An unforgettable road to Cuesta Codoceo
Chile, south-america
280 km
4,342 m
extreme
Year-round
Hey adventure seekers! Ever heard of Cuesta Codoceo (aka Portezuelo Codoceo)? This high-altitude mountain pass sits way up at 4,342m (14,245ft) in Chile's Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, Atacama Region.
You'll find it along Ruta 31-CH, a 280 km unpaved road that's totally doable in most cars when it's dry. The route kicks off in Copiapó and winds its way to the Argentinian border. Expect a well-maintained gravel track, where even a 2WD with decent clearance can handle it safely at low speeds.
Now, heads up: the climb is brutal! Seriously, the lack of oxygen will test your limits, and the steepness is no joke. Keep an eye on the weather – sudden snowstorms and blizzards can make things super tricky. Plus, it's a desert climate, so expect wild temperature swings between hot days and freezing nights.
Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a little gravel track at the top that climbs even higher to Portezuelo Caballo Muerto at 4,410m (14,468ft).
But the real reward? The stunning scenery! You'll be cruising through remote areas, including the breathtaking Salar de Aguas Calientes. Trust me, this is an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
An unforgettable road to Cuesta Codoceo is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -37.0998, -71.2614
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 280 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,342 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -37.0998, -71.2614
Related Roads in south-america
hardA treacherous border road to Salar de Ollague Pass in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! You HAVE to hear about Paso Salar de Ollagüe, a seriously epic high-altitude pass chilling out at 3,695m (12,122ft) on the Chile-Bolivia border. Nestled right in the heart of the Andes, inside Chile's Reserva Nacional Alto Loa, this route links the Antofagasta Region of Chile with Bolivia's Potosi Department. Word to the wise: it's only open from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. Now, let's talk about the road itself. Forget smooth tarmac – this baby is all about that rugged, unpaved life! Known as CH-21 in Chile and Carretera 701 in Bolivia, both sides are gravel and can be pretty gnarly. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? The good news is it's usually open year-round. Clocking in at 254km (157 miles) from Calama (Chile) to Maicota (Bolivia), this journey is REMOTE. Like, seriously out there. Unless you're a seasoned off-road pro, hooking up with a local driver is HIGHLY recommended. Trust me, the views are worth it, but you want to soak them in, not stress about navigating tricky terrain! Get ready for some unforgettable scenery.
moderatePuente Las Corrientes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Araucanía Region of southern Chile when BAM! You stumble upon Puente Las Corrientes. Seriously, this wooden bridge is a total showstopper. Stretching 43 meters over the Rehue River, this isn't your average shortcut. Keep in mind, though, it's a wooden structure, so there's a 15-ton weight limit. You'll find it on the gravel R-264 road, where a scenic paved road takes you to Laguna Miscanti. Trust me, the views are worth it! It's a bit of an adventure, but unforgettable.
extremeAbra de Viscos
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de Viscos in the Arequipa region of Peru is calling your name! We're talking about a serious high-altitude experience here, topping out at a whopping 4,695 meters (15,403 feet)! Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is mostly gravel, and after a bit of rain, things can get tricky. Think potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides that can block the way. Plus, watch out for those icy patches – they can be sneaky! This climb is long, so make sure you're prepped for those conditions, because you're heading into some seriously remote territory. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You're climbing out of one of the deepest canyons on the planet, and the scenery is mind-blowing. As you ascend, keep an eye out for Solimana mountain – the views are incredible once you crest the Cotahuasi valley. And near the top of the pass, you'll catch a glimpse of the majestic Coropuna. The road itself isn't too steep, and the surface is usually in pretty good shape (either gravel or tarmac), so you can relax and soak it all in. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateThe 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.