Highest roads of Bolivia
Bolivia, south-america
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hard
Year-round
Bolivia, a South American giant the size of California and Texas put together, is a land of extremes! Think Himalayas-level mountains but smack-dab in the Andes. This country's got it all: sky-high peaks, the desolate Altiplano plateau, and crazy-steep, humid valleys. If you're a driver seeking adventure, you're in the right place.
Prepare for some seriously high-altitude driving, with roads that hug cliff faces and hairpin turns that will make your jaw drop. You'll find some of the highest, most remote, and utterly breathtaking mountain passes you could ever imagine on this continent.
Some top contenders for epic drives include the Portezuelo Sairécabur, the road to Minas San Pablo Lipez, the international Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass, and tackling Ollague Volcano—one of South America's highest routes. Get ready for the ride of your life!
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA challenging unpaved road to Abra Falda Cienaga
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Falda Cienaga in Argentina's Catamarca Province! This baby tops out at a whopping 4,436 meters (14,553 feet), so get ready for some thin air. Also known as Abra Puntas Gordas, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking Ruta Provincial 43 (RP43), and "unpaved" is the name of the game. Seriously, you'll NEED a 4x4 for this one. Heights not your thing? Maybe grab a travel magazine instead. The stretch from Salar del Hombre Muerto to Antofagasta is rough, with plenty of sand and washboard sections to keep you on your toes. Perched high in the northwest, some sections are being upgraded with asphalt. Word on the street is the south side descent is smoother sailing. Get ready for some insane scenery!
hardHow to get by car to Cerro Chacaltaya, the world's highest ski resort?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
# Cerro Chacaltaya: Bolivia's Haunting High-Altitude Adventure Perched at a jaw-dropping 5,260 meters (17,257 feet) in La Paz Department, Cerro Chacaltaya stands as one of Bolivia's most extreme mountain roads. Nestled deep in the Cordillera Real of the Andes, this peak holds a fascinating—and somewhat melancholy—piece of skiing history. Here's the wild part: from 1939 to 2009, Chacaltaya was home to the world's highest ski resort. Yeah, you read that right. While most people assume the world's most elite ski slopes exist in Switzerland or Colorado, they'd be wrong. This remote Bolivian mountain actually held that crown for seven decades, complete with a restaurant and cozy chalet for adventurous tourists. Unfortunately, climate change has other plans. The snow vanished, the skiers stopped coming, and the station was abandoned in 2009, leaving behind only ghostly ruins and faded memories. The road itself—called Ruta Chacaltaya—has been winding up this mountain since the 1930s, but don't expect pavement. This is pure unpaved, high-altitude adventure territory that demands a serious 4x4 vehicle. Starting from Ingenio, you're looking at a 9.6-kilometer (5.96-mile) climb with a brutal 635-meter elevation gain. Some sections hit a stomach-churning 14% gradient, and the narrow, steep switchbacks come with genuinely terrifying drop-offs. Average gradient sits at 6.61%—this road doesn't mess around. Once you reach the abandoned resort, the real view unfolds. Panoramic vistas stretch across the Cordillera Real, showcasing Huayna Potosi, Mururata, and the iconic Illimani, with La Paz sprawling below. On clear days, you can even spot Lake Titicaca shimmering to the west. If you've got energy left, a short 100-meter hike leads to the actual summit. History buffs shouldn't miss the Mount Chacaltaya Laboratory nearby—originally a weather station that evolved into a critical hub for gamma-ray research.
hardSalar de Quisquiro: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, surrounded by what feels like the surface of Mars. You're on the road to Salar de Quisquiro (also known as Salar de Loyoques), a salt flat perched way up at 4,210m (13,812ft). Yep, this is one of South America's highest paved roads! The road stretches for about 156 km (97 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama to the Argentinian border. The entire length is paved, making it accessible to most vehicles. You'll be driving through Los Flamencos National Reserve, and the landscape is stark and beautiful. Daytime temps can soar to 30°C, but be warned, nights can plummet below freezing, especially in winter. Brace yourself for those notorious high-altitude winds, too. While it's paved and generally in good condition, don't let your guard down. The high altitude, intense sun (sunglasses are a must!), and strong winds demand respect. Cell service is spotty, and the nearest gas station can be up to 160 km away, so come prepared with extra water, spare tires, and a sense of adventure! You will encounter some steep sections on the way and gradients up to 12.6%. This high altitude road is not only scenic, it is unforgettable.
moderateWhere is Llaca Lagoon?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, near Huaraz, about to embark on an adventure to Laguna Llaca. This isn't your average Sunday drive! You're heading into Huascarán National Park, where the lagoon shimmers with turquoise-green waters at a dizzying 14,655 feet above sea level. The road to get there? Let's just say it's...rustic. We're talking unpaved all the way, a 9.81-mile stretch called "Carretera a Laguna Llaca" that climbs 2,136 feet. Expect a bumpy ride through some seriously stunning scenery, with snow-capped mountains towering all around. But be warned: the road is rough, think huge rocks and deep ravines carved out by water. This is strictly 4x4 territory, and you'll definitely want high clearance to navigate this wild, beautiful route. The average gradient is 4.12%. Get ready for incredible views and a drive you won't soon forget!