Driving the international Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass
Bolivia, south-america
157 km
4,687 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Chile and Bolivia, high up in the Andes. We're talking 4,687 meters (that's 15,377 feet!) at the Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass. This isn't just any border crossing; it's a major route linking La Paz, Bolivia, to Arica, Chile's closest seaport.
The entire route is paved, so no need for a hardcore 4x4, but be prepared to share the road with plenty of big rigs. You'll be driving on Ruta Nacional 4 in Bolivia, which magically transforms into Carretera Internacional CH 11 once you cross into Chile.
This high-altitude pass, nestled in the Cordillera Occidental, is generally open year-round, so you shouldn't have trouble getting through.
The journey spans 157 kilometers (97.5 miles), stretching from Curahuara de Carangas in Bolivia to Putre in Chile. The scenery is absolutely stunning!
Where is it?
Driving the international Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.9297, -63.8373
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 157 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,687 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -16.9297, -63.8373
Related Roads in south-america
hardThe road to Curiquinca Volcano isn’t an easy one
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Curiquinca! This bad boy is a stratovolcano straddling the Bolivia-Chile border, clocking in at a whopping 18,454 feet above sea level. We're talking serious altitude! Nestled in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the gravel track isn't just a scenic route; it's a rugged climb up to a sulfur mine. Translation? This road is not for the faint of heart! Oxygen gets thin up there, and the climb is seriously steep. Most people start feeling altitude sickness way before you reach the top, so be prepared. Think harsh sun, relentless winds whipping up dust devils, and a trail that'll test your off-roading skills to the max. Sunglasses are a must, water is your best friend, and trust me, bring two full-sized spare tires – you'll thank me later. 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. But hey, the views from one of the highest roads in South America? Totally worth it!
hardWhere is Ruta Nacional 25?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Ruta Nacional 25 in Bolivia is a wild ride! This high-altitude beauty snakes its way across the country's western spine, south of the famous Salar de Uyuni. Think seriously epic mountain landscapes. What's cool is that RN25 connects the sleepy town of Colquechaca (the highest town in Bolivia, no less!) to the vibrant "City of Eternal Spring," Sucre. Starting near Sucre, you'll climb to a lung-busting altitude before dropping down to Colquechaca. Spanning around, this isn't your Sunday drive. Expect sections that are more like goat paths than roads, and be prepared to ford a river or two! The whole route is a rollercoaster of steep climbs, white-knuckle descents, and hairpin curves that demand your undivided attention. Seriously, think twice about tackling this one at night or in bad weather if you're not experienced. Rain can wash out sections faster than you can say "landslide!" Plus, prepare for non-stop switchbacks and solitude – traffic can be sparse. And if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale – those twists and turns are not for the faint of stomach!
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!
extremeDriving one of the highest roads of South America to Tacora Volcano
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile, practically straddling the Peruvian border, lies Volcan Tacora, and let me tell you, it’s a showstopper. This stratovolcano boasts a rugged mine road that claws its way to a staggering 5.590m (18,339ft) above sea level, making it one of South America's highest drives! Picture this: you're near the town of General Lagos, inching your way up this totally unpaved path in your trusty 4x4 (essential, trust me). This is the Andes at their finest! Built in 2009 to access a sulfur mine, the road is an 18.6 km (11.55 miles) rollercoaster from Chislluma, packed with hairpin turns and jaw-dropping drop-offs. You'll climb a hefty 1306 meters, so get ready for some serious gradients – averaging around 7.02%. Keep an eye out for the fumaroles puffing away near the summit and the hot springs bubbling on the eastern side! The views are insane!