
Paso la Chapetona, pure adventure in the Andes
Chile, south-america
25 km
3,654 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Paso la Chapetona! This high-altitude gem straddles the border between Argentina and Chile, clocking in at a lofty 3,654 meters (almost 12,000 feet!).
Tucked away in the majestic Andes, this pass, also known as Paso del Azufre Norte, links Calingasta in Argentina with Chile's Coquimbo Region. Heads up: winter slams the door shut on this route – totally impassable!
Now, for the nitty-gritty: We're talking a seriously unpaved road here – Ruta Lapislázuli, to be exact. Forget your sedan, a 4x4 is a must! This old mining road was built to service the Los Azules and Los Altares mines. The Chilean side is where the action is (25km of drivable road from Monte Patria), but the Argentinian side? Let’s just say it's more suited for mules than motors.
Where is it?
Paso la Chapetona, pure adventure in the Andes is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -35.4263, -71.2860
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 25 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,654 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -35.4263, -71.2860
Related Roads in south-america
moderateAn Andean mountain road to Pehuenche Pass
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Pehuenche is calling your name. This high-altitude beauty straddles the border between Argentina (Mendoza Province) and Chile (Maule Region) at a cool 8,389 feet above sea level. We're talking a fully paved road trip (thanks to the 2018 upgrade!) stretching 104 miles between Las Loicas, Argentina, and San Clemente, Chile. Just hop on Ruta Nacional 145 (Argentina) or CH 115 (Chile) and get ready for some serious scenery. Factor in about 2.5 to 3.5 hours of pure driving bliss (without stops, of course!). Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – they love hanging out in the high country. And hold on tight, because this route isn't shy about its steepness, with gradients hitting a max of 11% in places! Nestled deep in the Andes, Paso Pehuenche is typically open from December to March, weather permitting. So, pack your bags, check those dates, and prepare for an unforgettable ride!
moderateWhere is Abra Chaucha?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes, right on the border of Junín and Lima regions, smack-dab in the middle of the country's highlands. You're heading towards Abra Chaucha, a seriously high mountain pass. The road? Well, it's paved...sort of. Let's just say you'll want to give your suspension a pep talk before you start! We're talking some potholes that could swallow a small car whole. Seriously, think twice about driving this at night. This pass is a piece of a much longer east-west route, linking Cerro de Pasco (the capital of Pasco) to Lima. Along the way, you'll cross several other high mountain passes, so buckle up for some seriously stunning highland scenery. It's an epic drive, full of drama and views that will make your jaw drop.
extremeTravelling the challenging Ruta A-23
🇨🇱 Chile
Get ready for the ride of your life on Ruta A-23 in the remote northern reaches of Chile! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture 114km (70 miles) of unpaved adventure that will take you over 6 hours to conquer. While technically a 2wd road (weather permitting!), you'll be navigating everything from smooth surfaces to teeth-rattling washboards. Starting near Putre at a lofty 3,500 meters, the climb is brutal. Expect your lungs to burn in the thin air as you hug the Tapaca Volcano, eventually reaching a staggering 5,242 meters above sea level. Snowfall can shut things down in a heartbeat, and heavy mist can make things seriously sketchy. The gravel and sand can turn treacherous and muddy after rain, so keep an eye on the forecast. Speaking of isolation, expect to see more vicuñas and alpacas than people after you leave Putre. The road ends in Visviri, near the Bolivian border. Be warned: this route earns its reputation for danger! Unpredictable snowstorms, avalanches, and landslides can strike without warning. Patches of ice are common, so only tackle this adventure in good weather. But if you're up for a challenge, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!
hardWhere is Cerro Peña Orko?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cerro Peña Orko – or Cerro Peña Orco, if you prefer – is a wild border crossing between Argentina (Salta Province) and Bolivia (Tarija Department) sitting way up at 4,435m (14,550ft). This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking 20km (12 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss (or terror, depending on your skill level). Starting near Abra de Santa Cruz in Argentina, you'll wind your way north to Ruta Nacional 28 near Huayllajara in Bolivia. Think countless twists and turns, hairpin bends that'll make your head spin, super steep inclines, and sections so narrow you might need to execute a three-point (or maybe even five-point!) turn. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. But hey, the views are supposedly epic. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this route demands your full attention. Experienced drivers with advanced off-road skills only!