Where is Guallatiri Volcano?
Chile, south-america
17.1 km
5,240 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Arica and Parinacota Region of northern Chile, practically spitting distance from Bolivia, lies the majestic Guallatiri volcano. And guess what? You can get seriously close!
We're talking about a rough and rugged, unpaved track snaking up its northern flank. You'll need a 4x4 beast with high clearance for this one - leave the rental sedan at home. This isn't just any dirt road; it's a climb to a staggering 5,240m (17,191ft) above sea level, making it one of Chile's highest drivable roads.
Starting near Churiguaya, you'll grind your way up for 17.1 km (10.62 miles), gaining a whopping 1007 meters in altitude. That's an average incline of almost 6%! The views within Lauca National Park are absolutely mind-blowing, but keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic. Finding a spot to pass can be a bit of a puzzle sometimes. Guallatiri has been known to rumble a bit (last eruption in '85!), so you're definitely visiting a living, breathing landscape. Get ready for an unforgettable Andean experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 17.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,240 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA dangerous road through Pampas Galeras National Reserve
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Route 30 A in Central Peru! This isn't just any road; it's a 156 km (96.9 miles) paved ribbon winding through the Pampa Galeras-Barbara D'Achille National Reserve in Ayacucho. Think seriously high altitude – we're talking a lung-busting 4,156m (13,635ft) above sea level. Starting near Nazca on the coast, it carves east towards Puquio, throwing some seriously steep and curvy challenges your way. But the real magic? You're smack-dab in the heart of vicuña country! This reserve's all about protecting these adorable, high-altitude camelids, so keep your eyes peeled for some wildlife spotting. Heads up, though: it gets seriously chilly up here, especially at night, and watch out for potential rain between November and March. Layers are your friend!
extremeAn epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Anta Q'asa, a high-altitude stunner in the Peruvian Andes! This pass straddles the border between the JunÃn and Lima regions, so you're getting a two-for-one scenic experience. Clocking in at a lung-busting 4,881m (16,013ft), Anta Q'asa—also called Antaccasa or Antajasa—is not for the faint of heart. The JU-116, a gravel road, winds its way over the pass and can get pretty busy. Expect some sandy sections and hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Keep an eye out for those sneaky loose-gravel patches, and if it's been raining, prepare for some serious mud! The unpaved sections can become impassable, trust me. The climb is a beast, and the air is THIN. Altitude sickness is a real thing up here, so listen to your body. Oh, and did I mention the unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards? Yeah, those can make things... interesting. Once you hit the Carretera Central, be ready for heavy traffic – it’s known to be a bit wild! Located between Marcapomacocha (27km away) and Casapalca (16km away), this route is best left to experienced off-roaders. If unpaved mountain roads and heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for an epic challenge with incredible views, Abra Anta Q'asa is calling your name!
extremeA curvy gravel road to Abra Viraco
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a truly off-the-beaten-path experience in Peru, you HAVE to check out Abra Viraco. This mountain pass tops out at a whopping 4,940 meters (that's 16,207 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Castilla province, near the Viraco District. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road (AR-106) is gravel, and let's just say it's seen better days. Get ready for a whole lotta switchbacks! The climb from the north is pretty gradual, but hold on tight for the descent into Viraco – it's rocky, bumpy, and will test your suspension (and your nerves!). Seriously, pack smart for this one. We're talking water, snacks, extra fuel, a warm jacket (it gets chilly up there!), and a reliable GPS with offline maps. You're heading into some seriously remote terrain, so preparation is key. Keep an eye on the weather, too – even a little rain can make things tricky. And be aware that avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides can happen, potentially blocking sections of the road and creating icy patches. But, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely 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.