Geisers del Tatio

Geisers del Tatio

Chile, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,320 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Chile
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
4,320 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-35.7349, -72.9857

Related Roads in south-america

What’s the history of Collado del Cóndor?easy

What’s the history of Collado del Cóndor?

🌍 Venezuela

Okay, picture this: you're in Venezuela, in the Merida region, ready to tackle one of the country's highest roads – Collado del Cóndor, or Pico El Aguila as some call it. We're talking 4,050 meters (13,287 feet) high! This isn't just some random drive; it's steeped in history. At the summit, you'll find a bronze condor statue marking where Simon Bolivar and his crew crossed the Andes way back in 1813. And, of course, there's a little shop for hot chocolate and souvenirs, plus a cute chapel. The whole way up is paved, following the 7 National/Troncal road. But don't think it's a breeze. This 50.6 km (31.44 miles) stretch from Apartaderos to Timotes is packed with over 40 hairpin turns, and let's just say guardrails aren't really a "thing" here. Weekends can get crazy busy, so aim for a weekday trip if you can. Budget about 1.5 to 2 hours if you drive straight through. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane. The summit overlooks these wild, desert-like mountains, dotted with frailejón plants – those funky high-altitude shrubs you only find in the Andes. And get this: from the top, it's a stunning switchback descent all the way to Lake Maracaibo. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, a side road near the top takes you even higher to a weather station at 4,208m (13,805ft). Just go for it!

Why is it called Piedra del Molino? moderate

Why is it called Piedra del Molino? 

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, buckle up, because Piedra del Molino in Salta, Argentina is a wild ride you won't soon forget! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a staggering 3,367m (11,046ft) above sea level. You'll find it snaking through the central-western part of the Salta province. Ever wonder about the name? "Piedra del Molino" translates to "Millstone," and legend has it that a huge granite grinding stone was abandoned here way back in 1927. Talk about a roadside attraction! This adventure lies within Los Cardones National Park, and the road itself, Ruta Provincial 33, is mostly paved. Don't let that fool you though – it's a winding beast also known as Cuesta del Obispo, a name that hints at the challenging path ahead. Stretching for 105 km (65 miles) between Payogasta and El Carril, this drive is not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, steep climbs, and some serious drop-offs that might have your stomach doing somersaults. But oh, is it worth it! Just before the summit, there's a breathtaking lookout point where you can see the snaking road and Quebrada del Escoipe spread out before you. The summit itself has a tiny chapel dedicated to St. Rafael, a perfect spot for a moment of reflection after that epic drive.

Travel guide to the top of Cerro Pachonhard

Travel guide to the top of Cerro Pachon

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Coquimbo Region of Chile, heading towards the Andes foothills, right? Your destination? The summit of Cerro Pachón, a staggering 2,696 meters (8,845 feet) high! The road, Camino Centro Astronómico, is mostly paved with a few concrete sections thrown in for good measure, but the final 200 meters is a smooth, graded dirt track. The climb from the D317 road is just shy of 15 kilometers (9.25 miles), with a hefty 951-meter elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 6.38 percent, so get ready for a steady climb! Up top, you're rewarded with views and some serious space-age tech. We're talking the Gemini South Telescope, the SOAR Telescope, and soon, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory – a game-changer in astronomy. This place is all about peering into the cosmos, so expect scenery that’s literally out of this world. A word of caution: due to the altitude, this trip isn't recommended if you have hypertension, cardiovascular, or lung problems. Little ones under 6 aren’t allowed either. But for everyone else? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

How to drive the cracked road to Abra Negro Bueno in the central highlands?easy

How to drive the cracked road to Abra Negro Bueno in the central highlands?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Negro Bueno! This high-altitude Peruvian pass punches you right into the heart of the Andes at a whopping 4,648m (15,249ft). You'll find it east of Lima, straddling the Junín and Lima regions. Think seriously mountainous, seriously stunning Peru. The road (part of Carretera 24), connecting Huancayo to Tinco for 118km (73 miles), is paved, but let's be real – it's a bumpy ride! Expect cracks, potholes, and hairpin turns galore. Seriously, skip it at night. Those potholes are suspension-eaters and tire-poppers. But hey, the views! You'll crest several seriously elevated passes, so get ready for a challenging but unforgettable drive.