Route 5 is Chile's longest route
Chile, south-america
3,337 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Chile's Ruta Nacional 5: The Mother of All Road Trips!
They say Ruta 5 is Chile's longest road, and I believe it! This beast stretches 3,337 km (2073 miles) from the Peruvian border, near Arica, all the way south to Quellón on Chiloé Island. Four tunnels punctuate the route: El Melón, La Calavera I & II, and Angostura.
But let's be real: the northern section between Arica and Iquique? That's where the adventure *really* begins. It's a two-lane highway, speed limit's around 100 km/h (62 mph).
Picture this: You're carving through deep valleys, sheer drop-offs on either side. The landscape is stark, almost hauntingly beautiful in its emptiness. It's the Atacama Desert in all its glory! The monotony can be killer. One wrong move, and you could become another desert statistic. Sadly, along the way, you'll spot small memorials to those who weren't so lucky.
Oh, and did I mention the fog? Out of nowhere, visibility can drop to zero. It's intense! Also, fuel stations are few and far between. And the wind? Prepare for gusts that'll try to shove you right off the road. Seriously, stay focused and maybe skip the strong coffee. This drive demands your full attention!
Where is it?
Route 5 is Chile's longest route is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -32.6247, -73.7922
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 3,337 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -32.6247, -73.7922
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Cerro Peña Orko?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cerro Peña Orko – or Cerro Peña Orco, if you prefer – is a wild border crossing between Argentina (Salta Province) and Bolivia (Tarija Department) sitting way up at 4,435m (14,550ft). This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking 20km (12 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss (or terror, depending on your skill level). Starting near Abra de Santa Cruz in Argentina, you'll wind your way north to Ruta Nacional 28 near Huayllajara in Bolivia. Think countless twists and turns, hairpin bends that'll make your head spin, super steep inclines, and sections so narrow you might need to execute a three-point (or maybe even five-point!) turn. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. But hey, the views are supposedly epic. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this route demands your full attention. Experienced drivers with advanced off-road skills only!
extremeDriving the wild 100km road to Portezuelo Maricunga in the Atacama Desert
🇨🇱 Chile
Portezuelo Maricunga: buckle up for an epic Andean adventure! This high mountain pass punches through the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert at a staggering 4,133m (13,559ft). Nestled inside the stunning Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, get ready for some seriously dramatic and remote scenery. The environment here is WILD. Think scorching daytime temps hitting 30°C, then plummeting below freezing at night, especially in winter. And hold onto your hat because the wind HOWLS across the salt flats and volcanic peaks, making an already tough journey even more challenging. Getting to the top is a desert expedition in itself. From La Puerta, you've got a grueling 100 km (62 miles) ahead of you on Route C-601. It's mostly loose gravel and deep sand, so get ready to work for it! As you climb higher, the road gets gnarlier with eight super-tight hairpin turns that'll test your skills (and your vehicle) in the thin air. You're totally on your own out here, so be prepared to be self-sufficient! Now, let's be real – driving to Portezuelo Maricunga isn't a walk in the park. Those rare desert rains can turn the sandy surface into a muddy, slippery mess, making traction a nightmare. After a storm, the road can become impassable, even for 4x4s. Plus, the high altitude can cause altitude sickness and zap your engine's power. Bottom line? Pack extra fuel, tons of water, and a reliable satellite phone – this is one of northern Chile's most remote "high roads"!
extremeHow to Get to Paron Lagoon in Ancash by Car
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, near the town of Caraz, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Laguna Parón, a stunning turquoise lake tucked away in Huascarán National Park, one of the biggest in the Cordillera Blanca. The road? Oh, it's an experience. We're talking nearly 30 kilometers of unpaved, winding, gravel road that’ll get your heart pumping. Get ready for over 100 hairpin turns as you climb from Caraz up to a staggering 4,200 meters (that's almost 14,000 feet!). The average incline is about 7.5%, but don't let that fool you. You'll be driving through a dramatic canyon with granite walls that soar a kilometer above you. The views are insane – think steep, almost vertical drops alongside a narrow valley. And the hairpins? They just keep coming, each one offering an even more spectacular (and slightly terrifying) glimpse of the surrounding peaks. Speaking of peaks, keep your camera ready! You'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of Artesonraju (yep, the Paramount logo mountain!), Chacraraju, Pisco, and Huandoy. Trust me, you'll want to stop every few minutes for photos. This isn't just a drive; it's a visual feast of the Peruvian Andes.
hardWhat are the highest roads in Argentina?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Argentina, the land of tango and stunning landscapes, also boasts some seriously high-altitude roads! We're talking about routes snaking through the Andes Mountains in western Argentina, a range that stretches for over 4,000 kilometers. Forget flat plains – we're climbing to some of the highest navigable roads on Earth, often over 4,700 meters (15,400 ft)! These aren’t your average paved highways, though. Expect rugged, unpaved tracks originally carved out for mining or to connect with Chile. So, get ready for a wild ride across challenging mountain passes, rewarded with views that’ll take your breath away (literally, the air is thin up there!). Prepare for an adventure on some of Argentina’s most demanding – and highest – roads!