
Get behind the wheels for the Chilean CH-265, one of the planet’s most scenic roads
Argentina, south-america
122 km
524 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Chilean Patagonia on Ruta CH-265, one of the most breathtaking drives on Earth. Seriously, National Geographic-level views everywhere!
This isn't your average Sunday drive. This wild stretch of road hugs the southern shore of General Carrera Lake for about 122 km (75.80 miles), linking Puerto Guadal on the Carretera Austral (Ruta 7) to Chile Chico, practically spitting distance from Argentina.
Budget about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to soak it all in (without stops – good luck with that!). You'll be too busy gawking at the unreal views of the lake, islands, and forests from the cliffs.
Heads up: most of the road is gravel – think dirt, stones, and sand. Only the final few kilometers near Argentina are paved. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride with constant ups and downs. Also, watch out for those hairpin turns, especially heading downhill! People tend to speed, so stay alert. You'll climb to about 524m (1,719ft) above sea level.
Bring snacks because you won't find any shops for 200 kilometers. Be prepared for some serious hills, wind, and rain. But trust me, those views are worth every bump in the road!
Where is it?
Get behind the wheels for the Chilean CH-265, one of the planet’s most scenic roads is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.0591, -64.9523
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 122 km
- Max Elevation
- 524 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -39.0591, -64.9523
Related Roads in south-america
extremeLaguna Orcococha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Route 28D in the Peruvian province of Castrovirreyna, heading towards Laguna Orcococha. This beauty sits way up high at 4,625 meters (that's 15,173 feet!), so be prepared for some serious altitude. The road is paved, thankfully, but don't let that fool you. This route is not for the faint of heart! Keep an eye on the weather, because snow can shut things down in a heartbeat. Fog can roll in thick, making visibility a real challenge. And let's not forget the potential for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. Ice patches are common, so drive carefully. The climb is killer, and the air is thin, so listen to your body. Most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you even reach the top, around 2,500-2,800 meters. But hey, if you're up for an adventure with breathtaking views, this is it!
extremeDriving the international border road to Socompa Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Socompa is calling your name – a seriously epic international mountain pass straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking way up there, at almost 13,000 feet! Tucked into the majestic Andes, this route connects the Antofagasta Region in Chile with Salta province in Argentina. Think of it as one of the *least* traveled high-altitude routes between these two countries, so you're basically guaranteed bragging rights. And get this, the pass is named after the Socompa volcano, a 20,000-foot behemoth looming nearby. Now, let's talk about the road itself. It's unpaved – and I mean *seriously* unpaved – so you'll need a proper off-road vehicle to tackle this beast. It goes by B-55 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 163 once you cross into Argentina. This drive is REMOTE. The rough terrain, the lack of water, the scorching desert heat…it all adds up to one seriously challenging adventure. Even the Dakar Rally has used this pass! Keep your eyes peeled for the abandoned train station at the summit. Be prepared for some extreme conditions. The air is super dry, and the temperature swings are wild – blazing hot during the day and freezing cold at night. **Important Note:** Stick to the marked roads. This area has a history, and there are minefields along the border from the 70s. They're usually marked, but trust me, you don't want to stray. Only cross the border at official checkpoints, and always chat with local officials about potential hazards.
hardLaguna Salar de Pajonales
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in Chile's Antofagasta Region lies Laguna Salar de Pajonales, a stunning high-altitude lake sitting pretty at 3,541 meters (that's 11,617 feet!). Getting there is an adventure in itself. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to tackle Route B-885, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking a serious climb that will test both your vehicle and your lungs – the air gets pretty thin up there, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness. The gravel track can be loose and slippery, especially after rain. In fact, during and after storms, this road can become completely impassable. But, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it! Imagine yourself surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Chilean landscape. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
extremeThe breathtaking road to Cerro del Azufre
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro del Azufre in Chile's Antofagasta Region! This isn't just any drive; we're talking about tackling one of South America's highest roads, pushing you to a staggering 5,702m (18,707ft) above sea level. Picture this: a rugged, unpaved mine trail snaking its way to the summit, demanding a 4x4 beast to conquer its brutally steep inclines. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. We're talking remote Andean Highlands, where the air thins and oxygen becomes a luxury. Be prepared for a serious test of your mettle! Pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, and layers are non-negotiable. A reliable GPS and maps are your lifeline in this desolate beauty. The road's surface can be unforgiving, so be ready for some serious bouncing. And altitude sickness? It's a real threat above 2,500 meters. Expect harsh weather, intense solar radiation, howling winds, and freezing temperatures near the top. But hey, the views are absolutely worth it!