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
Related Roads in south-america
hardAtacama Refuge
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Atacama Region of Chile, practically knocking on Argentina's door, lies Refugio Atacama, perched way up high at 5,256m (17,244ft). Getting here, south of the driest desert on earth, is no Sunday drive! Think sandy, rocky terrain demanding a 4x4 beast. Seriously, you’ll need it. The altitude is a HUGE factor, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness. Add unpredictable weather and a steep climb to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a proper challenge. While snow is rare due to the desert climate (except in winter!), the isolation is real. Medical help? A long, long way off – possibly a day or more. Forget about a quick helicopter rescue. This gritty, dusty 4x4 track cuts through some tough landscape, mainly used by climbers heading to the majestic Ojos del Salado volcano. The "hut" itself, also called Refugio Rojas, is basically a big container where a ranger chills during the climbing season, plus a few tents from various expeditions. It's raw, it's remote, and it's an experience you won't forget!
hardDriving through the defiant Garganta del Diablo
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Garganta del Diablo ("Devil's Throat") in the Lima Region of Peru! This road punches right through the Ushco canyon in the Yauyos province, and it’s an unforgettable experience. You'll find this gem winding its way through the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve as part of Route 24. The pavement is smooth, but don’t let that fool you. This 10.8 km (6.71 miles) stretch is seriously narrow, with sections only 3.2m wide and rock overhangs dipping down to around 3.4m. Night driving? Double the adrenaline, double the danger! Picture this: a stunning, winding canyon with rock formations that seem to whisper secrets as you pass. The road snakes along the bottom, super deep and narrow. But hold on – there are three unlit tunnels to navigate. They're so tight, only one car can pass at a time. Hope you're good at reversing, because meeting oncoming traffic is common, and someone's gotta yield! This isn't a drive for the faint of heart, but if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it.
hardEsperanza Pass
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a real beast of a road? Check out Paso Esperanza in Peru's Puno region. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 15,689 feet above sea level! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road is all gravel and gets plenty steep. Plus, you'll likely be sharing the route with massive mine trucks, so keep your eyes peeled. But trust me, the views are worth it. This wild ride takes you right into the heart of the Andes, promising scenery that'll blow your mind. Just be prepared for a challenging but unforgettable journey.
moderateAn Andean border road to Futaleufú Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Paso Futaleufú, a seriously cool international mountain pass straddling the border between Chile and Argentina. We're talking about a relatively low-lying pass, only 335m (1,099ft) high, nestled in the stunning Futaleufu National Reserve and named after the wild Futaleufú River. This beauty connects Argentina's Chubut Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region, and it's THE go-to route if you're heading from Argentina to the northern stretches of Chile's legendary Carretera Austral. Border crossings are open during daylight hours, with slightly adjusted times in summer and winter. Get ready for a 118 km (73.32 miles) journey that kicks off on Ruta 235 in Chile and winds its way to Esquel in Argentina. The road itself? Think a mix of gravel and paved sections along Ruta Nacional 259 (Argentina) and Ruta Internacional CH-231 (Chile). Prepare for epic scenery!