How to drive the challenging Ruta Nacional 25 in the Andes?

How to drive the challenging Ruta Nacional 25 in the Andes?

Bolivia, south-america

Length

460 km

Elevation

2,560 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Route 25 in Bolivia is calling your name! This insane drive punches right through the Andes, staying way up high above 2,500 meters the whole time. Think of it as Death Road's wilder, less-famous cousin.

You'll be cruising from the Andes all the way to the edge of the Amazon, linking Cochabamba (the "City of Eternal Spring") at 2,560m up to Unduavi in La Paz, even higher at 3,327m.

This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive; we're talking 460 km (285 miles) of mostly unpaved road, complete with crazy narrow sections and river crossings. Imagine endless twists, turns, constant ups and downs—you'll need your A-game driving skills.

Seriously, don't even think about tackling this at night or when you can't see clearly unless you know the road like the back of your hand. Rain can wash things out in a heartbeat, and landslides are a real possibility. Get ready for hairpin turns galore, and don't expect much traffic out there. And a word to the wise: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe skip the big meal before you go.

Where is it?

How to drive the challenging Ruta Nacional 25 in the Andes? is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -15.9121, -62.3789

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Bolivia
Continent
south-america
Length
460 km
Max Elevation
2,560 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-15.9121, -62.3789

Related Roads in south-america

Abra Sotacochahard

Abra Sotacocha

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Sotacocha! This epic mountain pass tops out at a lung-busting 13,979 feet in the Ayacucho region of south-central Peru. You'll find it about 50 km outside of Andahuaylas, heading towards Ayacucho, on Route 3S. The good news? It's paved! The not-so-good news? This isn't your average Sunday drive. This long, challenging route will test your mettle as it winds through remote Andean landscapes, crossing multiple high passes. Be warned: the road quality can be rough, the air is thin (you'll be above 4,000m for a whopping 60km!), and the steep inclines are relentless. Plus, heavy mist is common, turning the road treacherous with low visibility. So, pick your weather wisely – this is NOT a road you want to tackle during a storm. But if you're prepared for a tough but rewarding journey, the stunning mountain views will be worth every gasp of air.

An epic road to Abra Progreso in the Andeshard

An epic road to Abra Progreso in the Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I just conquered Abra Progreso, a beast of a mountain pass way up in the Peruvian Andes. We're talking seriously high altitude here – 4,432 meters (14,540 feet) to be exact! You'll find it nestled in the Grau Province. The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. It's a 33.7 km (20.94 miles) stretch of unpaved road that winds its way from Progreso to Kenco Ccasa. Don't worry, you can totally do it in any car, but be prepared for a bumpy ride. And some seriously steep inclines – we're talking gradients of up to 7.1%! The air gets thin up there, so take it easy and enjoy the views. You'll be driving right through the Pampas Galeras National Reserve, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. It's a raw and beautiful landscape that you won't forget.

Portezuelo del Cajon is an Andean gravel passmoderate

Portezuelo del Cajon is an Andean gravel pass

🇨🇱 Chile

Get ready for an epic adventure at Portezuelo del Cajón, an incredible international mountain pass straddling Chile and Bolivia. This high-altitude gem sits at a breathtaking 4,480m (14,698ft), nestled on the slopes of the Juriques volcano in the majestic Andes. Also known as Hito Cajón, this pass is the link between Chile's Antofagasta Region and Bolivia's Potosí Department. You'll find yourself right near the stunning Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca, within Bolivia's Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve – pure magic! It's a popular route for travelers hopping between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama. The road itself stretches about 150 km (93 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Quetena Chico in Bolivia, a mix of smooth paved sections and rugged unpaved stretches. Heads up, you're heading into remote territory north of Cerro Toco, with a massive climb in elevation. Be prepared for the conditions! The Bolivian customs office is about 80 km from the actual border – seriously in the middle of nowhere, and over 5,000m high, making it the highest point for many South American travelers. It’s tucked away behind a guarded barrier at a processing plant. The Chilean border post is another 40 km down the road. Keep an eye on the weather because things get chilly and stormy at these altitudes. But the scenery? Totally worth it!

Travel guide to the top of Cerro Uturuncuextreme

Travel guide to the top of Cerro Uturuncu

🇧🇴 Bolivia

# Cerro Uturuncu: Bolivia's Sky-High Adventure Ready for one of the most extreme driving experiences on the planet? Head to the Potosí Department in southwestern Bolivia, where a rough gravel road climbs to a jaw-dropping 6,008 meters (19,711 feet) above sea level. This is seriously high—we're talking one of the loftiest roads anywhere in the world. The road winds up Cerro Uturuncu (also called Uturunku or Uturunco), a stratovolcano nestled in San Pablo de Lípez Municipality. Back in the day, this mountain hosted a sulfur mine, and the original unpaved road connecting to it was carved out between 1948 and 1950. These days, the route is maintained sporadically by local guides mostly for adventurous tourists. Here's the reality check: you'll absolutely need a solid 4x4 vehicle. The lower sections are sandy and manageable, but don't expect a smooth cruise. The first five kilometers average about an 8% grade, which steepens dramatically—hitting over 10% between 5,100 and 5,600 meters—before finally easing off near the top. Depending on the season, you might encounter loose rocks or even snow. The biggest villain? Oxygen deprivation. Once you push past 5,000 meters, your engine starts gasping for air almost as much as you will. Most vehicles get stopped by a landslide around 5,700 meters, though reports vary on exactly how far you can actually drive. (One enterprising French cycling team reportedly managed to pedal and push their way to the actual summit—respect.) What you get in return? Absolutely stunning Altiplano landscapes: active volcanoes, vibrant lagoons, and endless mountain vistas that'll make every labored breath worth it.