
A hairpinned paved road across Chicamocha Canyon in Colombia
Colombia, south-america
41 km
2,012 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the ride of a lifetime across Colombia's stunning Cañón del Chicamocha! Tucked away in the Andes, straddling Boyacá and Santander departments, this canyon is a beast—some say it's the second-biggest on the planet, plunging a whopping 6,600 feet deep!
You'll find this paved beauty, Ruta Nacional 45A, winding through Chicamocha National Park (aka Panachi). But don't let the pavement fool you – this toll road is a proper challenge. Think seriously steep sections and more twists and turns than you can count!
This north-south rollercoaster stretches for about 25.5 miles (41 km) from Los Curos to Aratoca. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery, just be sure to keep your eyes on the road!
Where is it?
A hairpinned paved road across Chicamocha Canyon in Colombia is located in Colombia (south-america). Coordinates: 2.6951, -75.8075
Road Details
- Country
- Colombia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 41 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,012 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 2.6951, -75.8075
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA 4x4 mine road to Marancales Sur in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a volcano on wheels? Marancales Sur is calling your name! This beast of a road straddles the Argentina/Chile border, clocking in as one of the highest routes in either country. We're talking serious Andes Mountains vibes here, with the volcano acting as a natural boundary between Argentina's San Juan Province and Chile's Atacama Region. Now, hold on tight: the entire road to the summit is pure, unadulterated dirt. Forget your fancy sports car; you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this terrain. Word on the street is the area is loaded with copper and gold, so expect a rugged mining road experience. Fair warning: the climate is no joke. Think biting winds and frigid temperatures, classic high-altitude Andes stuff. And here's the kicker – this road is strictly a summer fling (December to April). The rest of the year, Mother Nature slams the door shut with a mountain of snow. So, plan your trip accordingly!
moderateWhere does Ruta 3 Tierra del Fuego start and end?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ultimate road trip on Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego! This epic 395km (245-mile) stretch is supposedly the southernmost paved road on the planet, winding its way through the breathtaking Tierra del Fuego Province of Argentina. Your adventure kicks off at Cabo Espíritu Santo, right on the Chilean border, and cruises all the way to Ushuaia, that cool little town they call the "End of the World." But wait, there's more! The road keeps going into Tierra del Fuego National Park, wrapping up at Bahía Lapataia where you'll find a sign marking the very end of the line. Now, let's talk road conditions. The path through the national park starts a bit rough and narrow, but don't worry, it gets better, turning into a fully paved road. Heads up, though—some spots can be a little rough around the edges due to maintenance issues, and you'll likely share the road with big trucks and heavy machinery. For a smooth ride, keep that gas tank full—especially in remote areas where gas stations might be MIA. You'll hit some police checkpoints at the border, so have your documents handy. Plan plenty of pit stops to soak it all in and book your stays ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months. You can drive Ruta 3 year-round, as they keep the snow cleared. That said, try to avoid April through September when the weather can get gnarly and closures are more common. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and watch out for those Patagonian winds—passing trucks can be your best friend as temporary wind shields.
hardPichachen Pass is a vital border road from Argentina to Chile in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the wild ride that is Paso Internacional Pichachén! This high-altitude border crossing between Argentina and Chile sits way up in the Andes at a cool 2,063 meters (that's 6,768 feet!). Connecting the Biobío Region of Chile with the Neuquén Province of Argentina, this isn't your average scenic drive. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking a 180 km (111 mile) unpaved rollercoaster, known as Ruta CH-5 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 6 in Argentina, snaking its way from Canteras to El Cholar. Expect hairpin turns and a real test for your driving skills! Keep in mind, Pichachén isn't open year-round. Winter brings closures due to minimal maintenance. Also, be prepared for some extreme weather – think dry air and huge temperature changes. Sunny days can be surprisingly warm, but those Andean nights? Seriously cold. Get ready for insane views you'll never forget!
hardLos Caracoles Drive Guide From Santiago to Mendoza Through High Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're itching for an epic road trip, something that'll test your nerves and reward you with views that'll blow your mind. Look no further than the route between Santiago, Chile, and Mendoza, Argentina. This isn't just crossing a border; it's conquering the Andes, that colossal mountain range that forms the backbone of South America. You'll start in the buzzing Chilean capital, but soon enough, the city fades in the rearview mirror, and you're snaking your way into the mountains. Ruta 60 starts off friendly enough, but don't be fooled. As you climb, the air gets thinner, the temperature drops, and you know you're entering serious territory. Then comes the main event: Los Caracoles, "The Snails." Trust me, the name is spot on. This stretch is a wild collection of 29 hairpin turns, one right after the other. Forget straightaways; it's all about zig-zagging up a barren mountainside. You'll go from around 2,600 feet to over 10,500 feet in a crazy short distance. And here's the kicker: many of these corners have no guardrails. Yeah, you read that right. One wrong move, and you're looking at a serious drop. The views are insane – think dizzying valleys and towering peaks – but you'll need to keep your eyes on the road. Reaching the top of Los Caracoles is only half the battle. You're now at the Paso de los Libertadores, a high-altitude pass where the weather can turn on a dime. Snowstorms and blizzards are common, especially from June to September. Ice can turn the road into a skating rink, and visibility can drop to zero. The pass sometimes closes for days or even weeks, trapping vehicles. Even in summer, keep an eye out for sudden storms and strong winds. Near the top, you'll plunge into the Túnel del Cristo Redentor, a 2-mile tunnel that bores through the mountain, connecting Chile and Argentina. It's narrow, dimly lit, and feels like entering the heart of the Andes. Altitude can mess with your car too; engines can lose power, and you might feel a little short of breath. Take it slow and steady. For the truly adventurous (and those with a serious 4x4), there's an old unpaved road that climbs even higher, topping out at nearly 12,600 feet near the Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. It's only open a few months in summer and is a raw, wild ride. Just remember, Los Caracoles is a major commercial route, so you'll be sharing the road with massive double-trailer trucks. These guys crawl up and down the steep grades, and overtaking them is risky. You'll often find yourself stuck behind them, inching along in low gear. Patience is key. Before you even think about tackling this drive, make sure you're prepared. Steep climbs, high altitude, and unpredictable weather demand respect. Check your tires, lights, and battery. A breakdown up here can be more than just an inconvenience. Finally, you'll hit the border crossing at the Complejo Fronterizo Los Libertadores. Be warned: during peak season (January–February) or after a weather closure, the wait times can be insane – sometimes 8–10 hours. Lines of cars and trucks stretch for miles, and services are limited. Pack water, snacks, and a full tank of gas. Timing is everything. If possible, travel outside peak months and check for recent closures. It could save you hours.