Portezuelo del Cajon is an Andean gravel pass
Chile, south-america
150 km
4,480 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure at Portezuelo del Cajón, an incredible international mountain pass straddling Chile and Bolivia. This high-altitude gem sits at a breathtaking 4,480m (14,698ft), nestled on the slopes of the Juriques volcano in the majestic Andes.
Also known as Hito Cajón, this pass is the link between Chile's Antofagasta Region and Bolivia's Potosí Department. You'll find yourself right near the stunning Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca, within Bolivia's Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve – pure magic! It's a popular route for travelers hopping between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama.
The road itself stretches about 150 km (93 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Quetena Chico in Bolivia, a mix of smooth paved sections and rugged unpaved stretches.
Heads up, you're heading into remote territory north of Cerro Toco, with a massive climb in elevation. Be prepared for the conditions! The Bolivian customs office is about 80 km from the actual border – seriously in the middle of nowhere, and over 5,000m high, making it the highest point for many South American travelers. It’s tucked away behind a guarded barrier at a processing plant. The Chilean border post is another 40 km down the road. Keep an eye on the weather because things get chilly and stormy at these altitudes. But the scenery? Totally worth it!
Where is it?
Portezuelo del Cajon is an Andean gravel pass is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.0315, -75.0446
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 150 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,480 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -34.0315, -75.0446
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