When was the road to Cerro Aucanquilcha built?
Chile, south-america
22 km
5,500 m
hard
Year-round
Cerro Aucanquilcha is a massive stratovolcano located in the Antofagasta Region of Chile. An old mine road used to run to the top, but now much of it about 5.500m (18,044ft) above sea level has been wiped out by landslides. For many years it
was the highest drivable road in the world
When was the road to Cerro Aucanquilcha built?
Set high in the northern part of the country, part of the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes,
the road to the summit is totally unpaved, but no longer usable by vehicles. Mining originally began on the volcano in 1913,
initially using llamas as pack animals to carry down the sulfur. An aerial cable system extending for 22 km (14 mi) was completed in 1935, to lower the sulfur in buckets.
Eventually this was replaced in 1972 by the road which switchbacked up to the summit and was capable of supporting 20-ton mining trucks.
It was the world's highest mine during that period. It’s
one of the highest roads of South America
Can you drive to the summit of Cerro Aucanquilcha?
Located to the west of the border with Bolivia, within the Alto Loa National Reserve
one of the highest roads of Chile
This is an extremely tough road to try and climb up on a bike. The terrible surface and steep gradients meant that with loaded bikes you will have to push about 80% of the way from 4,000m to a high point at 5,130m.
Although a number of people have taken their bikes to the summit, the surface on many stretches of the road is very bad or even blocked due to landslides. However, there are sections of rideable road all the way to the summit.
At the summit itself it would also be possible to ride around a bit. Since the mine closed in 1993 much of the road has fallen into disrepair. Motorized use is no longer possible.
How is the climb to Cerro Aucanquilcha?
The existence of the old road makes it relatively easy to get to the summit on foot if you are well acclimatized and the old mining camp at 5,280m makes a good base camp as there are walls to shelter your tent.
The winds in this area can be fierce and especially in winter the nights can be extremely cold. The highest permanent human habitation was a galvanized iron hut acting as a miners' barracks, with 4 workers, at about 5,500 m (18,000 ft).
Pic: Diego Delso [CC BY-SA 4.0 (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
)], via Wikimedia Commons
Conquering the scenic Y290 road in the Chilean Patagonia
A dangerous and difficult road to Guallatiri Volcano
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 22 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,500 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateIs Crucero Alto paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Crucero Alto! This breathtaking mountain pass in the Puno region of Peru sits way up high at a staggering 14,855 feet. What's the road like? You'll mostly be cruising on smooth pavement along Carretera 34C. This north-south route stretches for about 45 miles (72.9 km) between Santa Lucía and Eslagunero. Keep your eyes peeled because, even with the pavement, mountain roads always demand respect. But, oh, the views! You'll be treated to some seriously stunning Peruvian scenery as you climb. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardHow to get by car to Abra Condorillo?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a spot for you in Peru that'll blow your mind: Abra Condorillo! This high mountain pass sits way up high in the Arequipa region, clocking in at a staggering 4,993m (16,381ft) above sea level. You'll find it chilling north of Abra Arcata in the Condesuyos province, nestled within the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve. The whole area is pretty remote. The road itself? It's a 57km (35 miles) unpaved gem called AR-611, starting near Arcata. Think dramatic, multi-colored hills and a serious sense of isolation. Heads up, though: once you pass the Arcata gold and silver mine (around 4,700m), there's a seriously steep kilometer stretch, and you'll encounter some sandy sections and hairpin turns that demand your full attention. You even drive through a working mine at one point! But hang in there, because the climb to the summit gets gentler, and the views…oh, the views! They are absolutely epic, and the descent into the valley on the other side? Pure magic.
moderateTravel Guide to Abra Milloc in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: Abra Milloc, or Punta Seis Lagos as the locals call it, is a sky-high Andean pass sitting pretty at a whopping 4,826m (that's 15,833ft!). You'll find it straddling the Junín and Lima regions in Peru, right in the western heart of the country. The name? It translates to "Six Lakes Peak," and trust me, the views live up to the hype! You're cruising through a landscape peppered with six unbelievably colorful lakes. Seriously, bring your camera! The road itself? It’s about 60km (38 miles) of unpaved goodness stretching from Casapalca to Huanza. But don’t let the "unpaved" part scare you; the surface is actually pretty decent. It's mostly flat and manageable when dry. This beauty is also known as LM 116 or the Carretera Milloc-Marcapomacocha. It’s not super steep either, just a gradual climb. That said, you're still out there, so load up on water, snacks, extra fuel, and a warm layer (it gets chilly up there!). A reliable GPS and some good old-fashioned maps wouldn't hurt either.
moderateA wild unpaved 4x4 road to Chuanuma in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Chuañuma is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5,283m (17,332ft) above sea level, located in Chachas District, in the Castilla Province of Peru. It’s one of the highest roads in the country. The mountain, also known as Ch'uwañuma, is situated in the Arequipa Region, in the southern part of the country. The road to the summit, located southeast of the mountain Huañacagua in a valley named Puncuhuaico, is totally unpaved. 4x4 vehicles only. It’s an old mining road. Set high in the Chila range of the Andes, the road to the summit is 15km (9.32 miles) long, starting on the road to Chila peak. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.