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
moderateA very bumpy, grueling road to Puna Jujeña
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Puna Jujeña! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a seriously stunning, sky-high pass in the Rinconada Department of Argentina, clocking in at a breathtaking 4,438 meters (that's 14,560 feet for us imperial folks!). You'll find this gem nestled way up in Jujuy Province, in the northern reaches of the country. The road itself? Well, let's just say it's "rustic." Ruta Nacional 40 (RN40) to be exact – 70 kilometers (or around 43 miles) of pure, unadulterated unpaved road winding its way between Orosmayo and Coranzuli. Prepare for some seriously otherworldly views; picture a lunar landscape unfolding before your very eyes. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this is a remote route, so come prepared, and be ready for an unforgettable journey!
hardTravel guide to the top of Cerro Pabellón
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cerro Pabellón! This insane gravel road winds its way up to a staggering 4,647 meters (that's 15,246 feet!) in the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert. We're talking serious altitude, people. You'll find this beast in the Ollagüe district of the Antofagasta region. Prepare yourself for a tough climb through seriously remote landscapes. This isn't a Sunday drive! Pack plenty of water, snacks, extra gas, warm layers, and reliable GPS/maps because you're going to need them. The road surface? Let's just say it's "rustic" with some crazy steep pitches. But the views of the Andean Highlands are unreal. The air gets thin as you climb, so be aware of altitude sickness (most people start feeling it around 2,500-2,800 meters), and oxygen gets scarce near the top. Oh, and when you finally reach the summit, you'll find a geothermal power plant. Talk about a unique photo op!
hardAn awe-inspiring drive to Punta Olimpica in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Ancash, Peru, smack-dab in the middle of Huascarán National Park. You're about to tackle Ruta Departamental AN-107, heading towards Punta Olimpica, one of Peru's highest paved roads, topping out at a staggering 15,525 feet! This isn't just any road trip; it's an adventure that’ll take your breath away – literally! We're talking stunning views of Huascarán, Peru’s highest mountain, and a climb so steep (maxing out at a 6.3% gradient) you'll feel like you're scaling the sky. Get ready for "Sector de las Mil Curvas" – the "1000 turns section"! It’s a 26km stretch of pure adrenaline with 46 hairpin turns. Seriously, hold on tight! The whole drive is about 76.2km (47.34 miles) from Carhuaz to San Martín de Chacas. Heads up: this road has a bit of history! Construction started way back in 1910 but wasn't finished until 1984. The pavement is mostly good, but there's a short, 2km stretch that's still unpaved. And, get this, near the top, you'll cruise through the Tunnel Punta Olimpica – a 1,384-meter marvel and one of the world's highest tunnels! Keep in mind that at this altitude, the air is thin. If you're not used to it, take it easy or grab some altitude sickness meds. Rainy or snowy weather can shut this road down, so plan accordingly. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are worth every twist and turn!
moderateA wild mining road to Vicuña volcano in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a beast of a road? I'm talking about the route up Volcán Vicuña, teetering on the Argentina-Chile border at a staggering 18,028 feet! Seriously, this has gotta be one of the highest roads in this part of the world. You'll find this bad boy nestled high in the Andes, smack-dab between Argentina's San Juan Province and Chile's Atacama Region. Fair warning: the road to the top is completely unpaved, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended—it's essential! Word on the street is that this is actually a mining road, so you know it’s gonna be rough and ready. Think rugged landscapes, maybe even a glimpse of copper and gold riches! Just a heads-up: the climate here is classic high-Andes – expect it to be bone-chillingly cold and super windy. And because you're practically touching the sky, this road is only accessible during the summer months (December to April). The rest of the year, it's buried under a mountain of snow. So, if you’re planning a trip, time it right!