What are the highest roads in Bolivia?
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Bolivia's Ultimate Mountain Adventure
Welcome to Bolivia – a sprawling, landlocked country in the heart of western-central South America that's roughly the size of California and Texas combined. What makes this place truly special? The absolutely stunning Andes Mountains that dominate the landscape, with peaks that rival the dramatic vistas of the Himalayas themselves.
The driving here is seriously something else. Picture this: winding roads that hug impossibly steep slopes, vast and windswept Altiplano plateaus stretching endlessly, and lush valleys plummeting below. It's the kind of terrain that makes your palms sweat a little – in the best way possible. Bolivia is home to some of the continent's highest, most isolated, and most breathtaking mountain passes. If you're looking for a road trip that'll test your nerves and blow your mind with scenery, this is it.
Ever discovered a road that took your breath away? Have a hidden gem route that belongs on the radar? We'd love to hear about it! Share your find with us, and you might just help fellow adventurers discover their next unforgettable journey.
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Bolivia? is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -15.8849, -62.9272
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -15.8849, -62.9272
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA paved road to Laguna Miscanti
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure awaits in the Chilean altiplano! We're heading to Laguna Miscanti, a stunning mountain lake chilling way up at 4,120 meters (that's 13,517 feet for you imperial system folks!). The road there? Newly paved, which is a bonus. But don't think it's a cakewalk. This climb is a real lung-buster, thanks to the seriously thin air. Prepare to feel the burn, and maybe a bit of altitude sickness – most people start feeling it way before you even get there! The views are incredible, though. It's one of those drives where you'll be stopping every five minutes to snap photos, even if you’re gasping for breath.
moderateWhere is Futaleufú Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Paso Futaleufú! This international mountain pass sits pretty at 335m (1,099ft), straddling the border between Chile and Argentina. You'll find it nestled within the Futaleufu National Reserve, following the path of the mighty Futaleufú River. It's your key to unlocking Argentina (Chubut Province) from Chile (X Los Lagos Region) or vice versa. Heads up, this pass operates with seasonal hours for immigration and customs, typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in winter. It's a popular choice for those heading from Argentina into northern Chilean Patagonia. The whole shebang stretches for 118 km (73.32 miles), connecting Ruta 235 in Chile with Esquel in Argentina's Chubut Province. Road surfaces are a mix of gravel and paved sections on both the Argentine (Ruta Nacional 259) and Chilean (Ruta Internacional CH-231) sides, so be prepared for a bit of everything! Get ready for incredible views!
hardCuesta de Miranda
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans! We're heading to Argentina's La Rioja Province for a ride on the Cuesta de Miranda. This baby climbs to a cool 2,020 meters (that's 6,627 feet!) and is totally paved, so no need for a monster truck. You'll cruise along Ruta Nacional Nº 40, a legendary route that slices through Argentina. This stretch of road took about 10 years to build back in the day, and was finally fully paved in 2015. You'll be hugging the Miranda River, but listen up: weather here can be a beast. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are a real threat, and ice patches are super common. So keep an eye on the forecast and maybe avoid this one when things get dicey. Prepare for a twisty, turny adventure that keeps you on your toes.
hardIs Paso de los Libertadores paved?
🇨🇱 Chile
Straddling the border between Chile and Argentina, high in the Andes, is Paso Internacional Los Libertadores – a truly unforgettable drive. This fully paved route, known as Ruta 60 (Chile) and Ruta Nacional 7 (Argentina), winds its way to the Cristo Redentor tunnel, a 3km passage drilled right through the mountains at over 3,100 meters. The border crossing sits below the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, perched even higher at nearly 4,000 meters! This pass is the main artery connecting Santiago, Chile, with Argentina's Mendoza region. Be warned: winter snows often shut the pass down due to heavy snowfall and potential rockfalls. Even when open, patience and skill are essential. The Argentinian side offers a relatively gentle climb through stunning mountain landscapes, but the Chilean side? Buckle up! Ruta 60 is a wild ride of hairpin turns, clinging to the mountainside. The section known as "Los Caracoles" (the snails) is a series of steep, tight switchbacks, so perfectly formed they resemble a refrigerator coil from above. Heavy truck traffic can create bottlenecks, adding to the challenge. But persevere, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the snaking road below and, if the weather is clear, Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. Despite the challenging conditions, the pass has a decent safety record, but caution is always necessary. Snow and ice are common, and guardrails are absent in many places. Yet, year-round, you'll find cargo trucks and even double-decker buses braving the route.