Camino al Sol de la Mañana: a challenging track to Cerro Sanabria
Bolivia, south-america
48.6 km
4.1 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the Bolivian Andes, in the surreal Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. You're about to tackle Cerro Sanabria, a mountain pass that tops out at a staggering 15,892 feet!
Forget pavement, this is a 30-mile dirt track called Camino al Sol de la Mañana, and you'll need a 4x4 to even think about attempting it. The entire route stays above 13,000 feet, so that thin mountain air will definitely get your attention. You'll be winding your way from the stunning Laguna Colorada to the tiny village of Quetena Chico. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure!
Where is it?
Camino al Sol de la Mañana: a challenging track to Cerro Sanabria is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -15.7638, -63.0388
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 48.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 4.1 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -15.7638, -63.0388
Related Roads in south-america
moderateDriving the paved Estrada Cunha-Paraty in Brazil
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: the Cunha-Paraty Road in Brazil. It's a 44.6km (27.71 miles) ribbon of road straddling São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states. Think lush scenery and a real sense of adventure! The road's fully paved, since 2016! The first 30km (SP-171) is smooth sailing in São Paulo, well-signed, and generally in great shape (though it can get a little busy). Then you hit a sweet 10km stretch (RJ-165) through Serra da Bocaina National Park – cobblestones galore! Seriously, this part is a highlight. The last 10km gets a bit rougher, with a narrower road and some potholes, so keep your eyes peeled. Expect some steep climbs and descents, especially within the national park. You'll be dropping into 1st or 2nd gear in spots, no doubt. The highest point? A cool 1,531m (5,022ft) above sea level. You *could* blast through it in an hour without stopping. But seriously, give yourself at least two! This road is part of the Estrada Real, a.k.a. the "Old Road" or "Gold Road," used way back in the 17th century to haul minerals (gold, mostly) to the coast. It's all about stunning views: forests, waterfalls, and incredible peaks. Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in!
moderateAn epic road to Portezuelo del Cajon in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the ride of your life! We're heading to Portezuelo del Cajón, a crazy-high mountain pass straddling the border between Chile and Bolivia. Perched at a lung-busting 4,480m (that's almost 14,700ft!), you'll feel like you're on top of the world. This epic route, also called Hito Cajón, connects Chile's Antofagasta Region with Bolivia's Potosí Department, nestled on the flank of the Juriques volcano in the Andes. The Bolivian side drops you right into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, practically spitting distance from the stunning Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca. Think Uyuni Salt Flats to San Pedro de Atacama – this is the road many tourists use to bounce between these iconic destinations. The whole shebang is about 150km (93 miles) of mixed terrain, from smooth pavement to rugged unpaved sections, stretching from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) to Quetena Chico (Bolivia). Keep an eye out for Cerro Toco to the south! Be prepped for some serious altitude changes and isolated landscapes. Random fact: the Bolivian Customs office is like, 80km into Bolivia, basically in the middle of nowhere and even higher than the pass itself at over 5,000m! You'll find it hidden behind a guarded barrier at a processing plant. The Chilean border post is conveniently located on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama, a good 40km back down the road. And pro tip: check the weather! High altitude means colder temps and a higher chance of storms.
moderateA 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!
extremeWhere is Carirriñe Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Paso Carirriñe, nestled high in the Andes at 1,150m (3,772ft), marks the border between Chile and Argentina. It's one of those lesser-known routes that's absolutely bursting with beauty! This pass links the Los Ríos region of Chile with the stunning Patagonian landscapes of Argentina. The adventure stretches for 133 km (82.64 miles), from the Chilean town of Coñaripe (right on Lake Calafquén) to San Martín de los Andes in Argentina. Expect seriously amazing scenery! Think hot springs, rivers of solidified lava, and all sorts of evidence of volcanic activity. Heads up: the pass is usually open from November 15th during the summer months, from 8 am to 8 pm. Snow, landslides, and road work can close it for much of the year, though. On the Chilean side (Ruta CH-201), the road's mostly paved but pretty narrow. The final 15km are gravel, but keep an eye out, it might be paved soon. Once you cross into Argentina (Ruta Provincial 62) get ready for a bumpy ride! It's a narrow, unpaved forest road and hasn't been maintained in a while. It's doable, but maybe not in your average sedan. Weather's a big factor here too, especially in winter. Locals with 4x4s use it often, though!