The Road To Caldera La Pacana Has it All

The Road To Caldera La Pacana Has it All

Chile, south-america

Length

9.65 km

Elevation

4,983 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

Laguna Yantachard

Laguna Yantac

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because today we're heading to Laguna Yantac! This stunning, sky-high lake sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the Junín Region, at a whopping 4,641 meters (that's over 15,000 feet!). Reaching this beauty isn't for the faint of heart. The road is gravel, so a 4x4 is definitely your best bet. Think dramatic cliff edges without guardrails—thrilling, right? The ascent is brutal, the air gets seriously thin (altitude sickness is a real possibility!), and the steepness is…well, let's just say your car will get a workout. But trust me, the incredible scenery makes it all worthwhile!

An epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andesextreme

An epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes on the JU-116, headed for Abra Anta Q'asa, a seriously high mountain pass. We're talking 4,881m (16,013ft) above sea level – that air gets thin! You'll straddle the border between Junín and Lima regions, winding between Marcapomacocha (27km away) and Casapalca (16km). The road? Think gravel, with some sandy bits and some hairpins thrown in for good measure. It’s not crazy steep overall, but don’t underestimate it. Watch out for sudden patches of loose gravel and be aware that any rain turns this into a muddy, potentially impassable mess. This isn't a trail for the faint of heart, and definitely not if you're afraid of heights or unfamiliar with unpaved mountain roads. The climb itself is a beast. That high altitude will test your lungs and your car, and the lack of oxygen can really hit you hard. The area’s known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, which can make driving seriously challenging. Once you hit the Carretera Central, be prepared for a traffic jam – it's a busy one! But hey, at the top you’ll find the Mirador de Tres Cruces, where you can see it all. Just be prepared for incredible views... and a wild ride!

What are the main mountain passes on the RN76?extreme

What are the main mountain passes on the RN76?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Get ready for the ride of your life on Argentina's Route 76 (RN76)! This 259 km (161-mile) off-road adventure punches its way through the La Rioja province, starting in Villa Unión and heading north towards the Chilean border. Think of it as a deep dive into the Andes, where you'll cruise through the Reserva Natural Laguna Brava. Picture this: high-altitude salt lakes shimmering in the sun, flocks of pink flamingos, and views that stretch to forever. And those views? Epic! We're talking about glimpses of Monte Pissis, the fourth-highest peak in the Andes, and the majestic Cerro Bonete Chico. Expect complete silence, surreal turquoise lagoons, and weather that keeps you on your toes. This ain't no Sunday drive, folks. RN76 throws two major passes at you: Portezuelo de Laguna Brava (4,379m/14,366ft), your gateway to the highlands, and the even loftier Abra Cerro Veladero (4,483m). Both are unpaved, a mix of loose gravel and crazy steep climbs, all with that thin air working against you. Heed this warning: RN76 demands respect. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't optional; it's essential. Weather is a wild card here; winter brings snowdrifts over 2 meters (the park even closes to private cars!), and summer can unleash surprise storms with landslides or icy patches. You're on your own out there, so pack extra fuel, water, and seriously warm gear. And be ready for altitude sickness, as you'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good chunk of the trip. The 259 km journey from Villa Unión is a slow burn – plan for a full day to conquer it. That gravel road can turn muddy and slippery near the salt flats, especially after rain. But trust me, the reward is beyond worth it: mind-blowing landscapes that peak at the Pircas Negras international border crossing. Give your ride a once-over before you go, and double-check the border crossing status – it's only open in the summer when the snow melts. Prepare for an unforgettable journey!

Where is Agua Negra Pass?moderate

Where is Agua Negra Pass?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Paso de Agua Negra (Black Water Pass) is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.774m (15,662ft) above sea level, located on the border of Argentina and Chile. It's one of the highest roads in the country Where is Agua Negra Pass? Set high in the Andes mountain range, the pass links the IV Region of Coquimbo (Chile) with the Province of San Juan (Argentina). It is the highest border crossing between Argentina and Chile, and the traffic is very low, with around 200 vehicles using it every year. Can you drive to Agua Negra Pass? Located in the central region of both countries, the road to the summit is mostly unpaved. It’s called Ruta 41 (in Chile) and Ruta Nacional 150 (in Argentina). The pass is 318km (198 miles) long, running east-west from Las Flores (in San Juan Province of Argentina) to La Serena (the capital of the Coquimbo region on Chile’s coast). The pass is driveable with any kind of vehicle. Opened in 1965, the pass was closed in 1977 due to political problems between the two countries and reopened to the public in 1994. Is the Agua Negra pass open? Because of its altitude, this pass is open only in summers (from December through April). The rest of the year is blocked by snow. Remember to check before you drive, as the dates are dependent on snow conditions each year. What’s Agua Negra tunnel? A new tunnel (Agua Negra tunnel) is planned to bypass the mountain pass, allowing year-round traffic. The project consists of two parallel 13.9km (8.63 miles) tunnels, each comprised of two traffic lanes. The tunnels will have a maximum width of 11m, but because they run through high mountains, the maximum incline has been limited to 4%. The tunnel is expected to greatly improve economic connections between Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Pic: Marisa Matesevach Route 5 is Chile's longest route Ojos del Salado is one of the highest accessible points by car on Earth Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.