
Where Is Cerro Paranal?
Chile, south-america
8.6 km
2,635 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Ruta Observatorio Paranal, the road to Cerro Paranal in Chile's Antofagasta Province. This isn't your Sunday drive!
You'll find yourself smack-dab in the west-central part of the country, climbing to a whopping 2,635 meters (8,645 feet) above sea level. Why bother? Well, Cerro Paranal is home to the Paranal Observatory, a seriously futuristic-looking spot—so much so that James Bond himself filmed some scenes here!
The road itself? Buckle up for 8.6 kilometers (5.34 miles) of Ruta Observatorio Paranal, starting from the B-710. It's a steep climb, averaging a 6.58% gradient, with ramps hitting a maximum of 12%! You'll gain 566 meters in elevation, so your engine's gonna work for it. Fair warning: the very last bit is blocked by a checkpoint. Get ready for killer views as you ascend!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 8.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,635 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardThe Rio Encuentro bridge crossing from Argentina to Chile
🇦🇷 Argentina
Rio Encuentro International Pass is unlike any other Andean crossing. Forget scaling towering peaks! This border is all about a quick hop over the Encuentro River on a 30-meter bridge. It's this tiny span that links Argentina's Chubut Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region, providing a handy connection between the towns of Corcovado and Palena. Seriously, it's one of the most scenic bridges out there! Prepare for a road surface switch-up the second you cross the bridge. While the bridge itself is basic concrete, it’s where Argentina's gravel gives way to Chile's smooth pavement. Mostly you'll find locals and smaller vehicles using this route to cruise through Patagonia. The change is instant. You'll rumble along Ruta Nacional 259 and Ruta Provincial 44 on the Argentinian side – think classic Patagonian gravel. Then, boom, you're on the bridge, and suddenly you're gliding on the Chilean side via Ruta Internacional CH-235. It's paved perfection all the way to Palena! Keep in mind, this pass is for lighter vehicles only; leave the big rigs behind. You'll find the PDI, Customs (SNA), and the Agricultural Service (SAG) ready on the Chilean side, while the Gendarmería Nacional keeps things in order on the Argentinian side. The border crossing is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Since Rio Encuentro isn't about crazy high altitudes, it's often a safer bet in winter, assuming the Argentinian gravel roads aren't snowed under. Expect an easy drive across the river that naturally divides these two nations in a seriously remote and serene location.
hardLaguna Verde
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Bolivia, in the Sur Lípez Province of Potosí, cruising through the Salvador Dalí Desert. You're headed to Laguna Verde, a mind-blowing salt lake shimmering at a staggering 4,300 meters (that's 14,100 feet!) above sea level. Now, the road? Let's just say it's an adventure. Think gravel and sand tracks winding their way to the lake. It can get seriously muddy and slick if it's been raining, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge. After a big storm, you might even find the road totally impassable, even in a 4x4. But trust me, the views are SO worth it!
extremeAbra Alpamarca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Central Peru, in Junín province, lies Abra Alpamarca, a mountain pass soaring to a staggering 15,456 feet (4,711m) above sea level. You'll find this beauty, the highest point on the road connecting Huayllay to Tanta, along route 20A, and be warned: it's a gravel road. This isn’t your average Sunday drive. Be prepared for a remote, high-altitude trek. After a rain shower, even a small one, the road can get pretty tricky. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities and can block the way, and icy patches can be super dangerous. Pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, warm layers, and reliable GPS with maps are must-haves. You'll likely share the road with mine trucks (there are a bunch of large mines nearby), though the closer you get to the pass, the quieter it gets. But hey, the reward is absolutely stunning scenery!
hardRoad 37: A Dangerous Drive Due to Drug Cartel Fights in Colombia
🇨🇴 Colombia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Carretera 37, a wild ride through the Huila and Cauca regions of southwestern Colombia! Nestled in the foothills of the Cordillera Central, near the fascinating National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro, this 124 km (77-mile) serpentine road connects Garzon to Toez. The views? Absolutely stunning! You'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Nevado del Huila, Colombia's tallest volcano. However, this beauty comes with a serious dose of reality. Carretera 37 is not for the faint of heart. While mostly paved, expect some sandy and gravelly sections that'll keep you on your toes. Plus, some spots are pretty narrow, so maneuverability can be tricky. Now, the real kicker: this area is known for ongoing drug cartel activity. Sadly, parts of the road may be closed at any given time. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Before you even think about hitting this road, get the latest intel on the security situation. Caution is key!