
Portezuelo de Chulluncallani
Chile, south-america
N/A
4,492 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Portezuelo de Chulluncallani! This high-altitude pass in Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region, practically spitting distance from Bolivia, tops out at a breathtaking 4,492m (14,737ft).
The A-319, a gravel road in decent condition, snakes its way through the stunning Las Vicuñas National Reserve. But don't let the pretty scenery fool you – this road demands respect! Prepare for seriously strong winds – they’re a constant companion. Even in summer, you could be greeted with snow. Winter? Brutally cold. With that elevation, snow can shut things down at any time. Fog can roll in thick and fast, so keep your wits about you if visibility drops.
Altitude is the big challenge here. The air is THIN, with about 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Even if you're fit as a fiddle, altitude sickness can hit hard. Take it slow, listen to your body, and maybe skip this one if you have respiratory or heart issues. Engines struggle too! But if you're prepared for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it.
Where is it?
Portezuelo de Chulluncallani is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -35.8443, -73.0089
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,492 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -35.8443, -73.0089
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