Travel guide to Llano Chajnantor in Chile
Chile, south-america
40 km
5,042 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, high up in the Atacama Desert – one of the driest places on Earth! You're heading towards the Llano Chajnantor plateau, a mind-blowing spot at over 16,500 feet! This isn't your typical road trip.
Think lunar landscape, because that's what you'll find about 40km east of San Pedro de Atacama. Seriously, it’s so otherworldly they film Mars scenes here. The air is super dry and thin, so be warned: this altitude ain't messing around. If you have any respiratory or heart issues, maybe skip this one. No kids under 16 allowed either.
The plateau is home to ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array – the biggest and most powerful telescope array on the planet! They need this extreme location to see deep into the universe.
The 8.8-mile private road is totally unpaved, starting from Ruta 27. It’s rough and ready, but the views? Totally worth it…if you can handle the altitude and have the right credentials! Only ALMA-certified vehicles and drivers are allowed. Get ready for a drive you’ll never forget.
Where is it?
Travel guide to Llano Chajnantor in Chile is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.2438, -69.9237
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 40 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,042 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -34.2438, -69.9237
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