Where is Llano Chajnantor?
Chile, south-america
40 km
5,042 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, in the heart of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. You're heading towards the Llano Chajnantor plateau, way up in the Andes Mountains. This place is seriously remote, about 40 km east of San Pedro de Atacama, and the landscape is straight out of a sci-fi movie – so much so, they've even filmed Mars scenes here!
The air is thin, almost lunar. This high-altitude spot, reaching a whopping 5,042 meters (16,541 feet), is home to ALMA, the world's largest astronomical observatory. Why here? Because the extreme dryness and clear skies are perfect for peering into the universe.
Now, about getting there: the unpaved road stretches for 14.3 km (8.88 miles) from Ruta 27, winding its way up to the plateau. But here's the catch – this isn't your average road trip. The altitude is no joke. If you have respiratory issues or heart problems, seriously reconsider this one. And kids under 16? They're not allowed. Plus, only ALMA-certified vehicles and drivers with a special license can make the drive. While you may not be able to drive up there yourself, the views from the area will make your jaw drop.
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 40 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,042 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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