
Driving to Parinacota, One of the Highest Towns in the World
Chile, south-america
89 km
4,389 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so Parinacota! Picture this: a tiny town clinging to the Andes at a staggering 14,400 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest places you can actually drive to. You'll find it nestled in northern Chile, practically spitting distance from Bolivia, in the gorgeous Lauca National Park.
The whole area is a visual feast. Think snow-dusted volcanoes like Pomerape and Sajama piercing the sky, steamy hot springs bubbling away, and these crazy-beautiful high-altitude lakes – Chungará and the Cotacotani Lagoons. Plus, wetlands bursting with all sorts of weird and wonderful plants and animals.
The road itself? It's called A-93, and it's a smooth, paved 55-mile stretch connecting Chucuyo to Visviri, the main hub of the General Lagos area. It's been fully paved since the early 2020s. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery on this drive!
Where is it?
Driving to Parinacota, One of the Highest Towns in the World is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.1978, -72.1383
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 89 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,389 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -34.1978, -72.1383
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