
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
hardCerro Santa Isabel
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cerro Santa Isabel, aka Cerro Poderosa, is where it's at for seriously high-altitude thrills in southwest Bolivia. We're talking about a whopping 5,153 meters (16,906 feet) above sea level! This gravel road winds its way up to the Santa Isabel mine in the Cordillera de Lípez, and it's not for the faint of heart. This isn't just a drive; it's a climb through the Andean Highlands that will test your limits. Picture this: breathtaking scenery, rugged terrain, and that thin, thin air. The road surface can be rough, and yeah, there are some super steep parts that'll have your engine begging for mercy. Now, pro tip: Prep is key! We're talking water, snacks, extra gas, layers (it gets COLD up there!), and reliable GPS. Altitude sickness is a real thing, and the lack of oxygen near the top is no joke. But if you're ready for a challenge, the views from Cerro Santa Isabel are absolutely unreal. Get ready to feel on top of the world – literally!
extremeOswaldo Cruz Highway: 1st gear all the way down
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about the Rodovia Oswaldo Cruz in Brazil! This isn't just any road; it's a wild 91km (56 miles) ride through the stunning Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar in São Paulo. Picture this: you're cruising from Taubaté in the Paraíba Valley to the coastal paradise of Ubatuba. SP-125, completed in 1976, isn't for the faint of heart. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs – think first gear practically the whole way! You'll also be navigating hairpin turns that'll put your driving skills to the test. Make sure your car is in tip-top shape, especially the brakes and tires, because you'll need them! But hey, with views like this, it's totally worth it!
hardHighest roads of Argentina
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, Argentina, you wild thing! This country's the second biggest in South America and it's showing off with the Andes Mountains carving out its entire western edge. Think colossal peaks, including Aconcagua (basically the rooftop of the Americas!) and get ready for some serious high-altitude driving! We're talking rugged, unpaved roads that were mostly carved out for mining or sneaking across the border to Chile. These routes climb sky-high, sometimes topping out above 4,700 meters (that's 15,400 ft for those of you not using the metric system!). Buckle up for a mix of tough mountain passes and trails that'll leave you breathless (literally, thanks to the altitude). Think places like the Abra de Vacas Heladas (sounds chilly!) and the famous Paso de San Francisco. Picture yourself tackling the crazy narrow road to Iruya in Salta Province, or conquering the epic Cuesta del Lipán to Abra de Potrerillos in Jujuy. Argentina's high roads aren't just drives, they're full-blown adventures!
extremeWhere is the road to Portezuelo Sairécabur?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're blazing a trail northeast of San Pedro de Atacama, right on the knife's edge of the Chilean/Bolivian border. You're heading to Portezuelo Sairécabur, an old, forgotten mining route punching way up into the Andes. Seriously, this isn't your Sunday drive—it's a raw, off-road odyssey into one of the most desolate corners of South America. This "road," officially the B-221, kicks off near Laguna del Inca o del Portillo, but don't expect pavement. Think loose gravel, deep sand, and gnarly volcanic rock. This is 4x4 territory, no question. We're talking a relentless climb, averaging around a 7% gradient, that’ll have your engine screaming for mercy thanks to the thin air. Oh, and did I mention the 15 super-tight hairpin turns? One wrong move in that loose sand, and you're stuck. Be ready for the "road" to vanish under fresh snow or shifting dunes at any moment. And the altitude? Whoa, buddy, it’s a killer. We're talking 5,541 meters (18,179 feet)! Seriously, you NEED to acclimatize in San Pedro before even thinking about this. Otherwise, altitude sickness can ruin your trip – or worse. Expect to move in slow motion as the air robs you of energy, and your brain feels like it’s wading through peanut butter. Plus, your engine is going to lose a ton of power, so low gear and a super-chill driving style are your best friends. The weather? Forget about it. Harsh doesn't even begin to cover it. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're getting hammered by a blizzard. It's almost always windy and freezing, even in summer. Summit temps? Rarely above zero. So, check the forecast, but pack for Armageddon: thermal gear, emergency blankets, and enough fuel to keep your heater blasting if you get stranded. Bottom line: Portezuelo Sairécabur is an epic adventure, but respect the mountain, and come prepared.