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
extremeRoad to the Junín Lakes: Driving to Alcacocha, Tarusmachay, and Oshgomachay
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic Andean adventure! Deep in the heart of Peru's Central Andes, near Junín, lies a mind-blowing route that winds past three ridiculously gorgeous glacial lakes: Alcacocha, Tarusmachay, and Oshgomachay. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a high-altitude test of you and your vehicle through the stark beauty of the Meseta de Bombón. Forget smooth pavement – this is a classic "trocha," a white gravel track carving through a vast, treeless plateau. Imagine endless ichu grass swaying in the fierce Andean winds, with distant peaks as your only companions. It’s raw, exposed, and unbelievably scenic. Starting just north of Junín, you peel off the civilized 3N Road and onto this 14.9 km stretch of pure adventure. Don’t let the average gradient of 2.85% fool you; the real challenge is the altitude. You’ll be climbing a cumulative 426 meters in seriously thin air! The route flows organically through the mountains. First, you'll hit Laguna Alcacocha (at a dizzying 4,366m). Then, it's upwards to the highest point by Laguna Tarusmachay (4,443m), before leveling out a bit near Laguna Oshgomachay (4,430m). The whole drive is a slow, steady climb where you'll definitely feel your engine straining above 4,000 meters. Expect mostly loose gravel and compacted earth under your tires. In dry weather, it's dusty but manageable. But remember, this is extreme high-altitude driving! Oxygen is scarce, and you'll likely feel the effects of altitude sickness if you haven't acclimatized in Junín or nearby towns. Safety first, especially during the rainy season (November to April). Snowfall and landslides can make things seriously dicey. There are absolutely no services, no gas stations, and hardly any other vehicles out here. A 4x4 with good tires is essential, as the gravel gets slick when wet, and those steep sections demand traction. Before you ditch the 3N highway, give your ride a thorough check-up. Thin air makes engines work overtime, so check those tires and cooling system! That "lack of oxygen" also affects your reflexes and judgment. If you get a headache or feel dizzy, stop or head down immediately. This route is your ticket to the authentic Peruvian puna, far from the tourist throngs, where your only company might be alpaca herds and the serene, frigid lagoons.
hardA treacherous border road to Salar de Ollague Pass in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! You HAVE to hear about Paso Salar de Ollagüe, a seriously epic high-altitude pass chilling out at 3,695m (12,122ft) on the Chile-Bolivia border. Nestled right in the heart of the Andes, inside Chile's Reserva Nacional Alto Loa, this route links the Antofagasta Region of Chile with Bolivia's Potosi Department. Word to the wise: it's only open from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. Now, let's talk about the road itself. Forget smooth tarmac – this baby is all about that rugged, unpaved life! Known as CH-21 in Chile and Carretera 701 in Bolivia, both sides are gravel and can be pretty gnarly. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? The good news is it's usually open year-round. Clocking in at 254km (157 miles) from Calama (Chile) to Maicota (Bolivia), this journey is REMOTE. Like, seriously out there. Unless you're a seasoned off-road pro, hooking up with a local driver is HIGHLY recommended. Trust me, the views are worth it, but you want to soak them in, not stress about navigating tricky terrain! Get ready for some unforgettable scenery.
hardCerro Camellos
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're hunting for a wild ride in Chile's Tarapacá Region, Cerro Camellos is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 4,431 meters (14,537 feet) — talk about thin air! Nestled deep in the Andes, the road up is definitely not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, bumps galore, and enough tippy sections to keep you on your toes. Winter? Forget about it, this road's a no-go. Experienced off-roaders, this is your playground! But be warned: if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, steer clear. You'll need a serious 4x4, and a healthy dose of courage, because this trail is STEEP. Oh, and did I mention the heights? Yeah, they're pretty intense. Plus, rain turns this road into a muddy, slippery mess, so pick your weather wisely. Get ready for some incredible views and a truly unforgettable adventure!
hardOquepuño Pass is one of the highest paved roads of South America
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Oquepuño! This baby clocks in at a whopping 4,883 meters (that's 16,020 feet!) above sea level, nestled high in the Carabaya province of Peru. Word on the street is, it’s one of the highest paved roads you’ll find in South America. You'll find this beast in the Puno region, way down south. The whole route is paved and goes by the name Ruta Nacional PE-34B (aka Carretera Interoceanica). Get ready for a 44km (27.34-mile) stretch of road, winding its way from Macusani to Puerto Arturo. Keep in mind you're playing in the big leagues here! Oxygen is thin, so take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness. At the very top, you’ll find a cute little chapel called Santísima Cruz. Also, this road doesn’t mess around: we’re talking steep climbs, hitting 11% grades in places, and hairpin turns galore. Ten of them, to be exact.