Is the road to Cerro Pachón paved?
Chile, south-america
14.9 km
2,696 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Cerro Pachón! Nestled way up high in the Chilean Coquimbo Region, this peak tops out at a breathtaking 2,696 meters (8,845 feet). The road up, Camino Centro Astronómico, is about 14.9 kilometers (9.25 miles) long, starting from the D317. Get ready for a climb, because you'll gain 951 meters in elevation, averaging a 6.38 percent gradient.
The road itself is mostly paved, with some concrete sections thrown in for good measure. Just a tiny bit at the very end – the last 200 meters – is a well-maintained dirt road.
But what's at the top? Prepare to be amazed! Cerro Pachón is home to some serious astronomical firepower: the Gemini South Telescope, the SOAR Telescope, and the soon-to-be-operational Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This new observatory, with its massive 8.4-meter mirror and gigantic camera, promises to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
A word of caution: due to the extreme altitude, this drive isn't recommended for those with hypertension, cardiovascular issues, or lung problems. And leave the little ones at home – no one under 6 is allowed up. But if you're prepared, the views and the astronomical wonders are totally worth the trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 14.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,696 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeCerro Chajnantor, an awe-inspiring route in the Atacama desert
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Chile's Atacama Desert awaits Cerro Chajnantor, clocking in at a staggering 18,487 feet. We're talking serious altitude here, making it one of South America's highest roads! Forget smooth asphalt; this is a raw, unpaved challenge best tackled with a 4x4 beast. The landscape is seriously otherworldly, but also seriously dry and unforgiving. The prize? A 20-foot telescope perched at the summit, making it the highest astronomical site on the planet! Built back in '06, this climb isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). If you've got respiratory issues or heart problems, sit this one out. The air is THIN, and the road is STEEP. Seriously, most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you even get close to the top. Expect your engine to struggle too! The paved road is your starting point for this 8.6-mile ascent. The climb gains a whopping 2,769 feet, averaging a 6% gradient. Brace yourself for an unforgettable ride — and maybe bring some oxygen!
extremeWhere is Embalse El Yeso?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: Embalse El Yeso, a ridiculously turquoise reservoir nestled high in the Chilean Andes, a couple of hours outside Santiago. We're talking 2,605 meters (8,546 feet) above sea level, people! Built back in '64 by damming the Yeso River, this spot boasts seriously clear skies – no smog here, just pure, deep blue. Plus, the water is perfect for fishing and windsurfing. Getting there? That's half the adventure. The road – Camino Embalse El Yeso – starts in San Gabriel and it's 23 km (14.29 miles) of pure, unpaved, off-road fun. Think Star Wars landscape. Now, this isn't a Sunday drive. It's got hairpin turns, narrow stretches, and some seriously steep climbs. Starting from San Gabriel, you'll gain 1,300 meters in elevation, averaging a 5.65% gradient. Be warned: this dirt road is no joke, with switchbacks and major drop-offs. You might find yourself sharing what feels like a one-lane road with oncoming traffic. Seriously, don't go it alone or in bad weather. Those drops are no joke! Visibility can be tricky, so take it slow, especially when those cars are coming in the opposite direction! The trickiest part? The southern shore of the reservoir. Heads up: snow can shut this place down, just like in the Himalayas. A 4x4 might be needed in the winter, but even then, heavy snowfall can make it totally impassable. The weather can flip on you in a heartbeat, especially in the shoulder seasons. Rain, fog, or the dreaded "White Wind" (ice and snow storm) can be super dangerous, so triple-check the forecast before you head out.
hardWhere is Sico Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for an epic border crossing between Chile and Argentina, then Paso de Sico is calling your name. This high-altitude pass sits at a staggering 13,425 feet above sea level, linking the Antofagasta Region of Chile with the Salta Province of Argentina. We're talking serious Andes mountain scenery here! The journey stretches for 209 miles, winding from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to the quaint town of San Antonio de los Cobres in Argentina. On the Chilean side, expect smooth sailing on a newly paved road. But Argentina throws in some spice with a challenging unpaved section – though rumors say it may get paved soon! Keep an eye on the weather! Summer brings pleasant 23°C, but winter dips to a chilly -12°C. It’s open year-round, but those high altitudes mean things can get cold and seriously windy, so pack accordingly. Get ready for views that'll leave you breathless (literally, maybe, at that altitude!), and an experience you won't soon forget!
extremeA memorable road trip to Abra del Lizoite
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra del Lizoite, a seriously high mountain pass in Argentina, clocking in at a whopping 4,536m (14,882ft)! We're talking about one of the highest roads in the whole country, so prepare for some serious altitude. You'll find this beast nestled west of Abra Campana, right on the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces, up in northern Argentina near Bolivia. Think stunning, remote landscapes. Now, let's be real: the road to the top is a wild ride. It's entirely unpaved and seriously challenging, with more curves and hairpin turns than you can count. If you get carsick easily, maybe think twice! And definitely bring a high-clearance vehicle – you'll need it. This epic road is known as Ruta Provincial 5 (RP5) in Jujuy Province and Ruta Provincial 7 (RP7) in Salta Province. The whole thing stretches for about 78km (48 miles), running from Cajas (in Jujuy) to the seriously cool high-altitude town of Santa Victoria Oeste in Salta, which sits pretty at 2,400m above sea level. The scenery is absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive, trust me!