Portezuelo El Choclo

Portezuelo El Choclo

Chile, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3.66 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you in Chile's Atacama region: Portezuelo El Choclo. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 3,375 meters (that's over 11,000 feet!).

The road, also known as Portezuelo de Chulluncallani, is a gravel track leading towards the Damas Pass border in the Andes.

Word to the wise: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. The gravel can be pretty loose, especially on the edges, and after a rainstorm? Forget about it –muddy and slippery doesn't even begin to cover it. During bad weather, you might not even be able to get through with a 4x4. But if you're prepared for a challenge, the views are totally worth it! Plus, you’ll get to a high point of 3.660m above the sea level!

Where is it?

Portezuelo El Choclo is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.9512, -73.2152

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Chile
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
3.66 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-34.9512, -73.2152

Related Roads in south-america

The Moto Igualada – Aconcagua – Amazon Expeditionmoderate

The Moto Igualada – Aconcagua – Amazon Expedition

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, Mendoza Province to be exact, staring up at Aconcagua. This beast of a mountain boasts a peak at a whopping 6,961 meters (that's 22,838 feet!). Seriously, this is South American high country at its finest, snaking through the majestic Andes. Back in '77, some crazy-talented Spanish riders took on the challenge. They rode their Bultaco Sherpa T 183 motorcycles up this monster, reaching a record-breaking altitude for motorcycling. These guys were from the Moto Club Igualada and seriously knew their stuff. They conquered a staggering 6,800 meters on modified Sherpa T 350 cc motorcycles, smashing the previous record set on Kilimanjaro a few years prior. These bikes, the Bultaco Sherpa T, were legends in their own right, holding their own against other top Catalan motorcycles and gaining international recognition. Just imagine the views, the air getting thinner with every meter, and the sheer thrill of the ride! Definitely one for the bucket list if you're a thrill-seeking traveler.

Where is Salar del Rincón?moderate

Where is Salar del Rincón?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, picture this: You're in Argentina, ready for an adventure. Specifically, the Salar del Rincón in the Salta province, a shimmering salt lake sitting way up high. We're talking serious altitude here, so be prepared for that thinner air! Now, getting there? You'll be cruising along the RN51 for quite a bit. Be warned, the road leading up to the lake is completely unpaved. Forget your sports car; you'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle for this trek. Think dramatic, rugged landscapes, vast open spaces, and that feeling of being utterly remote. Keep an eye out for wildlife and be prepared for ever-changing weather conditions. But trust me, the views of the brilliant white salt flats against the backdrop of the Andes are SO worth it! Just take it slow, stay alert, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Is the road to Alto de Salinas difficult to drive?hard

Is the road to Alto de Salinas difficult to drive?

🇪🇨 Ecuador

Alto de Salinas is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,344m (14,251ft) above sea level, located in the Bolívar province of central Ecuador. Ranking as one of the highest roads in the country , it offers a dramatic ascent into the heart of the Andean paramo. The road is a vital high-altitude corridor that connects the unique community of (also known as Salinas de Tomabela) with the higher alpine plateaus. This region is famous for its high-altitude grasslands and unpredictable weather, where the landscape is often shrouded in thick mist. Driving this route provides a raw look at the volcanic terrain of the Andes, far from the typical tourist paths of the Pan-American Highway. Road facts: Alto de Salinas Bolívar Province, Ecuador 16.6 km (10.31 miles) Is the road to Alto de Salinas difficult to drive? The journey to the summit is a true 16.6 km (10.31 miles) , the road runs west-east from the famous salt-producing village of Salinas de Guaranda towards the 491 Road. The track is and consists of loose gravel and dirt. It is a notoriously steep drive, with some ramps hitting a staggering . Due to the high altitude and the technical nature of the climb, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended to ensure enough traction and power on the steepest sections. What are the weather conditions like at Alto de Salinas? Tucked away in the high Andes, the weather at Alto de Salinas is notoriously unstable. Drivers should expect foggy, rainy, and misty conditions even during the dry season. The temperature drops significantly as you approach the 4,300-meter mark, often hovering near freezing levels. The combination of high altitude, steep inclines, and low visibility makes this one of the most demanding drives in central Ecuador. Travelers are advised to be well-prepared for the "paramo" climate and to check local conditions, as heavy rains can quickly turn the unpaved surface into a muddy and slippery track. Pic: Daniel Alejandro Arroyo Discover Ecuador's 748-Kilometer Ruta Spondylus A memorable road trip to Refugio Chiles Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

The road to Abra de Olivares in the Andes is for Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills Onlyextreme

The road to Abra de Olivares in the Andes is for Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills Only

🇦🇷 Argentina

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra de Olivares! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 4,928m (16,167ft), making it one of Argentina's highest roads. You'll find it nestled in the rugged Iglesia Department, west of San José de Jáchal, practically spitting distance from the Chilean border. Forget smooth sailing; the 15km (9 miles) stretch from Road 150 is a wild, unpaved ride. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here, folks. Expect steep climbs, hairpin turns that'll test your skills, and narrow sections that'll have you holding your breath. The road isn't maintained, so you're in for a real, raw adventure! Oh, and did I mention the views? You're cruising in the shadow of the majestic 6,216 m Nevado de Olivares in the Andes. Just be warned: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Extreme weather can shut things down in a heartbeat, and rain can leave the road pretty rough. So, check the forecast before you go and get ready for an unforgettable experience!