Termas del Flaco

Termas del Flaco

Chile, south-america

Length

77.8 km

Elevation

1.776 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're heading to Termas del Flaco, a super cool hot springs resort nestled high in the Chilean Andes, about 1,776 meters above sea level. We're talking the Región del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, specifically the Colchagua valley. To get to these amazing thermal baths (also called Baños del Tinguiririca or Las Vegas del Flaco), you'll be cruising along I-45, a gravel road that hugs the wild Tinguiririca River.

The adventure begins in San Fernando, just off the Panamericana Sur 64. From there, it's a 77.8 km journey on unpaved road that winds its way eastward into the mountains. Any car can handle it, but be prepared for a bumpy, scenic ride! Keep in mind, this dirt road is only open from December to April, so plan your trip accordingly. It's usually snowed in from May to November, so winter is a no-go! Get ready for some epic views!

Where is it?

Termas del Flaco is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.0792, -69.7528

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Chile
Continent
south-america
Length
77.8 km
Max Elevation
1.776 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-34.0792, -69.7528

Related Roads in south-america

Carirriñe Pass is a scenic, lesser-traveled mountain pass between Chile and Argentinaextreme

Carirriñe Pass is a scenic, lesser-traveled mountain pass between Chile and Argentina

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Paso Carirriñe is a must-do border crossing between Chile and Argentina, clocking in at 1,150m (3,772ft) above sea level. This isn't your everyday highway; it's a less-traveled path linking the Los Ríos region of Chile to the wild beauty of Argentine Patagonia. The route stretches 133 km (82.64 miles), starting near Coñaripe on the shores of Calafquén Lake and winding its way to San Martín de los Andes. Prepare to be amazed by the volcanic landscape – think hot springs and solidified lava flows! A heads-up: this pass is generally open during the summer months, usually from November 15th, with limited hours (8 AM to 8 PM). Snow, landslides, and road work can shut it down other times of the year, so plan accordingly. On the Chilean side (Ruta CH-201), you'll mostly find paved, albeit narrow, roads, though the last 15km are gravel (but slated for pavement!). Cross into Argentina (Ruta Provincial 62), and you’re in for a different experience. It's unpaved, bumpy, and super narrow. It can get rough, so I'd seriously recommend a 4WD vehicle. Despite the weather's impact and some dicey road conditions, locals use it quite a bit (they know what they're doing!).

The Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicleshard

The Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Caliz, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, is calling your name. This crazy-high mountain pass straddles the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces in Peru, clocking in at a staggering 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!) above sea level. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in Peru. You'll find it nestled in the Cusco Region, way up in the southern highlands, practically breathing the same air as the snow-capped Quesso Queperina and the Quelccaya Glacier. Think stunning Cordillera Vilcanota range scenery! Word of warning: winter here means game over. Snow makes it totally impassable. So, peep that weather forecast like your life depends on it (because, well, kinda!). Road 1406 is the name, and unpaved is the game. This 50-kilometer (31-mile) stretch from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) to CU-125 Road is no Sunday drive. Expect gnarly drop-offs, super-skinny sections, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? Oxygen's thin up here, so pack your common sense and prep for potential AMS. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, this north-to-south trek is an absolute must. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this planet has to offer.

Puente Tincocmoderate

Puente Tincoc

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Cusco Region of Peru, in the Paruro Province, heading towards the Ccapi District. Boom! You stumble upon the Tincoc bridge, and trust me, it’s a showstopper. This thing hangs about 8,549 feet above sea level, a cool 2,606 meters, stretching 71 meters across the epic Apurímac River. The road getting there is gravel, so buckle up for a slightly bumpy ride. But honestly, who cares about a little dust when you’re surrounded by views like these? Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!

Driving the road from Celendin to Yerbabuena: absolutely no room for mistakeshard

Driving the road from Celendin to Yerbabuena: absolutely no room for mistakes

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because the Celendín-Yerbabuena Highway in Cajamarca, Peru is a WILD ride! Picture this: 163 km (101 miles) of perfectly paved road snaking between the towns of Celendín and Yerbabuena, which sounds idyllic, right? Wrong! This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We’re talking seriously narrow stretches with a sheer 1,000-meter drop on one side and a towering rock face on the other. Seriously, you’ll be gripping the wheel so hard your knuckles will turn white. The road’s in great condition, thankfully, but those corners! Imagine feeling like one of your tires is flirting with the edge as you navigate over 500 hairpin turns. Talk about stunning views – you’ll be gazing at incredible mountains the entire time. But be warned, if you’re afraid of heights, this might be your personal hell, with hundred-meter drops and zero guardrails in many places. It's an unforgettable – and slightly terrifying – adventure!