Tejos Refuge is one of the highest roads of South America
Chile, south-america
N/A
5,791 m
extreme
Year-round
# Refugio Tejos: The Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure
Tucked away in Chile's Copiapó Province at a jaw-dropping 5,800m (19,000ft), Refugio Tejos isn't just a mountain hut—it's one of the world's highest motorable destinations. Perched in the Atacama region near the Argentine border, this legendary pit stop serves climbers tackling Ojos del Salado, the Andes' most impressive peak and the planet's tallest volcano.
The hut itself is pretty humble: an L-shaped structure with six beds, a gear room, and a poignant history. A Chilean mining company left it behind as a memorial to a helicopter pilot who lost his life in these brutal mountains.
Getting here? That's where things get serious. The unpaved road is absolutely relentless—steep, rocky, and unforgiving. Only experienced 4x4 drivers should even attempt it. The terrain climbs to rank among South America's highest roads, and those vertical cliff faces hundreds of meters high? Yeah, they're real, and they're terrifying. One wrong move and you're staring into dizzying valleys below.
Weather up here doesn't play nice either. Even in summer, sudden snowstorms can materialize out of nowhere, with temperatures plummeting without warning. Wind is your enemy too—gusts can be genuinely dangerous given the exposed cliff edges and minimal margin for error.
This isn't a scenic Sunday drive. Refugio Tejos demands respect, skill, and nerves of steel. But if you're a true adventure seeker? It's unforgettable.
Where is it?
Tejos Refuge is one of the highest roads of South America is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -37.6880, -72.3237
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,791 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -37.6880, -72.3237
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