Portezuelo El Choclo
Chile, south-america
N/A
3.66 m
hard
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
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 3.66 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -34.9512, -73.2152
Related Roads in south-america
extremeRoad to the Junín Lakes: Driving to Alcacocha, Tarusmachay, and Oshgomachay
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic Andean adventure! Deep in the heart of Peru's Central Andes, near Junín, lies a mind-blowing route that winds past three ridiculously gorgeous glacial lakes: Alcacocha, Tarusmachay, and Oshgomachay. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a high-altitude test of you and your vehicle through the stark beauty of the Meseta de Bombón. Forget smooth pavement – this is a classic "trocha," a white gravel track carving through a vast, treeless plateau. Imagine endless ichu grass swaying in the fierce Andean winds, with distant peaks as your only companions. It’s raw, exposed, and unbelievably scenic. Starting just north of Junín, you peel off the civilized 3N Road and onto this 14.9 km stretch of pure adventure. Don’t let the average gradient of 2.85% fool you; the real challenge is the altitude. You’ll be climbing a cumulative 426 meters in seriously thin air! The route flows organically through the mountains. First, you'll hit Laguna Alcacocha (at a dizzying 4,366m). Then, it's upwards to the highest point by Laguna Tarusmachay (4,443m), before leveling out a bit near Laguna Oshgomachay (4,430m). The whole drive is a slow, steady climb where you'll definitely feel your engine straining above 4,000 meters. Expect mostly loose gravel and compacted earth under your tires. In dry weather, it's dusty but manageable. But remember, this is extreme high-altitude driving! Oxygen is scarce, and you'll likely feel the effects of altitude sickness if you haven't acclimatized in Junín or nearby towns. Safety first, especially during the rainy season (November to April). Snowfall and landslides can make things seriously dicey. There are absolutely no services, no gas stations, and hardly any other vehicles out here. A 4x4 with good tires is essential, as the gravel gets slick when wet, and those steep sections demand traction. Before you ditch the 3N highway, give your ride a thorough check-up. Thin air makes engines work overtime, so check those tires and cooling system! That "lack of oxygen" also affects your reflexes and judgment. If you get a headache or feel dizzy, stop or head down immediately. This route is your ticket to the authentic Peruvian puna, far from the tourist throngs, where your only company might be alpaca herds and the serene, frigid lagoons.
hardPaso Guaitiquina
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up because Paso Guaitiquina in northern Chile's Antofagasta Region is a wild ride! We're talking serious altitude here—a whopping 4,451 meters (14,603 feet) above sea level. Fair warning: the air gets thin up there, and you might feel it! Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters, so pace yourself. The road, also known as B-357, is a gravel track that can get super muddy and slick when it rains. You'll definitely want a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle for this one, especially after a storm when it can be impassable. But if you're up for a challenge and rewarded by stunning Andes scenery, Paso Guaitiquina is an unforgettable experience!
moderateDare to drive the challenging Inambari River Bridge
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the heart of Peru's Bahuaja Sonene National Park, practically spitting distance from the Bolivian border, sits the Puente del Rio Inambari. Forget boring concrete; this baby's all wooden, a rustic little charmer spanning the Inambari River. It's not a long haul, just a quick 27 meters (around 89 feet) across, but trust me, it packs a visual punch. Imagine creaking wooden planks under your tires, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Peruvian jungle. Keep your wits about you, though! While not monstrously long, this kind of old bridge always requires respect. And while you're in the area, consider tackling the Abra Chonta Pass or the road from Pusac to Uchumarca. Those routes are definitely only for drivers who don't flinch easily! Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
easyIs Patapampa Pass paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra Patapampa! This insane mountain pass punches through the Andes in Peru's Arequipa region, clocking in at a whopping 4,879m (16,007ft). Word on the street is it's one of the highest *paved* passes in the Americas. Speaking of pavement, the whole route (also known as Abra Pata Pampa) is smooth sailing on tarmac. You'll find it marked as 1S and 109, carving its way through the landscape as part of that legendary Chivay to Arequipa route. This epic stretch of road clocks in at 58.8 km (36.53 miles), connecting Chivay (the Colca Valley's main town) with the 34E road. At the summit, you’re greeted with souvenir stalls, a parking lot, and the Mirador de los Andes viewpoint. Fingers crossed for good weather, because the views are EVERYTHING. The climb? Some sections are pretty steep, hitting an 8% gradient, so get ready for a bit of a push. Keep an eye out for gravel patches, especially higher up, but overall, the road's in decent shape, the traffic's light, and the slopes are manageable. Even with the altitude, it's a relatively easy climb. Bonus points: near the summit (on the southwest side), there's a little gravel road that goes even higher, topping out at 5,000m (16,404ft)!