A paved road to Laguna Miscanti
Chile, south-america
N/A
4,120 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits in the Chilean altiplano! We're heading to Laguna Miscanti, a stunning mountain lake chilling way up at 4,120 meters (that's 13,517 feet for you imperial system folks!).
The road there? Newly paved, which is a bonus. But don't think it's a cakewalk. This climb is a real lung-buster, thanks to the seriously thin air. Prepare to feel the burn, and maybe a bit of altitude sickness – most people start feeling it way before you even get there! The views are incredible, though. It's one of those drives where you'll be stopping every five minutes to snap photos, even if you’re gasping for breath.
Where is it?
A paved road to Laguna Miscanti is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -35.9275, -75.7726
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,120 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -35.9275, -75.7726
Related Roads in south-america
easyWhat’s the history of Collado del Cóndor?
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, picture this: you're in Venezuela, in the Merida region, ready to tackle one of the country's highest roads – Collado del Cóndor, or Pico El Aguila as some call it. We're talking 4,050 meters (13,287 feet) high! This isn't just some random drive; it's steeped in history. At the summit, you'll find a bronze condor statue marking where Simon Bolivar and his crew crossed the Andes way back in 1813. And, of course, there's a little shop for hot chocolate and souvenirs, plus a cute chapel. The whole way up is paved, following the 7 National/Troncal road. But don't think it's a breeze. This 50.6 km (31.44 miles) stretch from Apartaderos to Timotes is packed with over 40 hairpin turns, and let's just say guardrails aren't really a "thing" here. Weekends can get crazy busy, so aim for a weekday trip if you can. Budget about 1.5 to 2 hours if you drive straight through. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane. The summit overlooks these wild, desert-like mountains, dotted with frailejón plants – those funky high-altitude shrubs you only find in the Andes. And get this: from the top, it's a stunning switchback descent all the way to Lake Maracaibo. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, a side road near the top takes you even higher to a weather station at 4,208m (13,805ft). Just go for it!
hardHow to drive the road from Abra del Sauce to Nazareno in Salta?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Salta Province, Argentina, and you're itching for a drive that'll test your mettle, check out the new road connecting Abra del Sauce and Nazareno. Picture this: a recently built, totally unpaved road snaking its way through the raw, untamed landscape of northwestern Argentina. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 25 km (15 mile) rollercoaster of narrow passages clinging to the mountainside. If you're not a fan of heights, be warned – there are some serious drop-offs overlooking the river below! Starting from Abra del Sauce, the road winds toward Molino, and from there, it follows the Nazareno riverbed all the way to Nazareno itself, passing through Cuesta Azul. Oh, and did I mention you'll be topping out at a lung-busting 3,464 m (11,364 ft) above sea level? The views are absolutely epic, but keep your eyes on the road!
moderateWhere is El Aguilar?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on a crazy road trip to El Aguilar, a seriously high-altitude town nestled in the Jujuy Province of Argentina, practically spitting distance from Bolivia. This place is a real gem, where life revolves around mining and the air is thin. The road in, oh boy, it's a doozy! We're talking about 45.4 km of pure Argentinian backroad bliss, also known as Ex Ruta Nacional 40. Prepare for a bone-rattling, bumpy ride through the Puna Jujeña, a truly wild landscape in the Andes. Get ready for some spectacular scenery, but keep your eyes peeled – this road demands your full attention! Just remember you are climbing to some of the highest altitudes in Argentina.
moderateAn Andean mountain road to Pehuenche Pass
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Pehuenche is calling your name. This high-altitude beauty straddles the border between Argentina (Mendoza Province) and Chile (Maule Region) at a cool 8,389 feet above sea level. We're talking a fully paved road trip (thanks to the 2018 upgrade!) stretching 104 miles between Las Loicas, Argentina, and San Clemente, Chile. Just hop on Ruta Nacional 145 (Argentina) or CH 115 (Chile) and get ready for some serious scenery. Factor in about 2.5 to 3.5 hours of pure driving bliss (without stops, of course!). Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – they love hanging out in the high country. And hold on tight, because this route isn't shy about its steepness, with gradients hitting a max of 11% in places! Nestled deep in the Andes, Paso Pehuenche is typically open from December to March, weather permitting. So, pack your bags, check those dates, and prepare for an unforgettable ride!