Road trip guide: Conquering Planchon Pass in the Andes
Chile, south-america
196 km
2,515 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: Paso del Planchón, a super-high mountain pass straddling the Argentina-Chile border at a whopping 2,515m (8,251ft). Also known as Paso Internacional Vergara, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
Picture this: you're deep in the Andes, bumping along 196 km (121 miles) of totally unpaved road – Ruta Provincial 226 on the Argentina side turning into J-55 once you cross into Chile. We're talking sandy sections, the whole nine yards! This epic route connects Las Loicas in Argentina’s Mendoza Province with Curicó in Chile's Maule Region.
Now, for the real talk: this pass is usually a no-go zone. But, get this, they fix it up between November 1st and April 30th each year, opening it up to tourists and mining companies. Be prepared for crazy dry air and insane temperature swings – think warm days baking in the sun and freezing nights. We're talking potential highs of 15°C in summer and lows of -25°C in winter. But hey, the scenery is out of this world!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Planchon Pass in the Andes is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -38.1666, -68.6688
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 196 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,515 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -38.1666, -68.6688
Related Roads in south-america
extremeLaguna La Viuda
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Lima Region of western Peru and you're craving an adrenaline rush, you HAVE to check out Laguna La Viuda. This stunning high-mountain lake sits way up at 4,560m (that's nearly 15,000ft!). Getting there on the gravel road 20A is...well, let's just say it's an experience. This isn't your Sunday drive. Think seriously steep inclines, a serious lack of oxygen, and some seriously mind-blowing vertical drops. We're talking hundreds of meters down, with no guardrails to keep you company! If you get dizzy easily, this might be one to skip, especially on a windy day. While the road tests your courage, it rewards you with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Just keep your eyes on the road! It connects Lima and Colquijirca. Be aware that this road can be closed due to snow. The area is known for heavy mist, making visibility a challenge. Plus, avalanches, snowfalls, and landslides are a real possibility, and icy patches are common. So, yeah, keep your wits about you. Make sure to take altitude into account, most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters.
hardQuebrada Blanca
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Quebrada Blanca in Chile's Tarapacá Region is calling your name! This insane mountain pass tops out at a staggering 4,389 meters (that's nearly 14,400 feet!), so get ready for some serious altitude. Nestled deep within the Andes, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think gravel, rocks, bumps galore – the A-85 road is a real off-road challenge. You'll definitely need a 4x4, and a healthy dose of courage. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. It's steep, it's high, and if it's wet, it's going to be muddy and tough. Winter? Forget about it, probably impassable. But hey, if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a thrill, this is your playground. The views from up here? Totally worth it.
hardCuesta de Bonilla
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Cuesta de Bonilla, nestled high in the Argentinian Andes (Mendoza Province, to be exact), is a seriously epic mountain pass. We're talking a lung-busting 3,110 meters (10,203 feet) above sea level! The road to the top, part of the Camino Minero Veladero, is a beast. Think gravel, think rocks, think you definitely want a 4x4. It's super steep and legend says it has 365 turns – one for every day of the year! Heads up: this road isn't always open. With that kind of altitude, snow can shut it down at any time. Plus, the area is notorious for heavy mist, so visibility can be a real issue. But if you catch it on a clear day? The views are absolutely breathtaking.
moderateHow long is Abra Azuca?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Azuca! This high-altitude stunner in Peru, straddling the Cusco and Apurimac regions, will leave you breathless – and not just because of the views. We're talking 5,190 meters (that's a whopping 17,027 feet!) above sea level. Nestled in the Wansu mountains of the Andes, this totally unpaved road stretches for about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). The scenery? Absolutely incredible. While the road surface is usually decent (thanks to those mining trucks!), and the inclines aren't too crazy for the most part, don't underestimate this climb. Acclimatization is key, folks! They say it's one of the highest road passes in South America.