Huahum Pass
Argentina, south-america
N/A
625 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits at Paso Huahum! This international mountain pass sits pretty high in the Andes, about 2,051 feet up, marking the border between Chile and Argentina. It's one of the lower passes around, making it a bit more accessible.
You'll find it connecting San Martín de los Andes in Argentina with Panguipulli in Chile. On the Chilean side, you're on Ruta CH-203, while Argentina calls it Ruta Provincial 48. Word of warning: both are gravel roads. Expect it to be unpaved, rocky, and steep on the Chilean side, but a bit more graded in Argentina. You can manage it in a 2WD with decent clearance if you take it slow and steady, especially on those long, dry stretches. Keep an eye out for washboarding, ruts, and dips!
Now for the really cool part: the Chilean side involves a ferry ride across Lake Pirihueico! The Hua Hum ferry is your ticket, running daily between Puerto Fuy and Puerto Pirihueico, clocking in at around 1.5 hours. This pass is a key route from Chile's Los Ríos Region into Argentina's Neuquén Province, and the best part? It stays open year-round – no snow closures here! The scenery is absolutely worth the trek!
Where is it?
Huahum Pass is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.4472, -63.1792
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 625 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -38.4472, -63.1792
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhat are the highest roads in Argentina?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Argentina, the land of tango and stunning landscapes, also boasts some seriously high-altitude roads! We're talking about routes snaking through the Andes Mountains in western Argentina, a range that stretches for over 4,000 kilometers. Forget flat plains – we're climbing to some of the highest navigable roads on Earth, often over 4,700 meters (15,400 ft)! These aren’t your average paved highways, though. Expect rugged, unpaved tracks originally carved out for mining or to connect with Chile. So, get ready for a wild ride across challenging mountain passes, rewarded with views that’ll take your breath away (literally, the air is thin up there!). Prepare for an adventure on some of Argentina’s most demanding – and highest – roads!
extremeWhere is the road to Portezuelo Sairécabur?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're blazing a trail northeast of San Pedro de Atacama, right on the knife's edge of the Chilean/Bolivian border. You're heading to Portezuelo Sairécabur, an old, forgotten mining route punching way up into the Andes. Seriously, this isn't your Sunday drive—it's a raw, off-road odyssey into one of the most desolate corners of South America. This "road," officially the B-221, kicks off near Laguna del Inca o del Portillo, but don't expect pavement. Think loose gravel, deep sand, and gnarly volcanic rock. This is 4x4 territory, no question. We're talking a relentless climb, averaging around a 7% gradient, that’ll have your engine screaming for mercy thanks to the thin air. Oh, and did I mention the 15 super-tight hairpin turns? One wrong move in that loose sand, and you're stuck. Be ready for the "road" to vanish under fresh snow or shifting dunes at any moment. And the altitude? Whoa, buddy, it’s a killer. We're talking 5,541 meters (18,179 feet)! Seriously, you NEED to acclimatize in San Pedro before even thinking about this. Otherwise, altitude sickness can ruin your trip – or worse. Expect to move in slow motion as the air robs you of energy, and your brain feels like it’s wading through peanut butter. Plus, your engine is going to lose a ton of power, so low gear and a super-chill driving style are your best friends. The weather? Forget about it. Harsh doesn't even begin to cover it. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're getting hammered by a blizzard. It's almost always windy and freezing, even in summer. Summit temps? Rarely above zero. So, check the forecast, but pack for Armageddon: thermal gear, emergency blankets, and enough fuel to keep your heater blasting if you get stranded. Bottom line: Portezuelo Sairécabur is an epic adventure, but respect the mountain, and come prepared.
easyThe wild road to Huayunca doesn’t drop below 4.900m for 25km
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure awaits at Huayunca Pass! Perched way up in the Peruvian Andes, right where the Cusco and Apurimac regions meet, this beast hits a staggering 5,115 meters (16,781 feet). Yeah, you're gonna feel that altitude! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 25.1 km (15.59 mile) unpaved stretch kicking off from Abra Culipampa, heading east towards Abra Azuca. Think mind-blowing views in the Wansu range, especially on the initial climb. Seriously gorgeous! Heads up, though: The actual summit's a bit of a letdown. You've gotta check in at the Azuca silver mine (yep, at 5,000m!), and the views from the very top aren't the greatest. The descent isn't super scenic either. BUT that initial climb? Totally worth it. The road's generally in good shape, and the slopes aren't too crazy most of the way. Just make sure you're used to the altitude before you even think about tackling this one!
hardThe Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Caliz, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, is calling your name. This crazy-high mountain pass straddles the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces in Peru, clocking in at a staggering 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!) above sea level. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in Peru. You'll find it nestled in the Cusco Region, way up in the southern highlands, practically breathing the same air as the snow-capped Quesso Queperina and the Quelccaya Glacier. Think stunning Cordillera Vilcanota range scenery! Word of warning: winter here means game over. Snow makes it totally impassable. So, peep that weather forecast like your life depends on it (because, well, kinda!). Road 1406 is the name, and unpaved is the game. This 50-kilometer (31-mile) stretch from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) to CU-125 Road is no Sunday drive. Expect gnarly drop-offs, super-skinny sections, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? Oxygen's thin up here, so pack your common sense and prep for potential AMS. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, this north-to-south trek is an absolute must. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this planet has to offer.