Geisers del Tatio
Chile, south-america
N/A
4,320 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for El Tatio in the Chilean Andes! We're talking about the world's highest geyser field, chilling at a staggering 14,173 feet.
The road to get there, B-245, is a beast. Think rough gravel, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in bad weather. We're talking avalanches, snow, landslides, and sneaky patches of ice that can appear out of nowhere.
And a word of caution: those geysers are beautiful, but they can burn! The ground can be thin in places, so watch your step to avoid an unexpected dip into boiling water.
The scenery is absolutely mind-blowing, but be prepared for a major temperature swing. It's freezing cold before sunrise – think numb-toes cold! – but you'll be peeling off layers on the way back down. Speaking of sunrise, you'll want to be there around 6 AM to catch the geysers in all their glory. Pack warm clothes, a swimsuit (for the hot springs!), a towel, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Trust me; you'll need it all for this unforgettable experience near the Laguna Salar de Pajonales!
Where is it?
Geisers del Tatio is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -35.7349, -72.9857
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,320 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -35.7349, -72.9857
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere does Road BR-116 start and end?
🇧🇷 Brazil
BR-116 is a massive coastal highway in Brazil, stretching a whopping 4,385 kilometers (2,725 miles) from Fortaleza in the north (Ceará State) all the way down to Jaguarão near the Uruguay border (Rio Grande do Sul). It's a major artery, known for being super busy with truckers. Now, this road has earned the grim nickname "Highway of Death" for a reason. Unstable weather patterns contribute to a high accident rate, making it a nerve-wracking drive. Think about it: you've got tons of big rigs, often driven by overworked truckers, combined with unpredictable terrain. The Sao Paulo-Curitiba section is particularly notorious. Parts of the BR-116 are paved, but other sections? Not so much. Some stretches cling to the edges of steep cliffs, demanding your full attention. Speaking of attention, you’ll need 100% concentration to navigate this route.
hardA pretty unpaved road to Laguna Marcapomacocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, Junín Region, Yauli Province. You're headed towards Laguna Marcapomacocha, a stunning mountain lake shimmering way up at 14,665 feet! The road? Well, let's just say it's an *adventure*. We're talking unpaved, rugged terrain where you'll definitely want a 4x4. Seriously. It clings to the cliffs without guardrails, so keep your eyes on the road! The climb is brutal. The air gets thin, *real* thin. Be prepared for that altitude sickness to kick in – most people start feeling it well before you even reach the lake. But honestly? The scenery is breathtaking. Jagged peaks, vast skies... it's worth the challenge! Get ready for an unforgettable ride.
hardWhere is the SC-390 road?
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the southeast of Santa Catarina, Brazil, on SC-390 (aka Rodovia Daniel Brüning), and it's like you've entered a postcard. This isn't just any road; it's a wild 12.87km (8 miles) of paved switchbacks clinging to the Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain range, hitting a peak elevation of 1,465m (4,806ft). Built way back in 1903, this road throws you into a world of hairpin turns – we're talking 250 of them! The average gradient is a steep 9.2% as you descend from nearly 4,800 feet to sea level in just eight miles. Watch out for those crags and deep ravines! On clear days, you can even glimpse the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 100 km (62 mi) in the distance. And the views? Lakes, waterfalls, native critters, and mind-blowing nature everywhere you look. This area is straight-up one of Brazil's most gorgeous spots. Plus, there’s usually very little traffic. Heads up: while the road's lit by wind turbines, winter (June-August) can get super foggy. Summer's your best bet, but even then, keep an eye on the weather. The average temp hangs around 12° C due to the altitude and ocean proximity, but nearby Sao Joaquim da Serra can dip below freezing with snow in the winter!
extremeCarretera Picada 108: Crossing the Wild Chaco to the Bolivian Border
🇧🇴 Bolivia
# Picada 108: Where the Chaco Swallows the Unprepared Deep in the heart of the Gran Chaco lies Picada 108—a raw, unforgiving 212-kilometer (131-mile) corridor that cuts through one of South America's most remote wilderness areas. This isn't your typical highway; it's a "picada," a narrow dirt track originally carved through dense scrubland for military or oil exploration, linking Mariscal Estigarribia in Paraguay all the way to the Bolivian border via Mayor Pablo Lagerenza. Welcome to the Northern Chaco: brutally hot, impossibly isolated, and absolutely relentless. The landscape is a maze of thorny scrubland where the horizon stretches endlessly and civilization feels like a distant memory. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, and the closest gas station? You left it hours ago. Here's where things get real: the road itself is pure gravel and talcal—fine dust that hides deep ruts and vicious rocks. During the dry season, visibility drops to nearly zero in a dust cloud. But rain? That's when Picada 108 transforms into a muddy nightmare. The clay-heavy soil becomes impassable quicksand, trapping even heavily equipped 4x4s for days. Creek crossings appear without warning, turning sections into temporary rivers that can force complete closures. Expect a full day of driving—minimum—at crawling speeds. There are zero amenities out here: no towns, no fuel, no repair shops. Every kilometer demands your full attention to avoid "guadales" (hidden pockets of deep mud and dust) that'll high-center your vehicle in seconds. This is expedition territory, not a casual road trip. Bring 400 kilometers worth of fuel, 20 liters of water per person, two full-size spares, a high-lift jack, and sand ladders. Your phone won't work; you'll need a satellite messenger. Never go alone—travel in at least two vehicles. Check the weather obsessively; if rain is forecast, don't even think about entering. And before you depart, notify the local police—this is border country, and you'll need your papers in perfect order. The Chaco doesn't forgive mistakes. Respect it, prepare thoroughly, and you'll experience one of the world's most extreme road journeys.