
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
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