What are the highest roads in Argentina?
Argentina, south-america
4,000 km
4,694 m
hard
Year-round
Argentina, the land of tango and stunning landscapes, also boasts some seriously high-altitude roads! We're talking about routes snaking through the Andes Mountains in western Argentina, a range that stretches for over 4,000 kilometers. Forget flat plains – we're climbing to some of the highest navigable roads on Earth, often over 4,700 meters (15,400 ft)!
These aren’t your average paved highways, though. Expect rugged, unpaved tracks originally carved out for mining or to connect with Chile. So, get ready for a wild ride across challenging mountain passes, rewarded with views that’ll take your breath away (literally, the air is thin up there!). Prepare for an adventure on some of Argentina’s most demanding – and highest – roads!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Argentina? is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.4439, -62.3522
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 4,000 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,694 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.4439, -62.3522
Related Roads in south-america
moderateJama Pass is an Andean road from Chile to Argentina
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Paso de Jama, an insane high-altitude pass perched way up at 14,051 feet! You'll find this border crossing connecting Jujuy, Argentina, with the super cool desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. This is the northernmost road linking these two countries, and it's your gateway to where Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina almost touch. We're talking about 100 miles from the Chilean border. You'll cruise through parts of Los Flamencos National Reserve before hitting San Pedro. Keep an eye out for trucks, too – it's a popular route for them heading to Chilean ports. The road's been paved since '05, so you can leave the off-roader at home. This baby's open year-round for all vehicles, but snow can sometimes close it down, so check ahead! Daytime temps can hit a balmy 86°F, but nights? They plunge, especially in winter – think freezing! And the wind? Let's just say it can get a little wild. Remember, you're in the Andes, cruising through a semi-desert at an average of 9,800 feet. Pack layers! And maybe skip that massive lunch before you head up – trust me, your stomach will thank you. You'll be rolling on Ruta 27 (CH-27) in Chile and National Route 52 in Argentina. Heads up, the Chilean side climbs even higher, topping out at 15,853 feet at Portezuelo Paranal. From Jujuy, it's mostly uphill to Jama (217 miles to be exact!). Once you conquer the pass, it’s still another 100 miles to San Pedro – but hey, it's downhill from there!
hardLaguna 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.
moderateA salt road to Isla Incahuasi in the middle of Salar de Uyuni
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising across the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, a mind-blowing, 10,500 square kilometer sea of salt in the Potosí Department, practically on the crest of the Andes at a whopping 3,656m (11,995ft) above sea level. It's like driving on a giant, untouched snowfield, except it's all salt! You're heading to Isla Incahuasi, which translates to "house of the Inca" – a rocky island smack-dab in the middle of this surreal landscape. The "road" itself? Pure, unadulterated salt. Seriously, it's like driving on another planet. Now, be warned, this isn't a luxury trip. Think basic refuges for accommodation and seriously chilly weather, especially at night. And remember, during the wet season when the salt flat floods, Isla Incahuasi becomes an actual island and is totally inaccessible. But trust me, the otherworldly scenery and the sheer scale of it all make it an adventure you'll never forget. It's harsh, it's basic, but it's absolutely worth it.
hardHow to Get to Chiquian by Car?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, so you're headed to Chiquián, a cool little mountain town way up in the Peruvian Andes! We're talking serious altitude here, like 11,187 feet above sea level! You'll find it nestled in the Ancash Region, practically the heart of western Peru. Getting there is part of the adventure. The road, called Carretera a Chiquián, is paved, which is good news, but hold on tight because it's a wild ride! Think twelve hairpin turns twisting up the mountainside, some sections are seriously steep, with gradients hitting 9%. You'll climb to a breathtaking 13,959 feet at the highest point. Keep your eyes peeled for rock slides though, they're a real possibility. The whole trip from the 3N road to Chiquián is only about 10.4 miles, but in that short distance, you'll climb almost 2,800 feet! That’s an average gradient of just over 5%. The views alone are worth the white-knuckle driving!