Picavilque Pass, pure adventure
Chile, south-america
N/A
5,085 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Bolivian border in Chile's Region I (Tarapacá), you HAVE to check out Abra Picavilque. This insane mountain pass tops out at a lung-busting 5,085m (16,683ft)! Seriously, you'll be gasping for air up there.
The road, known as A-349, is an unpaved adventure. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumps – definitely not for the faint of heart. A 4x4 is highly recommended. While technically open to all vehicles, you'll want the extra traction. And keep a close eye on the weather! This area is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, plus icy patches can pop up out of nowhere.
You'll be cruising along a fairly new and wide road for a high mountain road -- wide enough for two trucks. The pass itself is nestled between Cariquima and Lirima. The views are incredible (hello, Curiquinca Volcano!), but remember, the air gets thin near the top. Take it slow and enjoy the ride. Just be aware, altitude sickness can kick in hard around those elevations. Trust me, it's an experience you won't forget!
Where is it?
Picavilque Pass, pure adventure is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.8786, -68.5557
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,085 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -34.8786, -68.5557
Related Roads in south-america
moderateFaro Cabo Blanco
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna visit Argentina's oldest lighthouse? Head to Santa Cruz Province and the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve! You'll be cruising down Ruta Provincial 91, a 33.3 km "ripio" (gravel) road that kicks off from Ruta Provincial 14 and leads straight to the iconic Cabo Blanco lighthouse. Word to the wise: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart! The weather here is seriously unpredictable, thanks to the semi-arid climate and crazy winds. Trust me, stick to that 60km/hour speed limit – a cracked windshield or flat tire will totally harsh your vibe. The gravel can get super loose, especially on the sides, and things get muddy and slippery after it rains. The lighthouse itself sits on a rocky headland at the end of Route 91, towering 67 meters (220 ft) high. The good news? The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife in their natural habitat. While a high-clearance 2WD can technically handle the dry, straight stretches at low speeds, I highly recommend renting a 4x4. It'll make the ride way more comfortable and minimize your chances of getting stuck!
moderateWhere is Kahuish Tunnel?
🇵🇪 Peru
Cruising through Ancash, Peru? You HAVE to check out the Tunel de Kahuish! This baby sits at a whopping 14,816 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest tunnels on the planet. You'll find it nestled in the northern part of the country, right inside Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Keep an eye out for the awesome Christ statue (Cristo Blanco) overlooking the valley right after you exit. Built as part of a big road project that kicked off way back in 1927, constructing this tunnel was no joke! Lots of dynamite and some serious risks went into blasting through the rock. Finally completed in 1941, it got a facelift in 2007. The AN-110 highway runs right through it, connecting Huaraz and Chavin. It carves its way through the valley of the Santa River, over the Cordillera Blanca, and down to the Marañon valley. Expect pavement on the west side of the tunnel, but things get a little more rugged with mostly unpaved sections on the east side. At 1,587 feet long, this unlit tunnel marks the highest point of the main road and is one of the longest in the country. Cyclists, be warned: there’s no alternate route, you have to go through the tunnel!
moderateIs the road to Cruz del Cóndor paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, high up in the Andes in the Department of Arequipa. You're headed to Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, a spot that sits at a whopping 3,794m (12,447ft)! This place is *the* place to be if you want to witness the legendary Andean Condor soaring through the sky. The drive itself? Mostly smooth sailing on paved roads (we're talking AR-109, baby!), but keep an eye out for some unpaved sections to keep things interesting. It's a 22km (13.67 miles) hop from Pinchollo to Cabanaconde, winding through incredible mountain scenery. Seriously, this is one of Peru's top spots for a reason. You're not just looking at a canyon (one of the deepest in the world, by the way), but also breathtaking views of the whole region. And, of course, the condors! Get there early (7-9am is prime time) to beat the crowds and get the best views of these magnificent birds. You'll find a cross marking the spot, and a small wall for safety. Hit it up between May and November for the best weather. Plus, you're near Oquepuño Pass and Patapampa Pass, some of the highest paved roads and passes in South America, so you can make a real adventure of it!
moderateRuta Provincial J
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Ruta Provincial J in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego is calling your name. Seriously, if you're near the "End of the World," you NEED to experience this 90km stretch of pure gravel bliss. Starting from Ruta Nacional 3, this road winds its way to the stunning Estancia Moat, taking you on a ride you won't soon forget. It's an old mining road that heads toward the Overo Volcano. The road might be a little rough around the edges, but the scenery is absolutely worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!