Ojos del Salado is one of the highest accessible points by car on Earth
Chile, south-america
600 km
6,500 m
hard
Year-round
# Ojos del Salado: The World's Highest Volcano Road
Standing at a jaw-dropping 6,891 meters (22,608 feet), Ojos del Salado is the world's highest volcano and sits right on the Argentina-Chile border. It's not just impressive for its elevation—it's also one of the most accessible ultra-high peaks you can actually drive to, making it a magnet for adventure seekers and record-breakers alike.
Nestled in the Andes, roughly 600 kilometers north of Aconcagua, this massive stratovolcano connects Chile's Atacama Region with Argentina's Catamarca Province. The volcano sits just south of the Atacama Desert, creating an otherworldly landscape where snow clings to the peak only during winter months. The rest of the year? Bone-dry conditions dominate.
## A Playground for Record-Seekers
Ojos del Salado has become legendary for altitude records. In 2007, a heavily modified 1986 Suzuki Samurai driven by Chileans Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales Moya reached 6,688 meters, smashing the previous vehicle record. That modified little beast had supercharger upgrades, reinforced axles, and custom suspension—necessary equipment for such an insane climb.
Since then, the records keep coming. A Mercedes truck hit 6,675 meters, a solar-powered e-vehicle reached 6,500 meters in 2024, and motorcycles have pushed higher too. In 2015, Chilean rider Gianfranco Bianchi set the motorbike record at 6,472 meters on a Suzuki RMZ 450. Even cyclists have joined the party—Guido Kunze pedaled an astonishing 6,233 meters in 2013, covering over 342 kilometers from the Pacific coast in just over 37 hours.
## The Real Challenge
Don't let the "accessible by vehicle" part fool you—this is genuinely brutal. The terrain throws everything at you: steep climbs, massive boulders, snow, glaciers, and deep volcanic sand. Most roads don't combine all these obstacles in a single journey, but Ojos del Salado does it gleefully.
Add in hurricane-force winds, temperatures plummeting to minus 30°C (minus 22°F), and the relentless effects of extreme altitude, and you've got a recipe for serious danger. Medical help? Forget it—you're looking at a day or more for evacuation, and helicopter rescue is virtually impossible in these conditions. This is one of South America's most unforgiving roads, and it demands respect.
Where is it?
Ojos del Salado is one of the highest accessible points by car on Earth is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -27.1090, -68.5410
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 600 km
- Max Elevation
- 6,500 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -27.1090, -68.5410
Related Roads in south-america
moderateThe challenging Puente Río Moat
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, picture this: you're way down south in Argentina, practically at the bottom of the world, about to cross the ridiculously cool Moat River bridge. This wooden wonder is only 42 meters long, but trust me, it feels epic! Get ready for a 90km gravel road trip through scenery that'll blow your mind. This route? Pure Patagonia magic. Just a heads up, though: keep your eyes peeled, because the road can be a bit rough and rugged. But hey, that's half the fun, right? Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateDriving the Wild Unpaved Road to Abra Culipampa in Apurimac
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Culipampa, a seriously high mountain pass nestled in the Apurímac region of Peru! We're talking a lung-busting 4,834 meters (that's 15,859 feet!) above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Located in southern Peru, the 98km (61-mile) stretch, also known as Carretera 111, winds its way north-south from Antabamba (Antapampa) towards the Arequipa border. Now, here's the kicker: it's entirely unpaved. Some sections are decent, but others are sandy, so a high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet. Keep in mind this is a mining road, so you'll be sharing the road with trucks. But hey, the views are worth it! Think stunning lakes and majestic volcanoes lining your path. Just be prepared to share the road with those hard-working mining trucks as you soak it all in.
hardLos Caracoles Drive Guide From Santiago to Mendoza Through High Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're itching for an epic road trip, something that'll test your nerves and reward you with views that'll blow your mind. Look no further than the route between Santiago, Chile, and Mendoza, Argentina. This isn't just crossing a border; it's conquering the Andes, that colossal mountain range that forms the backbone of South America. You'll start in the buzzing Chilean capital, but soon enough, the city fades in the rearview mirror, and you're snaking your way into the mountains. Ruta 60 starts off friendly enough, but don't be fooled. As you climb, the air gets thinner, the temperature drops, and you know you're entering serious territory. Then comes the main event: Los Caracoles, "The Snails." Trust me, the name is spot on. This stretch is a wild collection of 29 hairpin turns, one right after the other. Forget straightaways; it's all about zig-zagging up a barren mountainside. You'll go from around 2,600 feet to over 10,500 feet in a crazy short distance. And here's the kicker: many of these corners have no guardrails. Yeah, you read that right. One wrong move, and you're looking at a serious drop. The views are insane – think dizzying valleys and towering peaks – but you'll need to keep your eyes on the road. Reaching the top of Los Caracoles is only half the battle. You're now at the Paso de los Libertadores, a high-altitude pass where the weather can turn on a dime. Snowstorms and blizzards are common, especially from June to September. Ice can turn the road into a skating rink, and visibility can drop to zero. The pass sometimes closes for days or even weeks, trapping vehicles. Even in summer, keep an eye out for sudden storms and strong winds. Near the top, you'll plunge into the Túnel del Cristo Redentor, a 2-mile tunnel that bores through the mountain, connecting Chile and Argentina. It's narrow, dimly lit, and feels like entering the heart of the Andes. Altitude can mess with your car too; engines can lose power, and you might feel a little short of breath. Take it slow and steady. For the truly adventurous (and those with a serious 4x4), there's an old unpaved road that climbs even higher, topping out at nearly 12,600 feet near the Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. It's only open a few months in summer and is a raw, wild ride. Just remember, Los Caracoles is a major commercial route, so you'll be sharing the road with massive double-trailer trucks. These guys crawl up and down the steep grades, and overtaking them is risky. You'll often find yourself stuck behind them, inching along in low gear. Patience is key. Before you even think about tackling this drive, make sure you're prepared. Steep climbs, high altitude, and unpredictable weather demand respect. Check your tires, lights, and battery. A breakdown up here can be more than just an inconvenience. Finally, you'll hit the border crossing at the Complejo Fronterizo Los Libertadores. Be warned: during peak season (January–February) or after a weather closure, the wait times can be insane – sometimes 8–10 hours. Lines of cars and trucks stretch for miles, and services are limited. Pack water, snacks, and a full tank of gas. Timing is everything. If possible, travel outside peak months and check for recent closures. It could save you hours.
extremeAbra Huamanripa
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because Abra Huamanripa in the Ancash region of Peru is a wild ride! This high-altitude pass, also called Abra Yanashalla, tops out at a whopping 4,879 meters (that's over 16,000 feet!). It's the highest point on the Pachacoto – Huayllanca road, a route famed for its stunning, if somewhat intimidating, beauty. Typically open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes has other plans, and snow can temporarily shut things down. The climb is intense, to say the least. The air is thin, the slopes are steep, and the gravel road can get pretty hairy after rain or snow – you might want a 4x4 for some sections. Be warned: this road isn't for the faint of heart! Expect unpredictable weather – snowstorms and blizzards can roll in fast, making driving seriously challenging. Avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides are real possibilities, and icy patches are common. Road closures aren't unusual, so it's a must to check the latest conditions before you go. But, if you're prepared for an adventure, the views are absolutely worth it!