
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
hardAbra Tucuccasa
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Tucuccasa in the Ayacucho region of Peru! This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a whopping 4,496 meters (14,750 feet). Nestled deep in the Andes, getting to the summit is a true off-road experience. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta shaking – definitely not for the faint of heart or those without a trusty 4x4. The air gets thin up there, so be prepared for the altitude! Most people start feeling it way lower, around 2,500 meters. The climb from the Rio Pampas is a serious workout, with crazy steep sections and a road that's more like a rocky farm track in places. And hey, while you're in the area, check out Laguna Pumacocha and Nevado Huayracancha, where you can drive up to an insane 5,045 meters through Peru's mining country! Just remember: this road isn't for timid drivers!
hardLaguna Salar de Pajonales
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in Chile's Antofagasta Region lies Laguna Salar de Pajonales, a stunning high-altitude lake sitting pretty at 3,541 meters (that's 11,617 feet!). Getting there is an adventure in itself. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to tackle Route B-885, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking a serious climb that will test both your vehicle and your lungs – the air gets pretty thin up there, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness. The gravel track can be loose and slippery, especially after rain. In fact, during and after storms, this road can become completely impassable. But, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it! Imagine yourself surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Chilean landscape. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
hardAbra Huamina
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer pass for you: Abra Huamina in the Ayacucho region of south-central Peru. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 4,284 meters (that's 14,055 feet!) above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be cruising on Route 3S, an asphalt road linking Ayacucho and Chumbes, deep in the south-central Andes. Prepare for a long, challenging haul through some seriously remote landscapes. The road is rough, the air is thin (seriously, that altitude will test you!), and the steepness is no joke. You'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good 60 kilometers! Keep an eye on the weather, though. This area is notorious for heavy mist, which can make visibility a real issue. So, unless you're looking for a white-knuckle drive, avoid this route in bad weather. But if you're prepped and the skies are clear, get ready for some breathtaking mountain scenery.
moderateThe World’s Fastest Downhill Mountain Bike Ride in the Atacama desert
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're carving down a mountain in the Chilean desert, wind screaming past you, scenery blurring... pure adrenaline! This isn't your average Sunday cruise; we're talking about the very slope where Austrian daredevil Max Stöckl smashed the world speed record on a stock mountain bike. We’re at Cerro "El Flaco", peaking at almost 4,000 meters. The initial slope is a heart-stopping 45 degrees, and the run is a nail-biting 1.2km blast from top to bottom. Stöckl himself said it was an exhausting 20 seconds of pure exhilaration! While I wouldn't advise trying to hit 167 km/h yourself, just imagine the view and the rush – definitely a trip for the adventurous soul.