Laguna Verde
Chile, south-america
N/A
4,298 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Bolivia, in the Sur Lípez Province of Potosí, cruising through the Salvador Dalí Desert. You're headed to Laguna Verde, a mind-blowing salt lake shimmering at a staggering 4,300 meters (that's 14,100 feet!) above sea level.
Now, the road? Let's just say it's an adventure. Think gravel and sand tracks winding their way to the lake. It can get seriously muddy and slick if it's been raining, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge. After a big storm, you might even find the road totally impassable, even in a 4x4. But trust me, the views are SO worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,298 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardCuesta de Llanta
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers, because Cuesta de Llanta in Chile's Atacama Region is not for the faint of heart! Situated in the Chañaral Province, this climb is seriously brutal. You'll find it along Carretera C-13, otherwise known as Camino al Salvador or Camino a Diego de Almagro. The road itself is paved, but don't let that fool you – it's incredibly steep, and you'll be sharing the road with lots of trucks. This 2.4-kilometer stretch averages an 8% gradient. Get ready for a wild ride!
moderateWhere is Icalma Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Argentina and Chile at a cool 1,307 meters (that's 4,288 feet!) above sea level. This is the Icalma Pass, a newly paved gem nestled high in the Andes. On the Argentinian side, it's known as RP23, while in Chile, it transforms into Route R-89. The whole shebang is about 14.8 km long, connecting the charming villages of Villa Pehuenia in Argentina and Icalma in Chile. Close to the top, there's a border crossing point. Now, a word of warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. You're high in the mountains, so the weather can be a bit of a drama queen – changing in a heartbeat. Snow and heavy conditions are common, especially in winter, so be prepared for restrictions and mandatory snow chains. But generally, it's open year-round, so keep an eye on local reports, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
extremeWhere is Cerro Estrella?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cerro Estrella, also called Lastarria, sits right on the border between Argentina (Salta Province) and Chile (Antofagasta). We're talking serious altitude here – the summit hits a whopping 17,680 feet (5,389m)! Up top, you'll find the remains of Mina La Julia, an abandoned sulfur mine that was buzzing from the '50s to the late '70s. Now, it's a ghost town, a stark reminder of a bygone era. Getting to the top is no joke! This isn't your Sunday drive. The road is an old mining track that demands a 4x4. Be ready for some seriously steep inclines. A word of caution: this climb isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). The extreme altitude means less oxygen, which can be tough on the body. If you have any heart or breathing issues, seriously reconsider this one. Even if you're fit, be aware of altitude sickness – it can hit anyone! The air up there has only about 60% of the oxygen you're used to at sea level, so even simple tasks become a workout. Oh, and heads up – this road is typically impassable during the winter months. The Andes throw everything they've got at it – heavy snow, blizzards that kill visibility, and crazy wind. Even in summer, be prepared for unexpected snow or sudden cold snaps. Powerful winds are pretty much a constant companion.
hardLago Laramcota
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Bolivia, you HAVE to check out Lago Laramcota. This stunner sits way up high in the Kimsa Cruz mountains at a whopping 15,915 feet! The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. This isn't a Sunday drive – it's steep! And remember, we're talking serious altitude here. The air gets thin, and you'll feel it, especially since it's a brutal climb. But the views? Oh man, the views are totally worth it. Just be aware that in the winter this route is a no-go. Also, near the top, there's an old mine road that climbs even higher to a dizzying 16,843 feet! So, if you're not afraid of heights and you crave a real off-road challenge, Lago Laramcota is calling your name.