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
hardDriving the defiant Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino in Salta
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, smack-dab in the middle of Salta province, ready to tackle the incredible Piedra del Molino Pass. Get ready for an adventure because this baby tops out at a breathtaking 3,367 meters (11,046 feet)! The summit's got a cool story, named for a massive grinding stone that supposedly broke in half way up here back in '27. It was meant for a valley, but fate (and gravity) had other plans! You'll find this stunner nestled in Los Cardones National Park. Most of the route is paved but don't get complacent – it's a wild, winding ride on Ruta Provincial 33, famously known as Cuesta del Obispo, in honor of Bishop Julián Cortazar. Clocking in at 105 km (65 miles) from Payogasta to El Carril, this road is not for the faint of heart (or stomach!). Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and some jaw-dropping drop-offs. But trust me, it's worth it! Just before you hit the summit, there's an amazing lookout point. You'll get panoramic views of those crazy hairpin turns and the Quebrada del Escoipe. And at the top? A sweet little chapel dedicated to St. Rafael. Road trip gold!
extremeRoad 101
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up! If you find yourself in the Pallasca province of Peru and fancy a drive on the wild side, Carretera 101 is calling your name. But fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a high-altitude mountain road, mostly sitting around 3,500m above sea level. Picture this: roughly 87 kilometers of a mix of gravel and asphalt, twisting and turning with hairpin curves carved right into the mountainside. The road narrows constantly, demanding a steady hand. Oh, and did I mention the dizzying drops of up to 1,200m? Seriously, don't look down if you're prone to vertigo! Some sections are so narrow that passing another car can involve a multi-kilometer reversing ballet to find a wider spot. After rain, the asphalt gets super slick, adding another layer of challenge. Keep an eye out for potholes from a past asphalting project, and be aware of security concerns in the region. Extreme caution with kidnapping and banditry occur often in the region and ongoing armed assaults with some attacks targeting tourists and convoys. But if you're brave enough to tackle Carretera 101, you'll be rewarded with absolutely stunning scenery. Just be prepared for an adventure – this road will test your skills and your nerves!
hardThe road to Cotopaxi Refuge is not for timid drivers
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you’re itching for a high-altitude thrill ride in Ecuador, you HAVE to check out the road to Refugio José Rivas on Cotopaxi volcano! This epic spot sits at a staggering 4,639m (15,219ft), putting it way up there in the "highest roads in Ecuador" category. Located about 50 km (31 mi) south of Quito, nestled in the majestic Andes, the road to the "Refugio Cotopaxi," as the locals call it, is pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking a bumpy, gravel track that's been seriously roughed up by rain. Expect dust clouds in dry weather and a muddy slip-n-slide when it's wet. This road climbs to the parking lot for the refuge. Perched high on the northern slopes of Volcán Cotopaxi, Ecuador's second-highest volcano, inside Cotopaxi National Park, the views are absolutely unreal. On a clear day, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the volcano's iconic cone shape. This refuge sleeps 86 people, and you'll be in the shadow of an active volcano that’s erupted over 50 times since 1738! Be prepared for altitude sickness. Now, a word of warning: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The weather can be a real wildcard with wind and thunderstorms. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a 4WD with high clearance is a must. The thin air at this altitude can rob your engine of power, so make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ready for a challenge. Starting at Ovejería, the ascent is 8.2 km (5.09 miles) long with some serious inclines – we're talking gradients of up to 14% in places! Over this distance, you’ll climb 763 meters. Get ready for an unforgettable, if somewhat hair-raising, journey!
extremeHow is the road to Portezuelo Maricunga?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Chile, deep in the Atacama Desert, about to tackle Portezuelo Maricunga. This ain't your average Sunday drive! We're talking seriously remote, high-altitude adventure in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park. This pass clocks in at a lung-busting altitude, so take it easy. The weather? Wild! Think scorching days followed by freezing nights, plus winds that'll knock your socks off. Road-wise, you're looking at roughly 62 miles of pure grit. Starting about 62 miles from La Puerta, it's a 4x4-only situation, trust me. Route C-601 is mostly gravel and sand, and it gets gnarly near the top. Prepare for eight tight switchbacks that'll have you earning that summit view. Bring everything you need — there's nothing out here. Hazards? Oh, we got 'em. Those rare desert rains can turn the sand into a mud pit, trapping even the toughest rigs. The altitude will mess with your head and your engine. Pack extra fuel, tons of water, and a way to call for help. But the views? Epic. You'll be driving through some of the most incredible, desolate landscapes the High Andes has to offer. Seriously, this is one for the bucket list.