Tunel San Rafael

Tunel San Rafael

Bolivia, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,040 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the La Paz Department of Bolivia, you'll find the San Rafael Tunnel, a seriously high-altitude experience sitting pretty at 9,973 feet above sea level.

Nestled in the Cordillera Real, part of the majestic Andes Mountains, this tunnel is on Ruta 3 (the Cotapata-Santa Bárbara road). It took about three years to build, from 2001 to 2004. At just over 4,500 feet long, it's a pretty cool stretch. Keep an eye on your speedometer—the limit is 40 kph. The road is mostly paved, but watch out for a few gravel sections that add a bit of rugged charm to the drive. Get ready for some stunning scenery!

Where is it?

Tunel San Rafael is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.3580, -62.6131

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Bolivia
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
3,040 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-16.3580, -62.6131

Related Roads in south-america

Driving the RN149 to Abra del Colorado in San Juanhard

Driving the RN149 to Abra del Colorado in San Juan

🇦🇷 Argentina

Hey adventure seekers! Let me tell you about Abra del Colorado, a must-see mountain pass in Argentina's San Juan Province. Picture this: you're cruising along at 2,629m (8,625ft), surrounded by the raw beauty of the Andes. This isn't just any drive; it's a key route connecting the Iglesia and Calingasta valleys, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the towering Andean peaks. The landscape here is something else – a dry, almost Martian terrain with reddish soil that gives the area its name, "Colorado." You'll be driving on Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149), a smooth, fully paved road that stretches for 88.3 km (54.86 miles) from Bella Vista towards the junction with the RP436, en route to Talacasto. Now, a word of caution: you're in high mountain territory. Keep an eye out for sudden gusts of wind—the notorious Zonda can really test your driving skills! Cyclists, take note! This pass is legendary, the ultimate stage of the Vuelta a San Juan. Even if you're not a pro, you'll feel like one as you tackle this climb. The gradients are forgiving, mostly around 5-6%, but it's the sheer length and the desert heat that'll challenge you. The final 15 kilometers are the stuff of legends, winding through a rocky canyon before you finally reach that high-altitude plateau. Trust me, the sense of accomplishment is unreal! For drivers and cyclists, this climb is an epic experience, a unique taste of the Argentinian Andes that you won't soon forget.

Laguna Salar de Pajonaleshard

Laguna Salar de Pajonales

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in Chile's Antofagasta Region lies Laguna Salar de Pajonales, a stunning high-altitude lake sitting pretty at 3,541 meters (that's 11,617 feet!). Getting there is an adventure in itself. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to tackle Route B-885, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking a serious climb that will test both your vehicle and your lungs – the air gets pretty thin up there, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness. The gravel track can be loose and slippery, especially after rain. In fact, during and after storms, this road can become completely impassable. But, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it! Imagine yourself surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Chilean landscape. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.

Antiguo Puente de Pailón is a challenging bridge in Boliviamoderate

Antiguo Puente de Pailón is a challenging bridge in Bolivia

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, so picture this: You're in Bolivia, near the little town of Pailón, and you stumble upon what *was* one of the coolest bridges ever! I'm talking about the old Pailón bridge, a wooden wonder stretching almost a mile (1.4km) across the Río Grande. Built way back in the 1950s, it was this super rickety, single-lane affair where trains ALWAYS had the right-of-way. Can you imagine?! Sadly, it's been replaced by a shiny new bridge right next to it, so the old one is out of commission now. Still, what a sight it must have been! Now, buckle up for a wild ride on El Angosto, deep in the Andes. This isn't your average scenic route; it's known as one of the world's most treacherous roads, heading towards the Salar de Ollague Pass. Get ready for some serious elevation and heart-stopping views – if you dare to look!

Driving across the Encuentro River bridgehard

Driving across the Encuentro River bridge

🇦🇷 Argentina

Crossing the Andes doesn't always mean crazy altitudes! Paso Internacional Río Encuentro is a unique little border crossing defined by a simple 30-meter bridge over the Encuentro River. This cutie connects Argentina's Chubut Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region, linking the towns of Corcovado and Palena. Think of it as a secret Patagonian shortcut! The instant you cross that bridge, BAM! The road changes! You're going from classic Argentinian gravel tracks straight onto smooth Chilean pavement. It's mostly light vehicles and locals cruising this route – think Patagonian road trip vibes. Okay, here's the deal: in Argentina (Chubut), you're bumping along on gravel: RP44 / RN259. Then, 30 meters later, you're on Chile's Ruta Internacional CH-235, which is gloriously paved! Heads up: this border crossing is only for light vehicles; no heavy trucks allowed. You'll find the usual border crew on the Chilean side and the Argentinian Gendarmería keeping things smooth on their end. This border is a total winner if you're looking for a more manageable crossing, especially in winter. As long as the Argentinian gravel is clear, you're golden! Plus, the scenery is incredible – a peaceful river marking the spot where two amazing countries meet.