Agua Negra Pass is the highest road between Argentina and Chile

Agua Negra Pass is the highest road between Argentina and Chile

Argentina, south-america

Length

318 km

Elevation

4,774 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Paso de Agua Negra, or "Black Water Pass," straddling the border between Argentina and Chile! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 4,774 meters (15,662 feet) above sea level. Nestled high in the Andes, this road is the ultimate link between Chile's Coquimbo region and Argentina's San Juan province.

This isn't your typical highway; think rugged, mostly unpaved terrain along Ruta 41 (Chile) and Ruta Nacional 150 (Argentina). Clocking in at 318 km (198 miles), this east-west route connects Las Flores, Argentina, with La Serena on Chile's coast. You could technically tackle it in any vehicle, but be prepared for a bumpy ride!

Just a heads up: Mother Nature dictates when you can visit. This pass is typically open only during the summer months (December to April) due to heavy snowfall. Always double-check conditions before you go, as the exact dates can vary.

Oh, and keep an eye out for some unreal scenery – the views are absolutely breathtaking! But soon, travel will be easier, as they plan a massive tunnel project – the Agua Negra Tunnel – that'll eventually allow year-round access. These tunnels, each with two lanes and spanning 13.9 km (8.63 miles), will be a game-changer for travel and trade.

Where is it?

Agua Negra Pass is the highest road between Argentina and Chile is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -35.2813, -59.7910

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
318 km
Max Elevation
4,774 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-35.2813, -59.7910

Related Roads in south-america

Laguna La Viudaextreme

Laguna La Viuda

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Lima Region of western Peru and you're craving an adrenaline rush, you HAVE to check out Laguna La Viuda. This stunning high-mountain lake sits way up at 4,560m (that's nearly 15,000ft!). Getting there on the gravel road 20A is...well, let's just say it's an experience. This isn't your Sunday drive. Think seriously steep inclines, a serious lack of oxygen, and some seriously mind-blowing vertical drops. We're talking hundreds of meters down, with no guardrails to keep you company! If you get dizzy easily, this might be one to skip, especially on a windy day. While the road tests your courage, it rewards you with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Just keep your eyes on the road! It connects Lima and Colquijirca. Be aware that this road can be closed due to snow. The area is known for heavy mist, making visibility a challenge. Plus, avalanches, snowfalls, and landslides are a real possibility, and icy patches are common. So, yeah, keep your wits about you. Make sure to take altitude into account, most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters.

A wild road to Laguna de Paton in the Andesmoderate

A wild road to Laguna de Paton in the Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Laguna de Patón! This insane lagoon sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, like, 13,615 feet high! You'll find it in the province of Oyón, Lima. The road, mostly concrete and called LM-18, is surprisingly decent, taking you from the town of Oyón eastward to the PA-100 road. Don't let that fool you, though. This 27-mile (43.5 km) stretch is a beast! Think hairpin turns and switchbacks galore. But hey, you're rewarded with breathtaking scenery at every twist and turn. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience! Just keep your eyes on the road, because those views can be seriously distracting!

The Moto Igualada – Aconcagua – Amazon Expeditionmoderate

The Moto Igualada – Aconcagua – Amazon Expedition

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, Mendoza Province to be exact, staring up at Aconcagua. This beast of a mountain boasts a peak at a whopping 6,961 meters (that's 22,838 feet!). Seriously, this is South American high country at its finest, snaking through the majestic Andes. Back in '77, some crazy-talented Spanish riders took on the challenge. They rode their Bultaco Sherpa T 183 motorcycles up this monster, reaching a record-breaking altitude for motorcycling. These guys were from the Moto Club Igualada and seriously knew their stuff. They conquered a staggering 6,800 meters on modified Sherpa T 350 cc motorcycles, smashing the previous record set on Kilimanjaro a few years prior. These bikes, the Bultaco Sherpa T, were legends in their own right, holding their own against other top Catalan motorcycles and gaining international recognition. Just imagine the views, the air getting thinner with every meter, and the sheer thrill of the ride! Definitely one for the bucket list if you're a thrill-seeking traveler.

Driving through the defiant road to Laguna Margaritamoderate

Driving through the defiant road to Laguna Margarita

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for a wild ride on the Carretera a Laguna Margarita in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll kick things off from Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego, and from there you'll cover about 20km of pure, unadulterated gravel road. Expect it rough, narrow, and potentially impassable after a good rain. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? As you bump along, keep your eyes peeled for stunning views of Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano, and the road culminates at the beautiful Laguna Margarita. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the bumpy journey.