How to get by car to Tocorpuri Volcano on the border of Chile and Bolivia?
Bolivia, south-america
90 km
5,563 m
hard
Year-round
Ready for an epic adventure? Head to the Chile-Bolivia border and discover the incredible Volcán Tocorpuri. A mining road snakes its way up this dormant volcano, climbing to a staggering 5,563 meters (that's over 18,251 feet!). It's seriously one of the highest roads you'll find here.
You'll find Tocorpuri, also known as Michina, Cerro de Tocorpuri, or Cerros de Tocorpuri straddling the border between Chile (Antofagasta) and Bolivia (Potosí). The volcano itself is ancient, formed from old lava flows and volcanic debris. The latest activity was around 34,000 years ago, but there's still geothermal action nearby, possibly linked to the El Tatio geysers.
The road itself? It's a beast! Built for sulfur mining, this unpaved, sandy track winds up the Bolivian side. You'll need a 4x4 for sure. Expect a nail-biting 90 km (56 miles) drive from Quetena Grande, complete with narrow sections and a whole lot of hairpin turns. The views? Absolutely breathtaking, but keep your eyes on the road!
Where is it?
How to get by car to Tocorpuri Volcano on the border of Chile and Bolivia? is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -15.9643, -62.4459
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 90 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,563 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -15.9643, -62.4459
Related Roads in south-america
hardRoad LM-110
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in the Huaral province of Peru and looking for an adrenaline rush, Carretera LM-110 is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about 50.8 kilometers (31.5 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel and bumpiness, all set at a lung-busting 2,500 meters above sea level. Seriously, night driving or poor visibility? Hard pass unless you're a seasoned pro. Think hairpin turns – we're talking 29 of them – and dizzying drop-offs that could make your stomach do somersaults. We're talking vertical drops of over 1,000 meters just waiting on some turns. And did I mention there are basically no guardrails? Reaching a peak elevation of 3,375 meters (11,072 feet), this route links the villages of San José and Sumbilca, nestled in the heart of the Andes. Pro tip: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe choose a different adventure. But if you're up for a challenge with views that'll take your breath away (if the altitude doesn't first!), this road is an absolute must-do.
hardA Remote and Rugged Route: Abra Caballuni Pass in Puno Province
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Caballuni in the Puno Province of Peru! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a sky-high mountain pass hitting a whopping 16,272 feet above sea level. You'll find this beauty south of Puno, nestled in the southern reaches of the country. The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. Think unpaved, all gravel, all the time. Prepare for hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, seriously steep climbs, and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Oh, and did I mention the dramatic drop-offs? A high-clearance vehicle isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Clocking in at around 44 miles between Ichuña and Cutimbo, this west-to-east route is a feast for the eyes. Get ready for views that'll make your jaw drop!
extremeLaguna Huascachoca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Lima Region of western Peru lies Laguna Huascachoca, a stunning high-altitude lake chilling at a whopping 4,485m (14,714ft). Getting there is half the adventure – and I mean *adventure*! The road, known as 20A, is not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, seriously steep inclines, and enough exposure to make your palms sweat. We're talking about a mind-numbing vertical drop of hundreds of meters... so maybe skip it on a windy day? This route links Lima and Colquijirca, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Mountains stretch out before you in every direction. But heads up: this altitude is no joke. Snowfall can close the road anytime, and heavy mist can roll in, making visibility a real challenge. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls, and landslides are also real concerns, with frequent icy patches thrown in for good measure. The climb is brutal, and the lack of oxygen will test your lungs (and maybe your sanity!). Altitude sickness can kick in around 2,500-2,800 meters, so be prepared. Basically, it's epic scenery mixed with a healthy dose of "hold on tight!"
extremeCuesta del Clavillo
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Cuesta del Clavillo in Tucumán Province, Argentina! This isn't just a road; it's a wild ride carved into the mountains within the Parque Nacional Campo de los Alisos. Think Ruta Nacional 65—but forget the smooth tarmac. We're talking a narrow, dirt track that clings impossibly to the cliffside, snaking up via 14 crazy-tight hairpin turns. This 5.5km stretch throws you from 1,625m to 1,867m above sea level, packing in a 242-meter climb with some sections hitting a serious 10% gradient. Translation: it's steep! The gravel surface can be loose, especially on the edges, so stay sharp. Heads up: this route isn't for the faint of heart! Expect heavy traffic, year-round rain and fog. Landslides, anyone? Visibility can drop to zero in an instant. And those views? Stunning, but remember that in many spots, it's a sheer drop of hundreds of meters with zero guardrails. If you’re prone to motion sickness, maybe skip that extra empanada before you go! Oh, and be prepared. This track gets seriously muddy and slippery after rain, so even a 4x4 might struggle. During and after a storm, it can be totally impassable. But, for the skilled and the brave, Cuesta del Clavillo offers an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping experience.