The Road To Caldera La Pacana Has it All
Chile, south-america
9.65 km
4,983 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to the wilds of Chile's Antofagasta Region, to a place called Caldera La Pacana. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious altitude here: nearly 5,000 meters (over 16,000 feet!) So, yeah, it’s one of Chile's highest drives.
Picture this: the eastern Atacama Desert, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. This lunar landscape is absolutely unreal, and the views? Epic! But hold on, this beauty comes with a price. The road, branching off Ruta 27 near Salar de Aguas Calientes, is a rough and rugged 9.65km unpaved climb.
We're talking a steep ascent, gaining 705 meters with an average gradient of 7.30%. Definitely a 4x4-only situation, and be prepared for seriously harsh conditions: think biting winds and bone-chilling cold. One slip-up, and this road won't forgive you. But trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the reward is an unforgettable journey!
Where is it?
The Road To Caldera La Pacana Has it All is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -36.8960, -72.3904
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 9.65 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,983 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -36.8960, -72.3904
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow to drive the road from Abra del Sauce to Nazareno in Salta?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Salta Province, Argentina, and you're itching for a drive that'll test your mettle, check out the new road connecting Abra del Sauce and Nazareno. Picture this: a recently built, totally unpaved road snaking its way through the raw, untamed landscape of northwestern Argentina. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 25 km (15 mile) rollercoaster of narrow passages clinging to the mountainside. If you're not a fan of heights, be warned – there are some serious drop-offs overlooking the river below! Starting from Abra del Sauce, the road winds toward Molino, and from there, it follows the Nazareno riverbed all the way to Nazareno itself, passing through Cuesta Azul. Oh, and did I mention you'll be topping out at a lung-busting 3,464 m (11,364 ft) above sea level? The views are absolutely epic, but keep your eyes on the road!
hardA memorable unpaved road to Abra de Chorrillos
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra de Chorrillos! This high-altitude Argentinian pass clocks in at a staggering 4,555 meters (14,944 feet), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in Argentina. You'll find it straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in the northwest, so get ready for some serious Patagonian vibes. The climate's as wild as the scenery: arid, cold, and with temperatures that swing from relatively mild during the day to downright freezing at night. We're talking potential lows well below -15°C (5°F) – pack accordingly! Summer brings the only rain, but don't expect a tropical downpour. You'll also be driving past some seriously stunning salt flats. The road itself? It's a 57.9 km (35.97 miles) unpaved beauty, also known as Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), winding its way from San Antonio de los Cobres to Olacapato. The good news is, in dry weather, most vehicles can handle it. And for a good chunk of the drive, you'll be cruising alongside an old, abandoned railway line. The views? Epic. The adventure? Unforgettable.
hardA Steep, Challenging Road to Abra Tres Cruces
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Tres Cruces in Bolivia is calling your name. This isn't just any road; we're talking about a sky-high pass topping out at a whopping 4,729 meters (15,515 feet)! Seriously, you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Located on Bolivia's western edge, this road slices right through the breathtaking Tres Cruces (or Quimsa Cruz) mountain range. Picture this: epic views that will blow your mind! The whole shebang is about 120 km (74 miles) long, winding from Konani to Jutalla by way of Quime. The climb from Konani is smooth sailing on paved roads, nothing too crazy steep. BUT...hold on tight for the descent! Things get a little wild with unpaved sections, some seriously steep drops, and keep an eye out for potential landslides. Worth it for the views, though, right?
hardRoad PA-100
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of central Peru, high in the Pasco region, lies the PA-100 – a mountain road experience unlike any other. We're talking serious altitude here; the entire route hovers *above* 4,000 meters! Starting from Cerro de Pasco (off the 3N) and winding up to Ruta 18, this 56.5 km stretch of gravel is a true Andean adventure. Word to the wise: a little rain turns this road into a challenge. Expect some seriously steep climbs and get ready to navigate around 18 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. The payoff? Jaw-dropping scenery and bragging rights from conquering Abra Huaytire, the highest point at a staggering 4,543 meters (that’s 14,904 feet!). This route is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast!