What are the highest roads in Chile?
Chile, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Chile, that sliver of a country hugging the bottom of South America, is a land of extremes. Picture this: the endless Pacific Ocean on one side, and the colossal Andes Mountains on the other, creating a playground for epic road trips.
Forget flat, boring highways! In Chile, you're either cruising along the stunning coastline or tackling insane mountain climbs. We're talking seriously high international passes and rugged mining tracks that carve their way through some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll ever see. The Andes practically run the entire length of the country, so expect some serious elevation changes and views that'll knock your socks off. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Chile? is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -36.5186, -69.7173
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -36.5186, -69.7173
Related Roads in south-america
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Ulla Qhaya
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Ulla Qhaya in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about a mountain peak soaring to a dizzying 16,660 feet! It's one of Bolivia's highest roads, nestled in the stunning Apolobamba range inside the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. The road? Think rugged, unpaved goodness – strictly 4x4 territory. Winter? Forget about it; this road laughs in the face of snow. Seriously though, remember you're playing in the big leagues here. High altitude means thin air, and the weather can turn on a dime. Keep an eye on it. But hey, the views? Absolutely unreal.
hardWhere does Road BR-319 start and finish?
🇧🇷 Brazil
Ready for a wild ride? Check out the BR-319, a Brazilian highway that's not for the faint of heart! This 857km (532 miles) stretch connects Manaus (the bustling capital of Amazonas) to Porto Velho (the capital of Rondônia) deep in the Amazon. Built in the '70s to open up the rainforest, the BR-319 crosses through Humaitá, Lábrea, and other small cities, offering a glimpse into remote Amazonian life. It opened in 1973, but by 1988 it was impassible. Repairs started in 2008. So, is it drivable? Usually, yes, but during the rainy season, it can turn into a muddy mess. Expect a mix of asphalt, gravel, and sand, plus some serious potholes and missing guardrails to keep you on your toes. Be warned: this isn't your average road trip. Environmental groups are concerned about the impact of rebuilding the highway on deforestation. The original construction wasn't exactly state-of-the-art, built on swampland and prone to floods that washed away bridges. These days, most cargo goes by boat. If you're brave enough to attempt it, be prepared to camp rough and experience the raw beauty (and challenges) of the Amazon. Don't miss the abandoned Viaduct Petrobras for a surreal photo op in the middle of the jungle!
moderateA wild road to Laguna de Paton in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Laguna de Patón! This insane lagoon sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, like, 13,615 feet high! You'll find it in the province of Oyón, Lima. The road, mostly concrete and called LM-18, is surprisingly decent, taking you from the town of Oyón eastward to the PA-100 road. Don't let that fool you, though. This 27-mile (43.5 km) stretch is a beast! Think hairpin turns and switchbacks galore. But hey, you're rewarded with breathtaking scenery at every twist and turn. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience! Just keep your eyes on the road, because those views can be seriously distracting!
extremeCerro Toco
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro Toco! This insane gravel road climbs to a whopping 5,416m (17,769ft) in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. We're talking seriously lunar landscapes in the Atacama Desert. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking remote, rough, and definitely not for your average car. You'll need a seasoned driver who knows how to handle steep climbs (some sections hit 10%!), dust, and bumps galore. The reward? Mind-blowing views and bragging rights. The summit boasts some of the world’s highest telescopes, making it a stargazer's dream. But don't get too dreamy – the conditions up here are BRUTAL. Expect high winds, icy patches, and the potential for heavy snow. Seriously, don't even think about it in bad weather; avalanches and landslides are a real threat. The wind is almost always howling, and even summer can bring snowy surprises. Winter? Forget about it – bone-chilling cold! Despite being inhospitable to humans, this place is an astronomer's paradise. The incredibly dry climate makes it perfect for spotting those millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths!