
The World’s Fastest Downhill Mountain Bike Ride in the Atacama desert
Chile, south-america
167 km
3,972 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're carving down a mountain in the Chilean desert, wind screaming past you, scenery blurring... pure adrenaline! This isn't your average Sunday cruise; we're talking about the very slope where Austrian daredevil Max Stöckl smashed the world speed record on a stock mountain bike.
We’re at Cerro "El Flaco", peaking at almost 4,000 meters. The initial slope is a heart-stopping 45 degrees, and the run is a nail-biting 1.2km blast from top to bottom. Stöckl himself said it was an exhausting 20 seconds of pure exhilaration! While I wouldn't advise trying to hit 167 km/h yourself, just imagine the view and the rush – definitely a trip for the adventurous soul.
Where is it?
The World’s Fastest Downhill Mountain Bike Ride in the Atacama desert is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.1772, -73.0510
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 167 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,972 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -34.1772, -73.0510
Related Roads in south-america
moderateThe Historic Motorcycle Expedition to Aconcagua with Bultaco Sherpa
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, Mendoza Province, staring up at Aconcagua. Not just looking at it from a distance, but imagining yourself *on* it. This giant of a peak clocks in at a staggering 6,961 meters (that's 22,838 feet for those of us who think in freedom units!). Now, I know what you're thinking: "Roads? On a mountain that high?" Yep, and a group of crazy-brave (or maybe just plain crazy!) Spanish motorcyclists proved it back in '77. Riding Bultaco Sherpa T 183s, they climbed to an insane altitude, setting a record for motorcycling outside of Asia. These guys from Moto Igualada weren't messing around. They attacked Aconcagua on two Bultaco Sherpa T 350 cc bikes, fueled by pure ambition. Though they ultimately fell short of the summit, they reached an altitude of 6,800 meters, beating a Kilimanjaro record set just a few years prior. Aconcagua? More like Acon-CAN-gua, right?
extremeHow to get to Laguna Casiri by car?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region, practically spitting distance from Bolivia. Buckle up, because you're about to tackle one of the highest drives in the country to the Casiri Lagoons – Hembra and Macho. Starting from the tiny village of Caquena, you've got about 16 kilometers of rugged, unpaved road ahead. Don't let the short distance fool you, this isn't your average Sunday drive! You'll be climbing over 500 meters to reach the shores of Laguna Casiri Hembra (at a staggering 4,825m) and Laguna Casiri Macho (even higher at 4,856m!). Forget smooth asphalt, this is all rocky gravel and loose volcanic rock. The track's bumpy, steep in places, and requires some serious off-roading skills. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! If you're not comfortable on technical, unpaved mountain tracks, maybe sit this one out. Now, the altitude. You'll feel it, and so will your engine. Winter? Forget about it, this road's usually snowed in. Even in summer, keep an eye on the sky – a sudden thunderstorm can turn that dry gravel into a muddy nightmare in minutes. So, why bother? Because the views are insane! Think dramatic volcanoes, jagged peaks, and Laguna Casiri Hembra, which is particularly cool thanks to its underwater algae garden. Weirdly enough, you'll find mosquitos buzzing around the lagoon edges. The whole scene is framed by ancient volcanic rock – totally worth the effort. Heads up: you're in the middle of nowhere, bordering Bolivia, so be prepared. Make sure your vehicle's in top shape, pack extra supplies, and stay focused. The road's narrow, winding, and demands your full attention. Get ready for an unforgettable, high-altitude adventure!
extremeWhere is Santa Rosa Mine?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up! We're heading to Peru, near the Arichua volcano on the border of Moquegua and Puno regions, to check out the road to the Santa Rosa Mine. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about reaching a staggering 16,840 feet (5,133 meters) above sea level, putting you among the world's highest mines! The roughly 25-mile (40 km) route from Santa Rosa is a wild ride. Expect a rollercoaster of narrow passages, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. And be prepared for some seriously harsh weather – think extreme sun, crazy winds, and that classic high-altitude chill. But hey, you'll be snaking through the majestic Andes Mountains!
hardAbra Cuncush
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Ancash Region of Peru and crave a serious off-road challenge, then the Cuncush Pass is calling your name. Nestled high in the Cordillera Huayhuash, this beast of a pass tops out at a staggering 4,601 meters (that's 15,095 feet!). The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Expect a gravel rollercoaster – rocky, bumpy, and maybe even a little tippy in spots. Winter can shut it down completely, so plan accordingly. This is a playground for experienced off-roaders only; if unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe skip this one. But oh, the views! Prepare for mind-blowing, panoramic vistas of the untamed Huayhuash mountains. 4x4 is highly recommended – you'll need it. And if heights aren't your thing, seriously reconsider because this trail is steep, and I mean *steep*. Muddy conditions after rain can make things even trickier. Heads up: altitude sickness is a real possibility up here. Most feel it kicking in around 2,500-2,800 meters, and near the pass, the air gets seriously thin. It's a tough climb that will test your lungs, but trust me, the reward is worth every gasp. This pass is just epic.