
A memorable road trip to Curiquinca Volcano
Chile, south-america
N/A
5,625 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Curiquinca! This road hugs the border between Bolivia and Chile, winding up a stratovolcano in the Atacama Desert. We're talking serious altitude here – 5,625m (18,454ft)! This isn't just a Sunday drive, it's a gravel access road to a sulfur deposit, so expect a rough climb that will test your limits.
The air gets thin FAST. Be prepared for altitude sickness, especially since most people start feeling it way before you even get close to the top. And near the summit, oxygen is scarce! Add in the brutal combo of strong, dusty winds and intense sunshine (sunglasses are a MUST), and you've got yourself a real challenge. Bring tons of water, and seriously, pack at least two spare tires – you'll be grateful you did. A 4x4 isn’t just recommended, it’s essential for navigating this beast. The views, if you can catch your breath to enjoy them, are absolutely unreal!
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Curiquinca Volcano is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -39.4269, -69.2726
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,625 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.4269, -69.2726
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaguna de Querococha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Huascarán National Park in Peru's Ancash Region, heading towards the ridiculously gorgeous Laguna de Querococha. This isn't just any lake; we're talking about a high-altitude stunner sitting at almost 13,100 feet! The road, Ruta AN110, is your path to paradise. It's paved, so no crazy off-roading needed, but get ready for some serious hairpin action as you climb. Seriously, these turns will keep you on your toes! One word of caution: maybe skip this drive if the weather's looking gnarly. Trust me, you want clear skies to fully appreciate the views.
extremePortezuelo Sairécabur: Driving the 5,541m abandoned mining road in the Atacama
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're northeast of San Pedro de Atacama, right on the wild border between Chile and Bolivia. You're about to tackle Portezuelo Sairécabur, a seriously high mountain pass hitting a mind-blowing 5,541m (that's 18,179ft!). This isn't your Sunday drive; it's an abandoned mining road that's pure off-road madness, some of the most desolate, stunning scenery the Andes can throw at you. The adventure starts near Guatín, and the "road" is marked as B-221. Think volcanic rubble meets high-altitude desert. This place is REMOTE. You're on your own, so pack everything – especially water, because the local stuff can be dodgy with volcanic sulphur. Now, about the drive... forget smooth asphalt. We're talking loose gravel, deep sand, and sharp volcanic rock. Only a high-clearance 4x4 will cut it. It's a constant uphill battle, averaging a 7% grade, and the thin air robs your engine of power. You'll navigate 15 tight hairpin turns, where losing momentum in the loose sand is a real risk. The "road" can vanish under fresh snow or shifting sand in a heartbeat. At this altitude, the lack of oxygen is brutal. It's one of the highest points you can drive to in South America, so be acclimatized, or altitude sickness will hit hard. Even moving feels like a marathon, and the mental fog is real. Expect your engine to lose half its power. Low gear and patience are your best friends. And the weather? Wildcard! Sunny mornings can turn into snowstorms in minutes. It's always windy and freezing, even in summer. Summit temps rarely get above freezing and can plummet fast. Check the forecast, but pack for the worst: thermal gear, emergency blankets, and enough fuel to run the heater if you get stuck in a sudden storm. It's epic, challenging, and unforgettable.
hardThe Winding Road from Tupiza to Quiriza is for Experienced Drivers Only
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Hey adventure junkies! Get ready for an epic Bolivian off-road experience from Tupiza to Quiriza, deep in the Potosí Department near the Argentinian border. Forget pavement – this is pure, unadulterated dirt, sand, and rock! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer this beast and even ford a river! The entire route sits above 3,100m, climbing to a lung-busting 4,236m (13,897 ft) at its peak. Starting in Tupiza (3,160m), a gorgeous, remote town that feels like the edge of the world, you'll traverse 63.9 km (39.70 miles) of corrugated road heading north to the mining town of Quiriza (3,598m). Prepare for a wild ride through some truly stunning, untouched landscapes. Trust me, the views are worth the bumps!
hardAlferez Portinari Refuge
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, Mendoza province to be exact, heading towards a mountain refuge called Refugio Alferez Portinari. It's perched way up at 2,520m (that's over 8,000 feet!). The refuge itself is run by the Argentinian Gendarmería Nacional. You'll be cruising along Ruta Provincial 94, a gravel road that's generally well-maintained. A 2WD with decent clearance should be fine if you take it slow and steady. Watch out for washboarding and the usual gravel road bumps! Starting in Vista Flores at a mere 966m, you've got a 35.5km climb ahead of you. It's a pretty steady uphill trek, gaining 1,554m in elevation. That's an average gradient of 4.37%, so expect some work! Now, here's where it gets interesting: the road continues past the refuge for another 18.5km, but *only* if you've got a 4x4. This leg eventually ends near an abandoned hotel, Hotel Valle de Manantiales. From there, it's the starting point for the seriously high Cruce de los Andes paso de los Piuquenes, which is a whopping 4,346m above sea level! Views for days, I'm sure!