. It is an amazing place with a lot of the old mining infrastructure and equipment still to be seen. A cable car which links this place in the Sierra with Chilecito, is an incredible piece of engineering, built in the early 20th century.Currently the loop is unpassable, but to drive up and down the same way is well worth the drive. It's a full day of driving or if you have the equipment, do camp along the way (cañon del ocre). The whole route is approximately 90km (return) and is one of the finest drives we've ever done. Go well prepared (fuel, recovery gear, water).Consult the Famatina Tourist Office before you set out (ask for the printed handout)– no need to enquire at Chilecito.
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Latest Check-Ins
Track was in very good condition. Water crossings (46) were maximum 15cm deep. Route to Estation 8 very steep, with two very tight turns. Not suitable for big trucks. Route to Estacion 9 easier, but very high altitude. We barely made it up the slope with our Mercedes 230GE (2,3l petrol, no super charger). After estation 9 there is a few hundred meter of track up to the mines, but this slope was too steep. We had not enough power to drive, so we walked up.
Report Check-InWe did the track with a Honda Crf250l and a Honda XRE 300.
The place it is extremely beautiful and I belive that if you love offroad riding is one of the really great tracks in Argentina.
In the region it does not rain that much, just be aware if it rains or it rained recently.
We got stopped at the barrier by 3 old residents, we were asked to fill in our data, and for a donation/contribution. I asked what's the suggested donation, but they said that it doesn't matter. We paid each 1000 pesos (1 EUR) and they were really happy with it.
The best 1 EUR I ever spent in my life. Make sure that if you travel in a hot day like us, you leave your engine to cool down from time to time and you can take a break to enjoy the views. My CRF250L was overheating just 1 kilometer before reaching the Station 9.
All the river crossings are fine, just go in 1st gear/2nd gear and gentle with the gas.
Report Check-InWow what an amazing place! The mine itself, the environment and estacion 8 are amazing! Absolutely stunning and worth the drive but ... the road up is now in very bad conditions (definitely high clearance 4wd only)! We crossed Rio Amarillo 54 times (each way), some are easy crossings but in few sections the road disappears into the river and you are just driving in 40cm deep yellow water for 20-50 meters. Some locals told us that normally in April they maintain the road and after that it is easier. We drove from California to Argentina, did many dirt tracks and definitely this was one of the hardest but most beautiful ones. If you have a proper 4wd just do it :)
Report Check-InI did it on a Suzuki DR650 up to Mejicana and up to the mirador of station 8. You have to cross the rio amarillo more than 15 times, not easy.
I went up only because 3 enduro guys were going up as well (on a Saturday). I would not have risked it alone. Be careful with a motorbike. It’s very cold and super windy up there in May. Be sure there is no rain or snow in the days before because the crossings might be imposible or the road partially destroyed.
Starting in Chilecito no later than 9hr is a good time. Took me a full day.
Gate was staffed on a week-end. 500 pesos.
Report Check-InDrove this route in 2 days and camped at the abandoned Refugio at 3.900m. Great drive with stunning scenery.
Road was not to difficult for any 4wd. There is a wash out just befothe refugio which is pretty sketchy. We crossed with a 6m Sprinter, but I would say that's about the absolute maximum you can sort of safely pass there. Added a picture of the section after some digging.
If you drive or walk a bit past the mine there is a small (frozen) waterfall.
We informed the police in Famatina of our trip, super friendly, noted down our details and we 'checked out' upon return
Nous avons été jusqu’à Las tres Piedras hier. Notre Iveco Daily 4x4 a été bien secoué et nous avons travaillé 1 heure sur un passage à cause d’une ravine. Nous avions l’intention de monter à la Mejicana aujourd’hui. Nous nous sommes arrêter au canyon ocre. Les locaux nous ont dit que la montée est très cassante et étroite et plus difficile que vers Las Piedras. Je pense que c’est déconseillé pour les camions.
Report Check-InNo doubt, very nice drive. Tourist Info in Chilecito near the Plaza said no problem to go alone. I passed the gate on a sunday at around 5 pm and nobody was there. On the way back it was midweek at 11 am , somebody was there, opened the gate without questions. Maybe they ask for a bit money from tourists, I would go there and discuss it or if you want avoid this, go late. There are several camping options within the next 10 km behind the gate.
Report Check-InWe dared to and we did it! If you want to go without a guide like we did you have to inform the local Police. It is regular offroad with steep climbs, sharp rocks, water crossing etc so be well prepared. At this time of the year the water level hasn't been a problem but climbing up or descending river banks appeared to be challenging a couple of times. Moreover take the altitude sickness possibility under your consideration. Views are stunning.
Up 3-4hrs, down 2,5-3hrs. We are definitely not off-road master and it was one of the most challenging drives we have ever had
If you are experienced, self confident, brave or stupid enough DO IT.
I took a local guide (Raul Salomon, mob 03825 15435101) and paid 700 pesos using my own car. He was worth the money as he worked for the prospection company some 10 years ago and provides excellent info re the route and the history of the mine. The road is in a very bad shape and you need a good off-road vehicle.
You can access pics of the road via https://www.oskarlehnertravel.news/new-index-1/#/new-page-1/
There is a tourist check point at the beginning of the track and apparently it seems you cannot drive to Mejicana (or even to the canyon) without a guide anymore!! It's possible to drive only 8 km along the river, that's it. :/ All cars and passengers must be registered when drive in and out... We've got 4x4 and wanted to do Mejicana in our car but they wanted to charge us 600 peso pp so we could accompany them (in our own car) while they were on the tour with other customers... Rip off! Double checked in the tourist office in the village and they confirmed. We didn't want to pay and didn't want to risk to have our car damaged on the track by tour guides (they were nasty) so we gave up and finally didn't visit the mine... However, there is a small road (visible on OSM) where you can drive in and avoid the check point. Tours start at 10 am, come back at 6pm - if you really want to do mejicana you can start your trip really early. We're arguing with guides a lot and didn't feel safe so left Famatina behind and drove away.
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