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
moderateTrans-Andean Highway, a drive you'll never forget
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans! Carretera Trasandina in Venezuela is calling your name. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-blown Andean adventure stretching 1,082km (672mi) from Caracas all the way to the Colombian border at San Antonio del Táchira. Picture this: you're cruising on a paved road (with some sturdy concrete bits), a highway with a fascinating history dating back to 1925. You'll wind through the states of Mérida, Trujillo, and Táchira, climbing, climbing, climbing until you hit the absolute peak at Pico El Águila Pass, a staggering 4,050m (13,287ft) above sea level! Keep an eye out for those infamous Andean landslides after a good rain, and sometimes heavy mist can roll in. Though it's usually open year-round, winter weather can cause temporary closures. Be prepared for some potholes and rough patches of asphalt, especially on the western side in Táchira – it's all part of the experience, right? This highway is a bit rugged.
moderateWhere is Salar de Uyuni?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Ever dreamt of driving across a seemingly endless expanse of blinding white? Then buckle up and head to Salar de Uyuni in southwest Bolivia! This place is seriously unreal. Imagine a 10,500 square kilometer salt flat, the biggest on the planet, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains. It’s like driving on a frozen ocean...except it's salt! Your destination? Isla Incahuasi, or "house of the Inca." This island is smack-dab in the middle of the salt flat. The "road" to get there? Well, it's pure, unadulterated salt. It's a bumpy ride, but trust me, the views are worth every jostle. Keep in mind that this isn't your typical road trip. We're talking basic conditions and cold weather. Accommodation is in simple refuges. But the otherworldly scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just a heads-up: when the rainy season hits and the salt flat floods, Isla Incahuasi becomes off-limits. So, plan accordingly and prepare for an adventure you won't soon forget!
hardCuesta Chita
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cuesta Chita, a Chilean high-altitude thrill ride! This insane mountain pass punches its way up to a staggering 4,512m (that's 14,803ft!) in the Andes. We're talking some serious air up here. The whole B-159 route clocks in at about 59.4 km, linking the B-165 and B-245, and it's all above 3,000m. Picture this: endless sky, views for days... and lungs screaming for oxygen. The climb is brutal, the air is thin, and you'll feel every meter of elevation gain. Seriously, be prepared for altitude sickness—it’s a real thing. The road itself is paved, but don't expect a smooth ride. Expect sand and dust covering the road. Oh, and did I mention the wind? Get ready for strong, dry gusts, scorching sun (sunglasses are a MUST), and bring. plenty. of. water. Pro tip: pack two spare tires, minimum. You'll thank me later.
extremeAbra Ojelaca is a paved road heading deep into the high mountains
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Ojelaca is calling your name. This high-altitude Andean pass in southern Peru’s Moquegua Region is an absolute beast, topping out at a whopping 4,606 meters (that's 15,111 feet!). You’ll be cruising up the Interoceanica Sur, a paved but seriously steep road. I'm talking lung-busting inclines. Pro Tip: If you’ve got any respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. The air gets thin—really thin. Most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you reach the top, and at this elevation, your engine isn’t the only thing struggling for oxygen! Seriously, altitude sickness is no joke and can hit anyone. At the summit, you're dealing with about 40% less oxygen than you’re used to, so breathing feels like a workout. Your heart's gonna be pounding, and even walking feels like you're wading through molasses. Combine that with the unpredictable weather and you’ve got a challenging, but incredibly rewarding, drive. The views? Totally worth the huffing and puffing, trust me!