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
hardCerro Blanco
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cerro Blanco in the wild Argentinian Andes! We're talking about a whopping 4,174 meters (13,694 feet) above sea level in the Catamarca Province. The road in? Pure sand, baby! This isn't a Sunday drive; you NEED a 4x4. You'll kick things off from Ruta Provincial 43 and grind it out for 96.3 km. Cerro Blanco sits pretty on the Robledo caldera's southern edge, surrounded by cool pumice deposits. Heads up: this track gets seriously muddy and slick after rain. Like, "maybe impassable even with 4x4" kind of slick. And since you're out in the boonies, be prepped for anything. Expect a high desert climate, scorching sun, and super dry conditions. But the views? Totally worth it.
hardWhere is Laguna Llancanelo located, and what is the road like?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Mendoza Province, Argentina, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Your destination? The incredible Laguna Llancanelo, a high-altitude saline lake chilling at over 4,000 feet in the Andean foothills. The route in is Ruta Provincial 186, a 54-mile stretch from the paved RN40 (south of Malargüe) to the unpaved RP180, near Agua Escondida. The road's mostly sandy, and while it's usually okay for a regular car if it's dry, be warned: rain turns this track into a muddy slip-n-slide! If it's been wet, you'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle the slick sections. Keep your speed under 40 mph. But trust me, the views are worth it! Llancanelo Lake is a designated wetland of international importance. We're talking flamingos galore and tons of other migratory birds hanging out in this unique ecosystem. It's remote, rugged, and totally unforgettable.
hardWhen was the road to Abra del Acay built?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Dude, you HAVE to check out Abra del Acay in Argentina! Seriously, it's a mountain pass sitting way up high at 4,956m (16,259ft) in Salta Province. Word is, it's the highest national highway pass in the Americas. Picture this: a 133 km (83 mile) stretch of unpaved road, winding from Payogasta to San Antonio de los Cobres. We're talking about a solid 3-hour drive if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. This part of Argentina's famous Route 40 was built in the 60s (inaugurated in 1960 to be exact), so you KNOW it's got some stories. But hold up – this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is narrow gravel, and you need ALL your focus. Expect super tight bends, crazy drop-offs, and winds that'll try to blow you off course. Plus, zero cell service out there, so pack supplies! Is it worth it? A thousand times yes! The views are absolutely unreal. Just be prepared for a wild ride and maybe even some snow and ice in winter. It's a tough road, but honestly, the scenery is so worth the challenge.
hardWhere is Sico Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for an epic border crossing between Chile and Argentina, then Paso de Sico is calling your name. This high-altitude pass sits at a staggering 13,425 feet above sea level, linking the Antofagasta Region of Chile with the Salta Province of Argentina. We're talking serious Andes mountain scenery here! The journey stretches for 209 miles, winding from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to the quaint town of San Antonio de los Cobres in Argentina. On the Chilean side, expect smooth sailing on a newly paved road. But Argentina throws in some spice with a challenging unpaved section – though rumors say it may get paved soon! Keep an eye on the weather! Summer brings pleasant 23°C, but winter dips to a chilly -12°C. It’s open year-round, but those high altitudes mean things can get cold and seriously windy, so pack accordingly. Get ready for views that'll leave you breathless (literally, maybe, at that altitude!), and an experience you won't soon forget!