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
hardWhere is Abra del Condor?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, let me tell you about Abra del Cóndor! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in Argentina, a whopping 3,942 meters (that's 12,933 feet!) above sea level. You'll find this beast straddling the Jujuy and Salta provinces in the northwest of the country. The road itself? Forget smooth asphalt! We're talking rough and rugged RP133 and RP13 roads, the highest point on this wild route. Clocking in at 47.4 km (almost 30 miles), this isn't a Sunday drive. Starting from the paved RN9 north of Humahuaca, it'll take you all the way to the charming village of Iruya. Expect a serious workout for your steering wheel: think endless curves, hairpin turns, and scary drop-offs. Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording rivers? But trust me, the views are worth it! Picture incredible mountain scenery, secluded villages, and crazy off-road trails. The valley views are insane, with cultivated terraces, colorful mountains, and bizarre rock formations sculpted by the wind and time. The road is usually dry, but watch out for those summer rainstorms that can turn it into an impassable mud bath. Aim for June to October for the best weather window. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is Laguna Colorada?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: Bolivia, high up in the Potosà department. You're cruising along a totally unpaved road in your 4x4, surrounded by the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. This ain't your average Sunday drive! You're at over 4,000 meters above sea level (that's seriously high!), tackling about 50 km of wild, unadulterated road that stretches from Villa Alota all the way south to the Chilean border at Ollagüe. Keep your eyes peeled, because this area is home to a bunch of endangered flamingos chilling in the red waters. That vibrant, reddish hue? It's all thanks to a crazy mix of algae and minerals that puts on a show in the afternoons. Trust me, you won't forget the Laguna Colorada anytime soon.
moderateDriving to Parinacota, One of the Highest Towns in the World
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, so Parinacota! Picture this: a tiny town clinging to the Andes at a staggering 14,400 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest places you can actually drive to. You'll find it nestled in northern Chile, practically spitting distance from Bolivia, in the gorgeous Lauca National Park. The whole area is a visual feast. Think snow-dusted volcanoes like Pomerape and Sajama piercing the sky, steamy hot springs bubbling away, and these crazy-beautiful high-altitude lakes – Chungará and the Cotacotani Lagoons. Plus, wetlands bursting with all sorts of weird and wonderful plants and animals. The road itself? It's called A-93, and it's a smooth, paved 55-mile stretch connecting Chucuyo to Visviri, the main hub of the General Lagos area. It's been fully paved since the early 2020s. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery on this drive!
extremeAbra Alpamarca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Central Peru, in JunÃn province, lies Abra Alpamarca, a mountain pass soaring to a staggering 15,456 feet (4,711m) above sea level. You'll find this beauty, the highest point on the road connecting Huayllay to Tanta, along route 20A, and be warned: it's a gravel road. This isn’t your average Sunday drive. Be prepared for a remote, high-altitude trek. After a rain shower, even a small one, the road can get pretty tricky. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities and can block the way, and icy patches can be super dangerous. Pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, warm layers, and reliable GPS with maps are must-haves. You'll likely share the road with mine trucks (there are a bunch of large mines nearby), though the closer you get to the pass, the quieter it gets. But hey, the reward is absolutely stunning scenery!