How to get by car to Sol de Mañana, a Bolivian geyser?
Bolivia, south-america
225 km
4,921 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an otherworldly adventure at Sol de Mañana, a geyser field simmering at a staggering 4,921m (16,145ft) in Bolivia's Sur Lípez Province! Prepare to witness intense volcanic activity – think bubbling fumaroles and erupting geysers – in this geothermal wonderland near the Chilean border, tucked inside the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa.
The weather here? Extreme! Expect near-freezing temperatures in summer (0°C to 5°C) and bone-chilling conditions in winter (-5°C to -20°C).
Imagine craters filled with violently boiling mud, and geysers blasting scorching steam and vapor 10 to 50 meters into the air! It’s like stepping back in time to the Earth’s primordial days.
The rugged, unpaved road snaking through this geothermal zone demands a 4x4. This 225km (139-mile) route stretches from the Chilean border northwards until it meets Road 701, close to Villa Alota.
Walking amongst these geysers is a truly unique and unforgettable experience; the landscape resembles the surface of Mars. It’s a trek to get here, but paired with other sights in the region, the journey is worth it. But be warned, there are no boardwalks here! Wander freely, but tread carefully. The ground can be deceptively thin, and a single misstep could plunge you into scalding mud! Aim to arrive in the morning – witnessing the geysers erupting as the sun rises is pure magic.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Sol de Mañana, a Bolivian geyser? is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.5283, -64.5582
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 225 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,921 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -16.5283, -64.5582
Related Roads in south-america
hardVisviri Pass
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a border crossing that'll leave you breathless (literally!), Paso Visviri between Chile and Bolivia is calling your name. We're talking a lung-busting 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) above sea level – that's some serious altitude! Now, don't expect a smooth ride. This is a gravel road, and a relentlessly steep one at that. The air is thin, so be prepared to feel the effects of altitude sickness kicking in way before you reach the top. And if it's been raining? Mud and slippery conditions will be your new best friends (or worst enemies, depending on your driving skills!). Just a heads up – the border crossing is only open between 8 am and 10 pm, so time your trip accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable journey, the road up to Curiquinca Volcano will have you on the edge of your seat.
extremeA 4x4 mine road to Cerro Vidal Gormaz in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Nestled deep in Chile's Atacama Region, Cerro Vidal Gormaz is a seriously high mountain peak, scraping the sky at nearly 5,000 meters (that's over 16,000 feet!). Think of it as an extreme off-road adventure playground in the thin, crisp air of the Andes. You'll find it near the borders of Argentina, in an area famous for copper and gold mines. Originally, this isn't your typical scenic route, but rather a rugged track carved out for heavy mining equipment to haul its way up to those mineral-rich heights. The journey usually kicks off from Paso Pircas Negras or one of the nearby mining camps. While the actual distance to the summit isn’t huge, trust me, it’s a slow and intense drive. Be prepared for hours of navigating seriously steep slopes! Expect loose volcanic soil and tire-shredding sharp stones along the way. Seriously, this is no walk in the park. A proper 4x4 with low-range gearing is an absolute must. As you climb higher, the lack of oxygen will take its toll, especially on naturally aspirated engines. Turbocharged engines will fare better in the thin air. Watch out for: * **Altitude Sickness:** This is a big one at this height. Acclimatize properly before attempting the climb. * **Unpredictable Weather:** Sudden storms are common in the Andes, even in summer. * **Deceptive Terrain:** What looks solid can easily give way. * **Isolation:** You're seriously remote here. Because of the altitude, this route is only open during the Southern Hemisphere's summer, roughly December to April. The rest of the year, it's buried under snow and lashed by brutal winds ("Viento Blanco"), which can create instant snowdrifts. Even in summer, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Before you head up, make sure you're loaded with extra fuel, at least two spare tires, and plenty of supplies for altitude sickness. The road is unmaintained, so conditions can change every year due to mining or winter damage. Ideally, travel with at least two vehicles and always let someone know your plans. This is one of the most isolated drives you can find in Chile.
extremeDriving the international border road to Salin Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a truly epic border crossing? Then set your sights on Portezuelo de Salín, aka Paso de Salín. This bad boy straddles the Argentina-Chile divide at a lung-busting 13,172 feet! We're talking serious Andes mountain territory here, north of the Socompa volcano. Now, don't expect any smooth sailing. The road is totally unpaved and in seriously rough shape. This is a 4x4-only kind of adventure. Plus, you're way out there – think minimal traffic, scorching desert heat, and not a lot of water. It's a challenging drive, to say the least. Word to the wise: stick to the marked roads. Seriously. Back in the '70s, things got a little tense between Chile and Argentina, and some areas were mined. While they're supposedly marked, things shift, so stay alert and follow the obvious paths. Also, only cross the border at official points. But hey, the scenery is unreal! Just be prepared for extremes – baking sun during the day and freezing temps at night. Arid landscapes as far as the eye can see! This is one unforgettable ride for those who dare to take it on.
hardTravelling Through Ruta 27 (CH-27) in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising on Ruta 27 in northern Chile, smack-dab in the Andes. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a serious high-altitude adventure across a wild, arid plateau. This two-lane paved beauty stretches for 156 kilometers (97 miles), linking San Pedro de Atacama to Argentina via Paso de Jama. It's a fairly new route, fully paved since 2005, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a breeze. Prepare for steep climbs and some challenging conditions, especially those strong, dry winds and the blazing sun! Sunglasses, H2O, and a couple of spare tires are absolute must-haves. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll be hitting some serious heights, topping out at Portezuelo Paranal, a mountain pass sitting pretty at a breathtaking 4,832 meters (15,853 feet). That makes it one of South America's highest paved roads. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride!