
Nevados de Vilcún
Chile, south-america
47 km
1,508 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for a wild ride up to Nevados de Vilcún, a ski resort nestled in the stunning Conguillío National Park in Chile's Araucania region!
The road, known as S-31, is your rugged path to paradise. It's a 4.7km gravel road that's usually in pretty good condition. Get ready for a climb! Starting at 1,092m above sea level off the S-297-R road, you'll ascend 416 meters to the resort at 1,508m. That's an average gradient of nearly 9%, so hold on tight! The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, making the steep climb totally worth it. Get your camera ready!
Where is it?
Nevados de Vilcún is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -35.3306, -74.7372
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 47 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,508 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -35.3306, -74.7372
Related Roads in south-america
hardThe road to Curiquinca Volcano isn’t an easy one
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Curiquinca! This bad boy is a stratovolcano straddling the Bolivia-Chile border, clocking in at a whopping 18,454 feet above sea level. We're talking serious altitude! Nestled in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the gravel track isn't just a scenic route; it's a rugged climb up to a sulfur mine. Translation? This road is not for the faint of heart! Oxygen gets thin up there, and the climb is seriously steep. Most people start feeling altitude sickness way before you reach the top, so be prepared. Think harsh sun, relentless winds whipping up dust devils, and a trail that'll test your off-roading skills to the max. Sunglasses are a must, water is your best friend, and trust me, bring two full-sized spare tires – you'll thank me later. 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. But hey, the views from one of the highest roads in South America? Totally worth it!
hardRuta Totoro-Inza
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about the Totoro-Inza road in western Colombia, part of the legendary Carretera 26. Picture this: you're cruising through the Cauca Department, linking the adorable towns of Totoró and Inzá on a 67.1 km journey. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. It's a steep climb, topping out at a breathtaking 3,373m (11,066ft) above sea level! Keep your eyes peeled because you'll likely be driving through clouds and fog – talk about atmosphere! The road surface is a mixed bag, with concrete, gravel, and asphalt sections keeping things interesting. Plus, the route hugs the Rio Sucio, giving you killer views along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable Colombian road trip!
extremePortezuelo de Chulluncallani
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Portezuelo de Chulluncallani! This high-altitude pass in Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region, practically spitting distance from Bolivia, tops out at a breathtaking 4,492m (14,737ft). The A-319, a gravel road in decent condition, snakes its way through the stunning Las Vicuñas National Reserve. But don't let the pretty scenery fool you – this road demands respect! Prepare for seriously strong winds – they’re a constant companion. Even in summer, you could be greeted with snow. Winter? Brutally cold. With that elevation, snow can shut things down at any time. Fog can roll in thick and fast, so keep your wits about you if visibility drops. Altitude is the big challenge here. The air is THIN, with about 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Even if you're fit as a fiddle, altitude sickness can hit hard. Take it slow, listen to your body, and maybe skip this one if you have respiratory or heart issues. Engines struggle too! But if you're prepared for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it.
hardWhat’s the world’s highest ski resort?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Ruta Chacaltaya in Bolivia! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 9.6 km (5.96 miles) unpaved climb starting near Ingenio, hauling you up 635 meters to a staggering 5,260m (17,257ft) above sea level. Yeah, you'll need a 4x4 – and maybe a bit of courage because this baby gets steep, like up to 14% steep! The road's narrow, a little rough, and those drop-offs? Let's just say they add some "spice" to the journey. What awaits you at the top? The remains of what was once the world's highest ski resort. Snow's gone now thanks to climate change, but the views are unreal. Seriously, the panoramas of Huayna Potosi, Mururata, and Illimani are incredible, not to mention the sprawling views of La Paz and El Alto. If you squint hard enough, you might even catch a glimpse of Lake Titicaca in the distance. And if you're feeling extra energetic, hike another 100 meters to the actual summit. Plus, for the science nerds, there's a gamma-ray research lab up there! Is it worth the white-knuckle drive? Absolutely!