Road trip guide: Conquering Pascua Lama
Argentina, south-america
N/A
5,256 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Pascua Lama is calling! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass straddling the border of Argentina and Chile, clocking in at a lung-busting 17,244 feet (5,256m)! Yep, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in this part of the world.
Find it north of the Veladero mine, chilling out in the southern stretches of the Atacama Desert, right where Chile's Atacama Region shakes hands with Argentina's San Juan Province. The prize at the top? A gold mine!
Now, the road itself is pure, unadulterated off-road. Think steep climbs, loose surfaces, and a dizzying 25 hairpin turns. But hey, that's part of the thrill, right? Keep in mind, though, that this area is environmentally sensitive, and the local community feels pretty strongly about protecting it.
Word to the wise: this drive is NOT for the faint of heart (or lungs!). The air gets seriously thin up here. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, and it can hit you hard. So, take it slow, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Also, your car engine will feel the elevation as well.
But if you're prepared for a challenge, the views from Pascua Lama are absolutely epic. Just remember to respect the environment and the local communities along the way. This is a journey you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Pascua Lama is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -35.2460, -66.0263
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,256 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -35.2460, -66.0263
Related Roads in south-america
moderateDriving the international Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Chile and Bolivia, high up in the Andes. We're talking 4,687 meters (that's 15,377 feet!) at the Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass. This isn't just any border crossing; it's a major route linking La Paz, Bolivia, to Arica, Chile's closest seaport. The entire route is paved, so no need for a hardcore 4x4, but be prepared to share the road with plenty of big rigs. You'll be driving on Ruta Nacional 4 in Bolivia, which magically transforms into Carretera Internacional CH 11 once you cross into Chile. This high-altitude pass, nestled in the Cordillera Occidental, is generally open year-round, so you shouldn't have trouble getting through. The journey spans 157 kilometers (97.5 miles), stretching from Curahuara de Carangas in Bolivia to Putre in Chile. The scenery is absolutely stunning!
extremeCerro Yaritani
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in southeastern Peru's Cusco Region and have a serious craving for altitude, Cerro Yaritani is calling your name. This gravel road climbs to a whopping 4,956m (16,259ft)! Heads up: you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this bumpy ride. Rain turns the road into a real challenge, so check the weather and be prepared for loose gravel. Seriously, plan ahead for this one. The views are incredible, but the altitude is no joke. If you have any respiratory or heart issues, maybe skip this one. And definitely no babies under 4 months! The air is thin, even your engine will struggle, and altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters. It's a tough but rewarding journey!
moderateAlto de Mifafi: this road is not for timid drivers
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in Venezuela's Mérida State and craving a serious off-road experience, you HAVE to tackle the Alto de Mifafi. Nestled in the stunning Sierra de La Culata range, within La Culata National Park, this baby tops out at a whopping 4,414 meters (14,481 feet)! Forget smooth tarmac; this is a bumpy, unpaved ride from Casa de Gabierno on the Transandina highway towards Mucumpis. Seriously, leave your sports car at home. You absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. Think incredible Andean scenery, wild terrain, and bragging rights for days. Just be prepared – this isn't your Sunday afternoon drive. Pack accordingly, check the weather, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. The views from the top are totally worth it! This road is also known as Pico los Caracoles and Pico Los Nevados.
extremeHow to drive the perilous Abra Fundicion in Salta?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Fundición! This insane mountain pass in Salta, Argentina, clocks in at a dizzying 15,561 feet. Seriously, the views are killer, if you can handle the heights! You'll find this beast in the northwest, on Ruta Provincial 69 (RP69). Forget pavement, this is strictly a dirt road situation, so high clearance is a must, and 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended, especially if it's been raining. The road stretches for about 32 miles, from the tiny village of Nazareno all the way to the Jujuy Province border. And the scenery? Think vibrant, multi-colored mountains and crazy eroded rock formations. It’s like driving through a painting! But don’t get too distracted by the views! This road is seriously narrow – barely enough room for two cars to pass – and those drop-offs? Yikes! Add in unpredictable weather, altitude sickness potential, and some seriously steep climbs, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a challenging drive. Basically, no room for mistakes here, folks!