Where is Cerro Estrella?
Argentina, south-america
N/A
5,389 m
extreme
Year-round
Cerro Estrella, also called Lastarria, sits right on the border between Argentina (Salta Province) and Chile (Antofagasta). We're talking serious altitude here – the summit hits a whopping 17,680 feet (5,389m)!
Up top, you'll find the remains of Mina La Julia, an abandoned sulfur mine that was buzzing from the '50s to the late '70s. Now, it's a ghost town, a stark reminder of a bygone era.
Getting to the top is no joke! This isn't your Sunday drive. The road is an old mining track that demands a 4x4. Be ready for some seriously steep inclines.
A word of caution: this climb isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). The extreme altitude means less oxygen, which can be tough on the body. If you have any heart or breathing issues, seriously reconsider this one. Even if you're fit, be aware of altitude sickness – it can hit anyone! The air up there has only about 60% of the oxygen you're used to at sea level, so even simple tasks become a workout.
Oh, and heads up – this road is typically impassable during the winter months. The Andes throw everything they've got at it – heavy snow, blizzards that kill visibility, and crazy wind. Even in summer, be prepared for unexpected snow or sudden cold snaps. Powerful winds are pretty much a constant companion.
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,389 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Laguna Parón?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, east of Caraz, smack-dab in Huascarán National Park, heading toward Laguna Parón, a huge, unbelievably turquoise lake nestled way up high. We're talking serious elevation here! The road? Forget smooth sailing. This 30-km (18.45-mile) stretch from Caraz is pure, unadulterated dirt. The climb is intense, like 1788m (5866ft) intense, averaging around a 6% gradient. Think hairpin turns, and I mean *lots* of them—over 300, apparently! As you wind your way up, you're swallowed by a massive canyon. Imagine towering granite walls, some reaching a kilometer high, with crazy steep drops right beside the road. It's both stunning and a little terrifying, in the best way. But the views! Oh, the views. Keep your camera ready because the lake itself, the Cordillera Blanca peaks like Artesonraju (yep, the Paramount Pictures mountain!), Chacraraju, Pisco, and Huandoy, will blow your mind. This drive is worth every single bump and hairpin, trust me.
extremeWhere is Christ the Redeemer of the Andes?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: high in the Andes, right on the border between Argentina and Chile, sits the Cristo Redentor de los Andes – a massive, 4-ton statue at a staggering 12,572 feet! This spot, near the Paso Internacional de los Libertadores, used to be *the* way to get between the two countries, until a tunnel came along in 1980. We're talking about the highest point on the old road connecting Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile. Now, getting there isn't a walk in the park. This 10.6-mile stretch, known as E-773 on the Chilean side and RN A006 on the Argentinian, is unpaved on both sides and only open in the summer because winter brings heavy snow and temps that can plummet to -30°C. Even in summer, snow and rockfalls can close it down at any time! The drive? Think 65 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 15%. It connects Las Cuevas in Argentina with Parada Caracoles in Chile. Expect about 50 minutes to drive it straight through. It's challenging, for sure, with those curves, steep climbs, and dangerous drop-offs. There aren't many guardrails, but it's become a popular tourist route. And the history? The Cristo Redentor was erected way back in 1904 to celebrate peace between Argentina and Chile after a border dispute. It's one of the highest monuments on Earth and a symbol of harmony between the two nations. The views are unreal!
hardConquer the Spectacular Paso Internacional Los Libertadores: Chile-Argentina Border Crossing
🇨🇱 Chile
# Paso Internacional Los Libertadores: One of the World's Most Epic Mountain Drives Chile and Argentina's border stretches over 5,000 miles, with most of it carved along the dramatic spine of the Andes Mountains. Between the two countries sits an incredible network of over 40 border crossings, but none compare to the sheer spectacle of Paso Internacional Los Libertadores—also known as Paso del Cristo Redentor. This fully paved route connects Santiago, Chile with Argentina's Mendoza region via two highways: Ruta 60 on the Chilean side and Ruta Nacional 7 on the Argentine side. The actual border crossing? It's hidden inside a tunnel. The Cristo Redentor tunnel stretches 3,080 meters across the border, sitting at a breathtaking 3,175 meters (10,417 feet) above sea level. Named after the iconic 4-ton Christ the Redeemer statue positioned at 3,832 meters (12,572 feet) on the Argentine entrance—installed way back in 1904—this crossing is absolutely legendary. Here's where it gets real: winter weather can shut this route down completely. Massive snowfall and rockfall threats mean you'll need serious patience and driving skills to tackle this beast. The Argentine side treats you to a relatively gentler climb through stunning rugged terrain, rewarding you with jaw-dropping views of Aconcagua, South America's highest peak, and the switchbacks snaking below. The Chilean side? Buckle up. This is where things get intense. Ruta 60 is essentially one of the world's most twisted roads—from above, it literally looks like a refrigerator coil. The notorious Los Caracoles section (Spanish for "the snails") features over 20 hairpin turns on an insanely steep climb. It's dramatically harder than the Argentine approach, and heavy trucks crawl through here daily, forming slow-moving convoys that look like actual snails from a distance. Despite being brutally challenging, the pass maintains a surprisingly solid safety record. Still, you'll want to remember: there are no guardrails, snow covers the road much of the year, and traffic gets intense with cargo trucks and tourist buses navigating these heights around the clock. But conquer it, and you'll have one unforgettable story.
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.