Cerro Sairécabur: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Bolivia, south-america
19.5 km
5,541 m
hard
Year-round
Straddling the border between Bolivia and Chile, you'll find the colossal Cerro Sairécabur volcano, reaching a staggering 5,541m (18,179ft) high! This isn't just any mountain road; it's one of the highest you can drive in South America.
Starting in the Antofagasta region of Chile, you can follow an old, rugged mining road which snakes its way up to a lung-busting 5,753m (18,874ft). This journey, ending at -22.725181, -67.885623, is not for the faint of heart.
The entire route is unpaved, so a 4x4 is an absolute must. Up to about 5,400m, the surface is manageable if you're fit and have acclimatized. Above that, be prepared for a serious push!
Perched at the summit is the Receiver Lab Telescope, a ground-based radio telescope designed for high-frequency operations. You'll also pass a sulfur mine at around 5,300m. The road itself is a relentless climb with gradients hitting a maximum of 13% in places. Over its 19.5km (12.11 miles), you'll gain a whopping 1,220 meters in elevation!
Make sure you're completely self-sufficient. Stock up on all your food and water in San Pedro, as the mountain water is rumored to be contaminated with sulfur. Expect fierce winds and freezing temperatures. The access road is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled! Altitude sickness is a serious risk. Don't underestimate this volcano. It's a tough, cold climb, especially if you're not used to these heights.
Where is it?
Cerro Sairécabur: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -22.7252, -67.8856
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 19.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,541 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -22.7252, -67.8856
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