Driving a Sensational Border Road to Icalma Pass
Argentina, south-america
14.8 km
1,307 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Wanna straddle the border between Argentina and Chile? Then you NEED to experience Paso Icalma, also known as Paso de Coipocahue! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at 1,307 meters (4,288 feet) and is seriously stunning.
You'll cruise from the Neuquén Province in Argentina to the Araucanía region in Chile – keep an eye out for the border station near the top! The road itself is about 14.8 km long. On the Argentinian side, you'll be cruising on Ruta Provincial 13, while in Chile, it's S61. It's the perfect connector between the charming villages of Icalma (Chile) and Villa Pehuenia (Argentina).
Heads up though, this is the ANDES, baby! The weather can be a real wildcard. It's usually open year-round, but snow and crazy weather can roll in fast, especially in winter. So, keep an eye on local updates before you head out. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery!
Where is it?
Driving a Sensational Border Road to Icalma Pass is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.3636, -64.2763
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 14.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,307 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -38.3636, -64.2763
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving the Challenging AN 104 Road to Chicarhuapunta
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to add Chicarhuapunta to your bucket list. This insane mountain pass tops out at a dizzying 14,071 feet in the Peruvian Andes – yeah, you're gonna feel that altitude! You'll find it deep in the Cordillera Blanca range, in the Ancash Region of western Peru. Now, let's be real: getting there is half the battle. Carretera 104 (or AN 104, if you're feeling official) is a beast. Think narrow roads, both paved and unpaved, with zero guardrails protecting you from some seriously scary drop-offs. We're talking over 300 turns, with around 100 of those being hairpin bends. Clutch those rosaries, people! The whole route stretches for 88 miles between Pueblo Libre and Huambacho, going from east to west. And did I mention steep? The climb from Tocash is a leg-burner – almost 2,000 meters of elevation gain over just 32.6km. That's an average gradient of nearly 6%, but be prepared for sections that hit a whopping 12%! But trust me, the views are worth it. The raw, untamed beauty of the Cordillera Blanca will take your breath away (if the altitude doesn't first!). Just take it slow, stay focused, and prepare for the drive of your life!
hardThings to Know Before Driving the Paved Road to Abra Lliullita
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Lliullita! This beast of a mountain pass climbs to a staggering 4,645m (15,239ft) in the Apurímac Department of Peru. Nestled in the southern Peruvian Andes, this route, also called Abra Llullita, will take your breath away - literally! Historically a vital trade route, now it's more about the thrills and views. Speaking of views, near the top you’ll find the incredible Laguna de Lliullita, a must-see for fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. The road itself? It’s fully paved and known as Carretera 3SF, but don't let that fool you. Expect endless twists, turns (hairpins galore!), and some seriously steep climbs. If you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out! It's a consistent 45km ascent from Vilcabamba, but the good road surface and lack of traffic make it manageable. After conquering the summit lakes, prepare for a rapid 1,500m descent into Lambrama. The whole route stretches 135km (83 miles) from Vilcabamba to Abancay. A word of warning: the altitude is no joke. Take it easy and acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness! Trust me, the views are worth the effort.
moderateDriving the breathtaking road to Paso Caquella
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Paso Caquella in Bolivia is calling your name! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 14,278 feet above sea level, nestled in the Potosí Department near the Chilean border. Forget pavement; we're talking pure, unadulterated dirt road all the way to the top. You'll be cruising on Carretera 701, and trust me, you'll NEED a 4x4 to tackle this one. The road's not terrible, but it definitely gets a little rougher as you climb higher. This epic stretch spans about 48.5 miles between Estación Avaroa and Villa Alota, running from west to east. The climb itself is pretty gentle, mostly flat with a max gradient of around 5%. Named after the mighty Caquella volcano, this drive serves up some seriously stunning views of volcanoes and shimmering salt flats. Get ready to feel like you're on another planet!
hardA Memorable Road Trip to Abra Huacullo in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Huacullo in the Apurímac region of Peru is calling your name. Seriously, this mountain pass clocks in at a staggering 5,002 meters (that's 16,410 feet!), making it one of Peru's highest routes. Tucked away near Cusco in southern Peru, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement – Carretera 111 is all about that raw, unadulterated dirt road experience. Word to the wise: a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST. Think sandy stretches, seriously steep inclines, and hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. Plus, it's a mining road, so expect plenty of truck traffic. But hey, the views! Perched high in the Wansu range of the Andes, this 68.5-kilometer (42.56-mile) stretch of road running from Río Jeuñamarca to the AR-105 is absolutely epic. Prepare for landscapes that will blow your mind. Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and soak it all in!