Navigating Ollague Volcano: An Epic Journey on One of South America's Highest Roads
Bolivia, south-america
24.7 km
5,868 m
extreme
Year-round
Volcán Ollagüe! This massive Andean stratovolcano straddling the Chile-Bolivia border is not just a sight to behold, it's a climbable BEAST, clocking in at a staggering 5,868m (19,251ft) above sea level. This is seriously high-altitude driving!
We're talking about a proper old-school, unpaved mine road on the volcano's northern flank. Forget guardrails; this is raw, rugged terrain. This extreme road tops out at 5,705m (18,717ft). You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 for this adventure. Trust me, this isn't a Sunday drive – this is a test of your off-roading mettle, with hairpin after hairpin and dizzying drops right next to the tires.
Starting from the charmingly remote village of Ollagüe in Chile, the road winds its way up 24.7km (15.34 miles) to the summit. Get ready for 35 tight hairpin turns and an average gradient of 8.04%. That's one seriously steep climb.
Keep a close eye on the weather, though. This area's known for sudden storms, avalanches, snow, and landslides, especially in January and February. Plus, even though Ollagüe hasn't erupted in recorded history, it's still got some serious fumarole action, with a constant plume of steam rising from the summit.
And a HUGE word of caution: if you've got respiratory or heart issues, or you're prone to altitude sickness, this drive is NOT for you. The air is thin, REALLY thin. The oxygen level up there is about 40% lower than at sea level, so breathing is a chore, your pulse will be racing, and even simple movements will feel like a workout. The views? Absolutely mind-blowing. The challenge? Seriously intense.
Where is it?
Navigating Ollague Volcano: An Epic Journey on One of South America's Highest Roads is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -15.8960, -62.2235
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 24.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,868 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -15.8960, -62.2235
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Chungara Lake?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in the far north of Chile, practically knocking on Bolivia's door, smack-dab in the middle of Lauca National Park. You're headed to Lago Chungará, a shimmering jewel of a lake sitting way, way up at 14,820 feet! Seriously, this lake is one of the highest in South America. The road you'll be cruising on is Ruta 11, also known as Carretera Internacional CH11. It's a fully paved 15.5-mile stretch heading east from Putre, which is already one of the highest towns you'll ever see. Expect some company, especially from trucks rumbling along. Now, listen up: altitude is the name of the game here. We're talking thin air, so give your car a once-over before you go, especially if it's got a carburetor. And fuel? Fill 'er up in Arica because gas stations are ghosts along these roads. Pack extra if you're planning a longer trek. But trust me, the views are worth it! Keep your camera handy for those postcard-perfect shots of volcanoes mirroring in the lake. Just remember the weather up here can be wild, so be prepared and soak it all in!
moderateVolcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drives
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic adventure through the Valley of Volcanoes in southern Peru's Arequipa province! This isn't your typical Sunday drive – it's a 44.3 km gravel track linking Andagua and the stunning Colca Canyon, and it's packed with more than 85 volcanic cones! The Valley of Volcanoes road serves up views for days as it weaves through crazy-deep river valleys and climbs over multiple 3,000-meter mountain passes. The road is maintained, so you can safely cruise along in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle (just take it slow on those long, straight stretches!). Trust me, this drive is a MUST. The geological formations are unreal, with volcanic rocks sculpted by nature into all sorts of animal shapes. And the photo ops? Forget about it! Seriously, charge those batteries, clear your memory cards, and prepare to snap some unforgettable shots. If you're hunting for a place that's wild, remote, and practically untouched by tourism, you've hit the jackpot!
extremeWhere is the Portezuelo de Guaitiquina pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure! The Portezuelo de Guaitiquina is a high-altitude border crossing between Chile and Argentina that's way less touristy than the Paso de Sico. We're talking raw, isolated beauty through the Andes' high-desert terrain, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province. This route, spanning roughly from the B-357 junction in Chile to the Salta border, is a wild 4x4 ride. Think endless salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and huge horizons. It’s you, your rig, and the silence of the desert. The road itself? Mostly unpaved. In Chile, it's known as RP37, but on the Argentine side, it’s just an unnamed track towards Catua. Expect some seriously steep climbs that will push your engine and cooling system to the limit in the thin air. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, so a high-clearance 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. Hazards? Oh, there are a few. First, the altitude – a whopping 4,288 meters! Acclimatize beforehand, because altitude sickness is no joke. Second, and this is a big one, some areas around the border are still mined from back in the day. Stay. On. The. Road. Seriously. Don't wander off! If you're planning to cross the border here, opening hours are typically 8 am to 6 pm, but they can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is harsh – think extreme cold, high winds, and potential snow or ice, especially in winter. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Help is a long way off, and you won't find cell service out here.
extremeAbra de Rumualdo
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Abra de Rumualdo in the Caylloma Province of Peru! This bad boy tops out at a staggering 3,434m (11,266ft) above sea level, so be prepared for some seriously thin air. You'll be tackling the Carretera Cincha – Huanca, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking avalanches, landslides, and a road surface that steadily deteriorates from asphalt to a single lane of asphalt, and then to a gravel mule track. Keep an eye on the weather because snowstorms and blizzards can roll in out of nowhere. Expect over 200 turns, including some seriously tight hairpin switchbacks. The road is incredibly steep, so maybe lay off that extra helping of lunch – you might be feeling a little queasy as you wind your way up. The views, if you dare to take your eyes off the road, are absolutely breathtaking, but this is one drive where courage and skill are absolutely essential!