Driving the forbidden border road to Portezuelo de Chaxas in the Andes
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
4,494 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're hunting for a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience, check out the Portezuelo de Chaxas. This wild border crossing sits way up in the Andes, clocking in at a lung-busting 4,494 meters (that's 14,744 feet!).
You'll find it straddling the line between Chile's Antofagasta Region and Bolivia's Potosí Department. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is rough, rugged, and completely unpaved, so you'll need a 4x4 to even think about attempting it. Be advised, though, that the road is closed to private vehicles due to dangerous conditions. There's even a mined area on the Chilean side. Still, the scenery is absolutely epic, with stunning views that stretch for miles.
Where is it?
Driving the forbidden border road to Portezuelo de Chaxas in the Andes is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.0271, -64.2029
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,494 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -16.0271, -64.2029
Related Roads in south-america
extremeThe extreme 4x4 road to Laguna Cerro Negro: Driving into the heart of the Argentine Puna
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Laguna Cerro Negro in the High Andes of Jujuy Province, Argentina, where the altitude hits a staggering 4,492m (14,737ft)! Prepare to be blown away by the intense blue lagoon contrasting against the dark, volcanic rock of Cerro Negro. Seriously, your camera roll will thank you. The road to get there? It's a wild 17.7 km (11-mile) ride that kicks off from Lagunillas del Farallón. You'll steadily climb through golden Puna grasslands – prime photo ops, people! But wait, there's more! Before you reach the lagoon's edge, you'll conquer the Cuesta del Farallón, a mountain pass soaring to 4,625m (15,173ft). It's one of the highest points you can actually *drive* to in the region. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. This is pure, unadulterated off-roading on gravel and loose rocks. The road is crazy narrow, and get this – sheer drops of hundreds of meters lurk on the sides with zero guardrails. Passing another vehicle? Forget about it. Someone's reversing... probably for kilometers. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's MANDATORY. Expect hairpin turns galore and ridiculously steep inclines that demand serious driving chops. And forget about it after rain – mud and slippery rocks turn those steep sections into a no-go zone. Let's talk altitude. At over 4,400 meters, the air is thin, so take it easy. Landslides are a risk, too. This is strictly for experienced high-altitude drivers with the right vehicle and preparation. But if you're up for the challenge, the reward is insane. The deep blue water is unreal, framed by the imposing Cerro Negro. This remote, dramatic beauty is hands-down one of Jujuy Province's most spectacular sights. Are you brave enough to experience it?
extremeDriving the Dizzying Road to Cotahuasi Canyon
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle what some say is the DEEPEST canyon in the Americas? Head to the Arequipa region of Peru, Province of La Union, and get ready for the Cañon de Cotahuasi! This beast separates the Solimana and Kopuna ranges deep in the Andes. We're talking a canyon that plunges over 11,000 feet, making the Grand Canyon look like a kiddie pool. The landscape is seriously unreal, a total feast for the eyes. Remote doesn't even begin to describe it, but the views are SO worth it. Carved by the Cotahuasi River, it's a place of hot springs, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages like Cotahuasi, with its charming church. Keep your eyes peeled for condors soaring overhead, vicuñas grazing, and maybe even a sneaky Andean fox! Plus, you'll spot ancient pre-Incan terraces clinging to the canyon walls. Now, about that road... buckle up! This winding, unpaved track stretches for about 22 miles from Cotahuasi to Quechualla, and it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, sheer drop-offs, and a whole lotta dust. A 4x4 is an absolute MUST. But trust me, the views from the start all the way down into the canyon are breathtaking. Protected by the Reserva Paisajística Subcuenca del Cotahuasi, this drive is an experience you won't soon forget. Hit this road during the dry season (June-September) for the best conditions. Avoid the rainy season (December-March) when things get muddy and the river swells. And pro tip: don't forget the bug spray – the mosquitos can be fierce!
moderateWhere is Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Argentina and Bolivia, hitting an altitude of 3,645 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!). This is the Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass, a high mountain road connecting the wild northwest of Argentina's Jujuy Province with the stunning landscapes of Bolivia's Sur Lípez. The 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) route snakes its way between the tiny Argentinian town of Ciénega de Paicone and Río Mojón in Bolivia. While the road is entirely unpaved, it's generally in good shape. Get ready for some serious off-road vibes and views that'll make your jaw drop!
moderateHow to drive to Perdidos Canyon in the Peruvian desert?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay adventurers, buckle up for El Cañón de los Perdidos in Peru's Ica province! This hidden gem, only discovered in 2011, stretches for 5 km through the Ocucaje Desert, halfway between Ica and Nazca. Forget the crowds, because this place is wild and untouched. Word of warning: finding this canyon is part of the adventure! You'll be off-roading through the desert with sections of the road missing or unmarked. A good GPS or experienced guide is crucial unless you like the idea of becoming truly 'lost.' The 50 km track from the Panamericana Sur highway demands a 4x4 to navigate those desert dunes. Watch out for bandits, and be prepared for isolation. There’s no phone signal. But trust me, the scenery is worth it! You'll be cruising past crazy rock formations before arriving at the canyon. Carved by the Río Seco, the canyon plunges 400 meters deep, with a lagoon and is a haven for vultures. Keep your eyes peeled for fossils – this area was once an ancient seabed. The canyon is about 2 km long, with four distinct levels to explore. Get ready to be blown away by the raw, untamed beauty of this desert oasis!