Portezuelo de Guaitiquina: Driving the remote 4,288m border pass
Argentina, south-america
58.1 km
4,288 m
extreme
Year-round
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Portezuelo de Guaitiquina, a whopping 4,288m (14,068ft) high, straddles the Chile-Argentina border, offering a wild and solitary experience unlike the busier Paso de Sico. This route carves through the stunning, high-altitude deserts of the Andes, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province.
This pass links you from the area near San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile all the way to the village of Catua in Argentina. The road itself is about 58.1 km (36.1 miles) from the B-357 junction in Chile to the border with Salta. Think stark beauty: salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and endless horizons. It’s a forgotten corner, so prepare for minimal traffic and a whole lot of silence.
Yep, it's all gravel. Known as RP37 in Chile, it morphs into an unnamed track on the Argentine side leading to Catua. Be warned, this climb is steep! And the thin air will definitely put your engine to the test. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, making those inclines extra challenging. While technically open to all vehicles, a high-clearance 4WD is your best bet for dealing with the washboarding and sand drifts.
The altitude is the biggest challenge here. At 4,288 meters, altitude sickness is a real possibility. Acclimatize properly! But there's another, more hidden danger: landmines. Parts of this border area were mined back in the 70s. While areas near the main road have been cleared, it's crucial to stick to the track and avoid wandering off into the desert.
If you're crossing the border here, it's usually open from 8 am to 6 pm. But, because it's so remote, hours can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is arid but can get brutally cold fast. Strong winds are common, and winter can bring snow and ice. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear because help is a long way off, and cell service is non-existent.
Where is it?
Portezuelo de Guaitiquina: Driving the remote 4,288m border pass is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -34.7941, -63.8204
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 58.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,288 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -34.7941, -63.8204
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere does Ruta 3 Tierra del Fuego start and end?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ultimate road trip on Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego! This epic 395km (245-mile) stretch is supposedly the southernmost paved road on the planet, winding its way through the breathtaking Tierra del Fuego Province of Argentina. Your adventure kicks off at Cabo EspĂritu Santo, right on the Chilean border, and cruises all the way to Ushuaia, that cool little town they call the "End of the World." But wait, there's more! The road keeps going into Tierra del Fuego National Park, wrapping up at BahĂa Lapataia where you'll find a sign marking the very end of the line. Now, let's talk road conditions. The path through the national park starts a bit rough and narrow, but don't worry, it gets better, turning into a fully paved road. Heads up, though—some spots can be a little rough around the edges due to maintenance issues, and you'll likely share the road with big trucks and heavy machinery. For a smooth ride, keep that gas tank full—especially in remote areas where gas stations might be MIA. You'll hit some police checkpoints at the border, so have your documents handy. Plan plenty of pit stops to soak it all in and book your stays ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months. You can drive Ruta 3 year-round, as they keep the snow cleared. That said, try to avoid April through September when the weather can get gnarly and closures are more common. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and watch out for those Patagonian winds—passing trucks can be your best friend as temporary wind shields.
extremeIs the road to Volcán Ollagüe unpaved?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Volcán Ollagüe, a beast of an andesite volcano straddling the Chile-Bolivia border at a staggering 5,868m (19,251ft). Forget paved paradise; this road is a raw, unadulterated dirt track clinging to the volcano's northern flank. This extreme, old mine road, once crucial for a now-defunct sulfur mine, is a white-knuckle ride all the way. The trail ends at a breathtaking, but oxygen-deprived, 5,705m (18,717ft). This is strictly 4x4 territory, people! Don't even think about attempting this in anything less. Starting from the humble Chilean village of Ollagüe, the road throws you into a relentless 24.7km (15.34 miles) of pure adrenaline. Hold on tight for 35 hairpin turns that’ll have you questioning your sanity, combined with a seriously steep average gradient of 8.04%. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops of hundreds of meters with zero guardrails? Yeah, this climb isn't for the faint of heart. Keep a keen eye on the weather! Avalanches, blizzards, and landslides are real threats, especially during January and February's storm season. Speaking of threats, altitude sickness is a major concern. The air's incredibly thin up here (40% less oxygen than at sea level), so if you have respiratory or heart issues, seriously reconsider this adventure. Even the toughest engines struggle with combustion at this altitude, so prep yourself and your vehicle. But here's the payoff: the views. Oh my, the views! You'll be gazing out at landscapes so surreal, so starkly beautiful, they'll be seared into your memory forever. You'll also see persistent steam plume emanate from a fumarole on the south side of the summit dome. Volcán Ollagüe is a challenging, dangerous, and utterly unforgettable experience. Are you brave enough?
moderateWhere Is Los Nevados?
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, so Los Nevados is this super cute mountain village nestled way up high in the Venezuelan Andes, like way, way up there! We're talking proper altitude here. You'll find it chilling near the Sierra Nevada National Park, southwest of the cool city of Mérida. Getting there? That's half the adventure! Forget smooth asphalt, the 44.1 km (27.40 miles) road from Apartaderos is a wild ride! Picture this: a super skinny track clinging to the side of mountains, some serious drop-offs that will make your palms sweat (we're talking hundreds of meters down!), and views that will absolutely blow your mind. It’s considered one of the most exciting roads in the country for a reason! Get ready for an unforgettable scenic journey.
hardCrossing the old and precarious Puente Negro
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: You're in Santander, Colombia, heading from El Conchal to Barcelona. Forget smooth highways, you're in for an *adventure*! This "road," a 20.7km (12.86 miles) stretch running west to east, features the infamous Puente Negro—the Black Bridge. This isn't your average overpass, friends. We're talking a narrow, rickety wooden bridge, a relic of the old Tren de Bucaramanga railway (think 1870s!), suspended high above the Lebrija River. We're talking a gut-wrenching 300ft drop! Now, officially, this thing is closed to *everything*: cars, bikes, horses, even feet. But reality bites, and locals (and adventurous travelers!) still risk it, navigating the narrow path, because, well, sometimes you gotta get from point A to point B. Just a heads-up, don't bring anything too heavy. And maybe say a little prayer before you go. The scenery, though? Absolutely breathtaking.