
Travelling Through Ruta 27 (CH-27) in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
156 km
3,000 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising on Ruta 27 in northern Chile, smack-dab in the Andes. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a serious high-altitude adventure across a wild, arid plateau.
This two-lane paved beauty stretches for 156 kilometers (97 miles), linking San Pedro de Atacama to Argentina via Paso de Jama. It's a fairly new route, fully paved since 2005, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a breeze.
Prepare for steep climbs and some challenging conditions, especially those strong, dry winds and the blazing sun! Sunglasses, H2O, and a couple of spare tires are absolute must-haves.
Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll be hitting some serious heights, topping out at Portezuelo Paranal, a mountain pass sitting pretty at a breathtaking 4,832 meters (15,853 feet). That makes it one of South America's highest paved roads. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Travelling Through Ruta 27 (CH-27) in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -35.1464, -64.4427
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 156 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -35.1464, -64.4427
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaguna Santa Rosa
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, heading towards Laguna Santa Rosa. This isn't your average lake – it's a high-altitude salt lake sitting pretty at 12,500 feet! The road to get there, C-601, winds through Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and is a mix of gravel and sand, adding to the off-road vibe. Be warned though, this track can get seriously muddy and slippery after it rains, making it a real adventure even in a 4x4. In fact, after a storm, you might find the road totally impassable. During the day, you'll be basking in temperatures that can reach 30°C. But as night falls, prepare for a chilly drop, especially in winter when it can get below freezing! And to top it off, the area is known for strong winds that whip across the landscape. But hey, the scenery is absolutely worth it!
moderateAn Andean mountain road to Pehuenche Pass
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Pehuenche is calling your name. This high-altitude beauty straddles the border between Argentina (Mendoza Province) and Chile (Maule Region) at a cool 8,389 feet above sea level. We're talking a fully paved road trip (thanks to the 2018 upgrade!) stretching 104 miles between Las Loicas, Argentina, and San Clemente, Chile. Just hop on Ruta Nacional 145 (Argentina) or CH 115 (Chile) and get ready for some serious scenery. Factor in about 2.5 to 3.5 hours of pure driving bliss (without stops, of course!). Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – they love hanging out in the high country. And hold on tight, because this route isn't shy about its steepness, with gradients hitting a max of 11% in places! Nestled deep in the Andes, Paso Pehuenche is typically open from December to March, weather permitting. So, pack your bags, check those dates, and prepare for an unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is Nevado del Tolima?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Nevado del Tolima (south of the peak, that is), buckle up for an unforgettable drive. This volcano hides in Los Nevados National Natural Park in Colombia, and getting close is half the fun. The 27.1 km (16.83 miles) stretch to the El Silencio–Nevado del Tolima parking lot is an experience. Most cars can handle it, but be warned: it’s seriously steep and narrow, especially as you climb higher. You'll be soaring to some serious elevation! Keep your eyes peeled not just for the views, but for the road itself. You'll cross the old and precarious Puente Negro, which is a bit of an adventure in itself. You have been warned - this is a road you won't soon forget!
moderateTravelling through the international Colchane-Pisiga Pass
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright adventurers, buckle up for the Paso Colchane-Pisiga, a seriously breathtaking international pass perched way up at 3,695 meters (that's over 12,000 feet!) on the border between Chile and Bolivia. This beauty connects the Tamarugal Province of Chile's Tarapacá Region with Bolivia's Oruro Department, specifically the Sabaya Province. Picture this: you're cruising through the Andean altiplano on a completely paved road. On the Chilean side, you'll be cruising along Ruta 15-CH, while in Bolivia, it's Ruta Nacional 12. The whole stretch is a solid 300 km (or 186 miles) long, linking Corque in Bolivia to San Lorenzo de Tarapacá in Chile. Get ready for stunning scenery and a serious dose of high-altitude vibes!