What is the tallest volcano in the Andes called and how tall is it?
Chile, south-america
600 km
6,500 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're looking for the ultimate off-road adventure, you HAVE to check out the route up Ojos del Salado. This massive volcano straddles the Argentina-Chile border, and it's the tallest volcano on Earth, topping out at a staggering 6,891m (22,608ft).
Think you can just cruise up in your rental? Think again! We're talking steep climbs, boulder fields, snow, glaciers, and deep, soft sand. It's a brutal combo! Plus, you're at a crazy altitude, so oxygen is scarce. Hurricane-force winds and freezing temperatures are pretty much guaranteed.
But the reward? Unbelievable views! You'll be driving through a landscape unlike anything you've ever seen, right in the heart of the Atacama Desert. Just remember, you're super remote out here. Help is a long way off if things go south, so come prepared. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a full-on expedition.
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 600 km
- Max Elevation
- 6,500 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Argentina and Bolivia, hitting an altitude of 3,645 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!). This is the Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass, a high mountain road connecting the wild northwest of Argentina's Jujuy Province with the stunning landscapes of Bolivia's Sur Lípez. The 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) route snakes its way between the tiny Argentinian town of Ciénega de Paicone and Río Mojón in Bolivia. While the road is entirely unpaved, it's generally in good shape. Get ready for some serious off-road vibes and views that'll make your jaw drop!
moderateTravel Guide to La Virgen Pass
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure awaits at La Virgen Pass, sitting pretty at a lofty 4,071 meters (13,356 feet) high in Ecuador! You might also hear it called Papallacta Pass. Find it just east of Quito, straddling the Pichincha and Napo Provinces, right in the heart of Cayambe Coca National Park. The E20 highway will take you right through, a fully paved road cutting through the Andes, just off the Eastern Cordilleras. This epic drive stretches for 85.3 km (53 miles) from Pifo to San Francisco de Borja as you head west to east. Heads up, you're on the road from Quito straight into the Amazon! At the top, that altitude is real. But the views? Absolutely unreal! Think majestic mountains and glaciers galore. Don't miss the little chapel there, known as Virgen del Paramo Papallacta. Feeling extra adventurous? A rugged, unpaved road heads north to Pico de las Antenas, peaking at 4,350 meters (14,271 feet). Buckle up for an unforgettable ride!
moderateFaro Cabo Blanco
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna visit Argentina's oldest lighthouse? Head to Santa Cruz Province and the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve! You'll be cruising down Ruta Provincial 91, a 33.3 km "ripio" (gravel) road that kicks off from Ruta Provincial 14 and leads straight to the iconic Cabo Blanco lighthouse. Word to the wise: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart! The weather here is seriously unpredictable, thanks to the semi-arid climate and crazy winds. Trust me, stick to that 60km/hour speed limit – a cracked windshield or flat tire will totally harsh your vibe. The gravel can get super loose, especially on the sides, and things get muddy and slippery after it rains. The lighthouse itself sits on a rocky headland at the end of Route 91, towering 67 meters (220 ft) high. The good news? The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife in their natural habitat. While a high-clearance 2WD can technically handle the dry, straight stretches at low speeds, I highly recommend renting a 4x4. It'll make the ride way more comfortable and minimize your chances of getting stuck!
extremeA hairy paved road to Anticona Pass in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Anticona, a seriously high-altitude pass in the Peruvian Andes, straddling the Lima and Junin regions! We're talking 4,824m (15,826ft) above sea level – that's higher than most clouds! It's often mistakenly called the highest paved road in South America, but regardless, it's a wild ride. You'll find it snaking through the Cordillera Central on the Carretera Central (Ruta 22), all nicely paved. At the top, there's even a little bar and parking spot to soak in the views! The whole shebang is about 37.4 km (23 miles) from Casapalca heading east to the JU-102 road. Now, don't think this is a Sunday drive. This road is steep, twisty, and full of surprises. Think hairpin bends, crazy amounts of trucks and buses, landslides, and llamas randomly running across the road. Cyclists should probably skip this one for safety reasons. Oh, and the weather? Expect the unexpected! Give yourself around an hour to conquer it. The peak, also called Ticlio Pass or Nevado de Ticlio, marks the spot where South America splits, with rivers flowing to either the Pacific or Atlantic.