How Can I Get by Car to Salar de Maricunga in the Atacama Region?
Chile, south-america
280 km
3,700 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: blindingly white salt flats shimmering under an intense sun. That’s Salar de Maricunga, sitting way up high in the Chilean Atacama at a lung-busting 3,700 meters (that’s over 12,000 feet!). You'll find this unreal landscape inside Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, way over on the eastern side of Chile.
Be warned, this place is extreme. Think scorching days and freezing nights – the temperature swings are wild! But it's worth it. Imagine stark volcanic scenery meeting vibrant turquoise lagoons, home to unique wildlife. It’s a photographer's dream!
The road in, Ruta 31-CH, is a bit of an adventure in itself. It's about 280 km (173 miles) of mostly gravel, connecting Copiapó to the Paso San Francisco border crossing with Argentina. You'll find some paved sections at the start and end, but the middle is all about that rugged off-road feel. Luckily, you don't necessarily need a 4x4 for this one, a 2wd car should usually do the trick! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.
Where is it?
How Can I Get by Car to Salar de Maricunga in the Atacama Region? is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -39.2952, -73.7956
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 280 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,700 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.2952, -73.7956
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving an unpaved mining road to Abra Qillwa Quta in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Bolivia? Abra Qillwa Quta pass is waiting for you at a breathtaking 4,940 meters (16,207 feet)! This isn't just any road; it's one of Bolivia's highest, nestled north of Sunchulli Pass in the La Paz Department, practically kissing the Peruvian border within the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. Forget smooth asphalt; this is raw, unpaved terrain that might just test your mettle after a good rain. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a necessity. This is a mining road, so expect narrow passages, hairpin turns, and some seriously steep climbs. Before you rev your engine, a heads-up: you'll need permission from the SERNAP office in La Paz. Once you're cleared, you're in for a treat. This 24.1 km (14.9 miles) stretch runs from Hilo Hilo to San Miguel de Thapi, carving through the stunning Apolobamba range of the Andes.
hardDriving the challenging 365 turns of Ruta del Año in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Chilean border in western Argentina, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial 52. Locals call it "Ruta del Año" - Route of the Year - and trust me, it lives up to the hype. Located in the Las Heras department, northwest of Mendoza Province, this bad boy is a winding, unpaved masterpiece stretching for about 94 km (58 miles) from Uspallata. Forget speeding - you'll be lucky to hit 30 km/h on this curvy, mountainous track! Think you can handle 365 turns? Most are hairpin, so buckle up if you get car sick easily! The views are insane, seriously some of the most dramatic scenery you'll find anywhere in the region. This route climbs high into the Andes, peaking at a breathtaking 2,960m (9,711ft) above sea level at Cruz de Paramillo. Word of warning: avoid this road between July and October as it can get super dicey. The road leads to Villavicencio, an abandoned resort spa nestled in a protected ecological area. Even though the spa has been closed for decades, the thermal waters still flow, and you can wander through the gardens and check out the old chapel. Definitely worth a stop!
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Ulla Qhaya
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Ulla Qhaya in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about a mountain peak soaring to a dizzying 16,660 feet! It's one of Bolivia's highest roads, nestled in the stunning Apolobamba range inside the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. The road? Think rugged, unpaved goodness – strictly 4x4 territory. Winter? Forget about it; this road laughs in the face of snow. Seriously though, remember you're playing in the big leagues here. High altitude means thin air, and the weather can turn on a dime. Keep an eye on it. But hey, the views? Absolutely unreal.
moderateIs Abra Blanca paved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for Abra Blanca, a high-altitude mountain pass soaring over above sea level, right in the heart of Yep, it's paved! The road to the summit is smooth sailing , thanks to some work done back in the , which replaced a former gravel road called That original gravel route? Supposedly a beast, tackling a with a seriously intense switchback of You'll find Abra Blanca as part of called Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51) taking you from San Antonio de los Cobres When you hit the summit, keep an eye out for a , and maybe even a few ! The views are unreal, especially the San Antonio de Los Cobres plateau way down below. You're only about 13 kilometers from the town of San Antonio de Los Cobres, a cool spot to explore. This isn't just any road trip, though. Back in the day, Abra Blanca used to be a record holder. When this part of the country was still under the Government of the Andes , Abra Blanca became the highest drivable road , thanks to a daring drive by Governor Mayor Brígido Zavaleta But times have changed and it became the world’s highest drivable road It may not be a record-breaker anymore, but there’s a and – usually – a bunch of left by fellow adventurers to mark the spot. Trust me, Abra Blanca is still worth a detour