How long is Ruta Nacional 5 in Chile?
Chile, south-america
3,337 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Ruta Nacional 5, Chile's mega-route stretching a wild 3,337 km (2073 miles) from the Peruvian border all the way down to Quellón on Chiloé Island! It's the country's longest road, slicing through some seriously diverse landscapes and even ducking through four tunnels – El Melón, La Calavera I & II, and Angostura.
Now, let's be real – not all parts of this epic route are created equal. That stretch between Arica and Iquique? Yeah, it's got a reputation. We're talking a simple two-lane road, paved, with a 100 km/h (62 mph) speed limit. Sounds chill, right? Wrong. It snakes through deep valleys with seriously steep drops and desolate desert scenery. The landscape is stark, almost aggressively bare, and can mess with your focus.
Concentration is key because thick fog can roll in out of nowhere, slashing visibility to zero. It's easy to see how accidents happen. Plus, you're in the Atacama Desert, so the views, while striking, are super monotonous. Imagine hundreds of miles of emptiness! It's not uncommon to see roadside memorials – a sobering reminder. Distances between gas stations are also a challenge, and strong winds are notorious for throwing vehicles off course. In short: stay alert, stay focused, and keep both hands on the wheel!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 3,337 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow to get by car to Colquechaca, the highest town of Bolivia?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising (and I mean *really* cruising, because you're high up!) into Colquechaca, Bolivia, a town perched way up in the Province of Chayanta. We're talking 4,167 meters (that's 13,671 feet!) above sea level – one of the highest spots you can drive to on the planet! The name "Colquechaca" means "silver bridge" in Quechua, which hints at the area's history with silver mining. You're smack-dab in the Department of Potosí, surrounded by the stunning central Bolivian landscape. Word has it this is Bolivia's highest city, with some houses topping out at 4,235 meters (13,894 feet)! The town itself is full of Quechua culture; most of the 4,270 residents are descendants. Now, the road in is an adventure. Forget smooth asphalt; it's all unpaved and gets pretty narrow in sections. The stretch from Macha to Rancho Tarueca is only about 47.2 km (29.32 miles), but expect it to feel longer! Prepare yourself to be blown away by the views, but keep your eyes on the road!
extremeAbra Chapoco
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Abra Chapoco is calling your name! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at a whopping 4,400m (14,435ft) in the Parinacota Province of Chile. Nestled high in the Andes, the road from Visviri to Tacora is a mix of gravel and rocky terrain – expect a tippy, bumpy ride! This route (also known as A-23) isn't for the faint of heart. It's open to all vehicles, but a 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended. Even though it’s not a super long climb, some of the inclines are seriously steep. The views? Absolutely stunning! You'll be treated to vistas of Volcan Tacora and the surrounding mountains on the Chile-Peru border. Plus, you'll probably have the road all to yourself. Just remember, the air gets thin up there! Altitude sickness can kick in above 2,500 meters, so be prepared.
hardAbra Huaytire, an absolute must for road lovers
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Huaytire! This high-altitude gem straddles the Moquegua and Tacna departments in southern Peru, topping out at a lung-busting 15,643 feet. The road, Carretera 36A, is paved the whole way, but don't let that fool you. It's a wild ride of twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep even seasoned drivers on their toes. If you've got anyone prone to carsickness in the back, maybe pack some ginger ale! Stretching for 126 miles from Mazocruz towards Moquegua, this east-west route is a serious climb. Remember, you're high in the mountains here, so the air is thin. Altitude sickness and unpredictable weather are definitely things to keep in mind. But trust me, the stunning scenery is worth it!
moderateWhere is La Virgen Pass?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
at an elevation of 4,071 m (13,356 ft) above sea level, located in Ecuador. Where is La Virgen Pass? The pass, also known as Pichincha and Napo Provinces , in the north-central part of the country, within the Parque Nacional Cayambe Coca Is the road through La Virgen Pass paved? The road through the pass is Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras How long is La Virgen Pass? The road through the pass is 85.3 km (53 miles) long west-east from Pifo to San Francisco de Borja Is La Virgen Pass worth it? Located on the road from Quito which leads into the , at the summit you can experience the stunning views of mountains and glaciers . The pass is home to a small chapel, known as Virgen del Paramo Papallacta . North of the pass, a defiant unpaved road climbs up to at an elevation of 4,350 m (14,271 ft) above sea level. How to get by car to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo? The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.