
Sico Pass is a scenic border pass in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
337 km
4,092 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic border crossing! Paso de Sico sits way up high in the Andes, straddling Chile and Argentina at a staggering 13,425 feet above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive.
We're talking a 209-mile trek across a super arid, high-altitude plateau, connecting San Pedro de Atacama in Chile with San Antonio de los Cobres in Argentina.
The Chilean side, Route 23, is smooth sailing thanks to recent paving. But Argentina's Route 51? Let's just say it's an unpaved adventure, though there's talk of changing that!
Keep an eye on the weather. Summer highs hit a mild 23 degrees Celsius, but winter plunges to a frigid -12. It's cold, dry, and can get seriously windy up there. But with views like this, it's a trip you won't soon forget! The pass is open year round.
Where is it?
Sico Pass is a scenic border pass in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.9125, -62.6007
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 337 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,092 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -38.9125, -62.6007
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhat’s the world’s highest ski resort?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Ruta Chacaltaya in Bolivia! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 9.6 km (5.96 miles) unpaved climb starting near Ingenio, hauling you up 635 meters to a staggering 5,260m (17,257ft) above sea level. Yeah, you'll need a 4x4 – and maybe a bit of courage because this baby gets steep, like up to 14% steep! The road's narrow, a little rough, and those drop-offs? Let's just say they add some "spice" to the journey. What awaits you at the top? The remains of what was once the world's highest ski resort. Snow's gone now thanks to climate change, but the views are unreal. Seriously, the panoramas of Huayna Potosi, Mururata, and Illimani are incredible, not to mention the sprawling views of La Paz and El Alto. If you squint hard enough, you might even catch a glimpse of Lake Titicaca in the distance. And if you're feeling extra energetic, hike another 100 meters to the actual summit. Plus, for the science nerds, there's a gamma-ray research lab up there! Is it worth the white-knuckle drive? Absolutely!
extremeCuesta de Sama
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Cuesta de Sama in Bolivia, a gravel road clinging to the mountains of the Tarija Department. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 40.6 km stretch climbing to a whopping 3,889m (12,759ft) above sea level! Picture this: you're winding between Iscayachi and San Lorenzo, on a narrow path where passing another car is a *serious* commitment. Hope you're good at reversing, because you might be doing it for kilometers! This gravel road can get super dicey, especially after rain. Think mud, think slippery conditions... maybe even impassable, even with 4x4. And the views? Absolutely stunning... if you dare to take your eyes off the road! But fair warning: this one's not for the faint of heart. Heavy truck and bus traffic, frequent fog, and a history of accidents mean you need your wits (and driving skills) about you. Vertigo sufferers, maybe sit this one out. Landslides are a real risk too. If you're up for the challenge, Cuesta de Sama will test you, thrill you, and reward you with some seriously unforgettable scenery.
extremeRoad 38
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Carretera 38 in Peru! This wild ride snakes through the Andes, straddling the Tacna and Puno regions near the Bolivian border. We're talking serious altitude here – you'll be cruising entirely above 3,200m! Forget smooth asphalt, this 74km stretch is a mix of gravel and sand, and when it rains? Impassable. No guardrails to be found, just jaw-dropping drops as you hug the mountainside inside the Vilacota Maure Regional Conservation Area. You'll connect the town of Tarata (3,120m) to Challapalca (4,277m). Speaking of Challapalca, this route is the main artery to its infamous prison, known for its harsh conditions. But the real challenge is the road itself: oxygen is thin, and the steepness is relentless. Prepare for altitude sickness! And those hairpin turns? Over 50 of them! This whole area is known as the "Siberia of Peru" for a reason: it is wild, desolate, and incredibly beautiful.
hardExploring the Remote and Rugged Abra de La Honda o del Portillo: A High Andean International Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de La Honda, or del Portillo, is a seriously epic international mountain pass straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 4,156 meters (that's 13,635 feet!). This beast connects the Coquimbo Region of Chile with the Calingasta department in Argentina, deep in the Andes Mountains. The pass gets its name from the stunning Honda valley, so you know the views are going to be incredible. Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The entire 90.1 km (56.4 miles) from La Vega is unpaved and seriously rugged. We're talking narrow roads, hairpin turns that will test your skills, steep climbs, and complete remoteness. Seriously, you might not see another soul out there. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. This wild route leads to an unnamed international pass where the road ends, so plan accordingly!