Driving the international border road to Salin Pass in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
N/A
4,015 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a truly epic border crossing? Then set your sights on Portezuelo de Salín, aka Paso de Salín. This bad boy straddles the Argentina-Chile divide at a lung-busting 13,172 feet! We're talking serious Andes mountain territory here, north of the Socompa volcano.
Now, don't expect any smooth sailing. The road is totally unpaved and in seriously rough shape. This is a 4x4-only kind of adventure. Plus, you're way out there – think minimal traffic, scorching desert heat, and not a lot of water. It's a challenging drive, to say the least.
Word to the wise: stick to the marked roads. Seriously. Back in the '70s, things got a little tense between Chile and Argentina, and some areas were mined. While they're supposedly marked, things shift, so stay alert and follow the obvious paths. Also, only cross the border at official points.
But hey, the scenery is unreal! Just be prepared for extremes – baking sun during the day and freezing temps at night. Arid landscapes as far as the eye can see! This is one unforgettable ride for those who dare to take it on.
Where is it?
Driving the international border road to Salin Pass in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.3645, -66.2837
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,015 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -39.3645, -66.2837
Related Roads in south-america
moderateLaguna Pumacocha: this road is not for timid drivers
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Laguna Pumacocha, a breathtaking lagoon chilling way up high in the Peruvian Andes, in the Yauyos Province of the Lima Region. I'm talking 4,370m (14,337ft) high! This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road, if you can call it that, is totally unpaved and barely wide enough for one car. Hope you don't mind getting cozy with the mountain! We're topping out at a whopping 4,920m (16,141ft), so be prepared for that thin mountain air. But trust me, the views are worth it. Think shimmering glacial lakes and dramatic mountain scenery at every turn. The whole area is gorgeous. The adventure begins near Huancapallca, and it's a 18.3 km (11.37 miles) climb to the top. Get ready for a wild ride!
extremeRoad 101
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up! If you find yourself in the Pallasca province of Peru and fancy a drive on the wild side, Carretera 101 is calling your name. But fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a high-altitude mountain road, mostly sitting around 3,500m above sea level. Picture this: roughly 87 kilometers of a mix of gravel and asphalt, twisting and turning with hairpin curves carved right into the mountainside. The road narrows constantly, demanding a steady hand. Oh, and did I mention the dizzying drops of up to 1,200m? Seriously, don't look down if you're prone to vertigo! Some sections are so narrow that passing another car can involve a multi-kilometer reversing ballet to find a wider spot. After rain, the asphalt gets super slick, adding another layer of challenge. Keep an eye out for potholes from a past asphalting project, and be aware of security concerns in the region. Extreme caution with kidnapping and banditry occur often in the region and ongoing armed assaults with some attacks targeting tourists and convoys. But if you're brave enough to tackle Carretera 101, you'll be rewarded with absolutely stunning scenery. Just be prepared for an adventure – this road will test your skills and your nerves!
extremeHuanacuno-Yunchara Road
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up for the Huanacuno-Yunchara road in southern Bolivia! This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. Let's just say if you're not a fan of heights or the occasional landslide scare, maybe sit this one out. This gravel road climbs from Huanacuno (2,741m above sea level) to Yunchara (3,579m). Clocking in at almost 40 kilometers, it's carved right into the side of a seriously steep mountain. You'll be sharing the road with other travelers. The views are insane – like, spread-out-mountain-panorama insane, but those views come with a healthy dose of "don't look down" because, well, there are serious drop-offs. No guardrails to be seen! Get ready for about 20 hairpin turns. Over the course of the 39.2km, you'll climb 838 meters, hitting some gradients as steep as 15%! The air gets thin up there so be prepared for a possible altitude sickness. This climb is challenging, with a noticeable lack of oxygen that will test your body. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it in bad weather. But the scenery is incredible.
hardDriving the unpaved Illampu Circuit through Abra de la Calzada in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de la Calzada in Bolivia is calling your name. This epic mountain pass punches in at a staggering 5,062m (16,607ft) – seriously high! You'll find it nestled north of La Paz, right in the heart of the Andes. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The Illampu Circuit, as it's known, is a rough and rugged 140km (87 miles) unpaved track starting in Sorata. Think old mule trail meets modern mining road. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. But don't let that distract you. We're talking serious altitude here – constantly hovering between 4,000 and 5,000 meters. Expect steep climbs, four passes, and tracks that have seen better days. Acclimatization is KEY. Only tackle this one if you’re prepped, fit, and ready for a challenge. Oh, and heads up, this pass is usually snow-covered, so good weather is a must!