Pichachen Pass is a vital border road from Argentina to Chile in the Andes
Chile, south-america
180 km
2,063 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the wild ride that is Paso Internacional Pichachén! This high-altitude border crossing between Argentina and Chile sits way up in the Andes at a cool 2,063 meters (that's 6,768 feet!).
Connecting the Biobío Region of Chile with the Neuquén Province of Argentina, this isn't your average scenic drive. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking a 180 km (111 mile) unpaved rollercoaster, known as Ruta CH-5 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 6 in Argentina, snaking its way from Canteras to El Cholar. Expect hairpin turns and a real test for your driving skills!
Keep in mind, Pichachén isn't open year-round. Winter brings closures due to minimal maintenance. Also, be prepared for some extreme weather – think dry air and huge temperature changes. Sunny days can be surprisingly warm, but those Andean nights? Seriously cold. Get ready for insane views you'll never forget!
Where is it?
Pichachen Pass is a vital border road from Argentina to Chile in the Andes is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -35.1740, -68.1768
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 180 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,063 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -35.1740, -68.1768
Related Roads in south-america
extremeRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Abra Campana
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to Salta Province in the extreme northwest of Argentina and craving a seriously epic drive, you NEED to check out Abra Campana. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 4,399 meters (that's 14,432 feet!), so get ready for some thin air. You'll find it in the Santa Victoria Department, and the road, known as Ruta Provincial 7 (RP7), is a 67.2 km (41.75 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt. We're talking a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST, and after a bit of rain, you might even need to kick it into 4x4. Starting near Abra del Lizoite and winding its way east to Santa Victoria Oeste, this isn't a road for the faint of heart. Think hairpin turns galore and some seriously steep climbs. But trust me, if you're not afraid of a challenge, the views are absolutely worth it! If you're nervous about high mountain roads with a million twists and turns though, maybe sit this one out.
moderateThe Historic Motorcycle Expedition to Aconcagua with Bultaco Sherpa
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, Mendoza Province, staring up at Aconcagua. Not just looking at it from a distance, but imagining yourself *on* it. This giant of a peak clocks in at a staggering 6,961 meters (that's 22,838 feet for those of us who think in freedom units!). Now, I know what you're thinking: "Roads? On a mountain that high?" Yep, and a group of crazy-brave (or maybe just plain crazy!) Spanish motorcyclists proved it back in '77. Riding Bultaco Sherpa T 183s, they climbed to an insane altitude, setting a record for motorcycling outside of Asia. These guys from Moto Igualada weren't messing around. They attacked Aconcagua on two Bultaco Sherpa T 350 cc bikes, fueled by pure ambition. Though they ultimately fell short of the summit, they reached an altitude of 6,800 meters, beating a Kilimanjaro record set just a few years prior. Aconcagua? More like Acon-CAN-gua, right?
hardChollay-Punta Colorada Road
🇨🇱 Chile
Get ready for a breathtaking Chilean adventure on the Chollay-Punta Colorada road! Seriously, this drive is gorgeous. Think stunning mountain vistas and hairpin turns galore – we're talking over 30 of them winding through the Andes. Clocking in at 209km, this route links Chollay in the Atacama Region to Punta Colorada in the Coquimbo Region, hugging the Argentinian border. The good news is the road was recently asphalted, so the surface is smooth. The challenge? You're climbing high, really high. The highest point hits 3,573m (11,722ft), so be prepared for thin air. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, so take it easy! Extreme weather can also play a role, so keep an eye on the forecast. But trust me, the scenery is worth it!
moderateRuta Provincial 47
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for Ruta Provincial 47, a seriously stunning gravel road adventure in Argentina's Valdes Peninsula! This 83km stretch of 'ripio' connects Estancia Punta Norte to Punta Delgada on the Golfo Nuevo. Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Valdes Peninsula has a semi-arid climate, so expect wild weather swings and crazy winds. Keep it under 60km/h to save yourself from cracked windshields or flat tires. The gravel gets loose, especially on the edges, and turns into a slippery mud bath after rain. But hey, the views! You're cruising through prime real estate for spotting some of the world's biggest marine animals doing their thing. While a high-clearance 2WD can *technically* handle the long, dry stretches at slow speeds, a 4x4 is your best friend. Trust me, the extra comfort and peace of mind are worth it when the road gets rough with washboarding, ruts, and dips. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!