Highest roads of Chile:
Chile, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southwestern edge of South America, in Chile – the world's longest country! Seriously, it's a crazy-long, skinny strip of land squeezed between the mighty Pacific Ocean and the even mightier Andes Mountains.
Speaking of the Andes, these aren't just hills, folks. We're talking about some seriously towering peaks that run the entire length of the country, creating a natural barrier that throws a wrench into any travel plans.
What does this mean for road trips? Buckle up! You're either hugging the stunning coastline or gearing up for some serious climbs over those colossal mountains. Get ready for some of the highest international passes you've ever seen, and some rugged mining tracks that will leave you breathless.
You absolutely HAVE to experience roads like Portezuelo Sairécabur, Paso de San Francisco, and Portezuelo Chapiquiña. For something a little different, check out the wild road to Embalse El Yeso, or tackle the legendary Route 5 – Chile's longest route!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Cerro Sanabria?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just discovered this insane mountain pass called Cerro Sanabria in the Bolivian Andes, and you HAVE to hear about it. Picture this: you're deep in the Sur Lípez Province, practically in the middle of nowhere in southwest Bolivia, inside the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. The road? Forget pavement – we're talking pure, unadulterated dirt track all the way up this beast. It's called Camino al Sol de la Mañana, and "road" is used loosely. Seriously, 4x4 ONLY. This ain't your Sunday drive. You're climbing to a staggering 4,844m (that's 15,892ft!), so the air is THIN. The views though? Worth every gasp. The Camino al Sol de la Mañana stretches for about 48.6 km (30.19 miles), and it's basically one long, lung-busting climb. You'll be above 4,100m the whole time. It runs from the stunning Laguna Colorada to the tiny town of Quetena Chico.
extremeCerro Toco
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro Toco! This insane gravel road climbs to a whopping 5,416m (17,769ft) in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. We're talking seriously lunar landscapes in the Atacama Desert. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking remote, rough, and definitely not for your average car. You'll need a seasoned driver who knows how to handle steep climbs (some sections hit 10%!), dust, and bumps galore. The reward? Mind-blowing views and bragging rights. The summit boasts some of the world’s highest telescopes, making it a stargazer's dream. But don't get too dreamy – the conditions up here are BRUTAL. Expect high winds, icy patches, and the potential for heavy snow. Seriously, don't even think about it in bad weather; avalanches and landslides are a real threat. The wind is almost always howling, and even summer can bring snowy surprises. Winter? Forget about it – bone-chilling cold! Despite being inhospitable to humans, this place is an astronomer's paradise. The incredibly dry climate makes it perfect for spotting those millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths!
extremeA hairpinned crazy road to Paso de Lara
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Paso de Lara in the Tucuman province of northwest Argentina, a seriously stunning mountain pass that tops out at a breathtaking 3,625 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!). You'll find this bad boy nestled in the Parque Provincial Cumbres Calchaquíes, and let me tell you, the views are worth the journey. Speaking of journey, be warned: the road (RP 311 and RP 312/RP352, if you're mapping it) is entirely unpaved. Built in 2014, it’s a 100 km (62 miles) rollercoaster from Colalao del Valle to San Pedro de Colalao. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just suggested; after a bit of rain, it's essential. This track is narrow, and I mean *narrow*, with some terrifyingly beautiful drop-offs. This road has even featured in the Dakar Rally, which should tell you something! Be prepared for potential road collapses, landslides, and rockslides, especially after heavy rain. And pro tip: don't even *think* about tackling this route solo. Starting from Colalao del Valle, the climb is about 43 km with an average gradient of 4.2%. If you are coming from San Pedro de Colalao, get ready for a 51 km grind at a 5.6% gradient. Basically, get ready for a steep climb with some seriously stunning scenery to make up for it!
easyWhat’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!