A stunning coastal road from Caldera to Huasco
Chile, south-america
184 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the coast of Chile's Atacama Region, windows down, salty air whipping through your hair. This isn't just any drive; it's the road from Caldera to Huasco, one of the most incredible coastal routes Chile has to offer!
Recently paved and known as Ruta C-10 (made up of segments C-324, C-302, C-326, and C-470), this 184 km (114 mile) stretch winds its way north-south from the port city of Caldera to Huasco. The climate is mostly warm and bone-dry thanks to its location on the edge of the Atacama Desert, but the cool sea breeze keeps things manageable.
Keep your eyes peeled though! Flash floods can be a real issue sometimes, and sandstorms can occasionally blow through, adding an extra layer of adventure. But trust me, the incredible desert landscapes meeting the Pacific Ocean are worth any minor inconvenience. This is one road trip you won't forget!
Where is it?
A stunning coastal road from Caldera to Huasco is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -35.8630, -72.8146
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 184 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -35.8630, -72.8146
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow to get by car to Tequendama Falls?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, so you're in Colombia, right? About 30km outside of Bogotá in Cundinamarca, you absolutely HAVE to see Salto del Tequendama. This epic waterfall is 132m high, and legend says it was created by Bochica, a Muisca god, who struck the ground with his staff. Seriously impressive stuff! The road in – about 33.4km between El Colegio and El Charquito – is paved and mostly in good condition. But, heads up, it's super curvy! When it rains, or if there’s fog or a storm, it gets really hairy. Drive carefully! And speaking of hair-raising, check out the old Hotel del Salto near the falls. Back in the day, it was *the* place to stay, with stunning views of the waterfall. Unfortunately, the river got polluted, tourists stopped coming, and the hotel was abandoned in the 90s. It's now a museum but was once known for the many suicides that happened there. Rumor has it, the place is haunted. Definitely adds to the atmosphere, right? Only for the brave, I'd say. But even with the history, the scenery alone is worth the trip!
extremeLaguna Quequerane
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, high up in the Puno region, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Laguna Quequerane, a stunning high-altitude lake sitting pretty at 4,034 meters (13,234 feet)! Now, getting there? That's half the fun, right? The road is an absolute beast – think gravel, narrow squeezes, and mud galore (especially after rain!). Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. Be warned, the climb is steep, and the air gets thin, so listen to your body. Altitude sickness can kick in way before you reach the top, around 2,500-2,800 meters. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. Patches of ice can pop up anytime and make things extra dicey. But hey, the scenery is incredible!
hardCuesta de Bonilla
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Cuesta de Bonilla, nestled high in the Argentinian Andes (Mendoza Province, to be exact), is a seriously epic mountain pass. We're talking a lung-busting 3,110 meters (10,203 feet) above sea level! The road to the top, part of the Camino Minero Veladero, is a beast. Think gravel, think rocks, think you definitely want a 4x4. It's super steep and legend says it has 365 turns – one for every day of the year! Heads up: this road isn't always open. With that kind of altitude, snow can shut it down at any time. Plus, the area is notorious for heavy mist, so visibility can be a real issue. But if you catch it on a clear day? The views are absolutely breathtaking.
hardLaguna Ashcajocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Ayacucho region of Peru, nestled high in the Andes, awaits Laguna Ashcajocha – a stunning high-mountain lagoon sitting pretty at 4,383m (14,379ft). Getting there is, well, an *experience*. We're talking a gravel road that gets rocky, bumpy, and maybe a little tippy in spots. Not for the faint of heart (or those who hate unpaved roads!). A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. This hidden gem lies along a seriously remote road connecting Chicha (near the Ayacucho/Apurimac border) and Sañayca (just a hop off the Nazca-Abancay highway). Heads up: as you climb, the air gets thin. The altitude will challenge you, especially near the top! Remember to take it slow and listen to your body. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think dramatic escarpments and expansive plateaus – pure Andean magic!