Where is Pascua Lama?
Argentina, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you wanna hit up Pascua Lama? This insane international peak straddles the border between Argentina and Chile. It's seriously high, so be prepared for some thin air!
You'll find this beast north of the town of Alto del Carmen, chilling in the southern part of the Atacama Desert. Once you conquer the summit, you'll be standing pretty close to the Pascua Lama mine site, which, FYI, is a point of contention with the local community.
The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think super steep, unpaved mining road. It's a tough climb, to say the least.
Now, a word of caution: this drive is NOT a walk in the park. If you've got any respiratory or heart issues, seriously reconsider. The altitude sickness is real, and it'll kick your engine's butt, too. Expect altitude effects around 13,000 feet!
Oh, and there's also the Rio Encuentro bridge crossing between Argentina and Chile to look out for. Trust me, the views are insane, but this adventure definitely comes with some serious challenges.
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is Portachuelo Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Paso Portachuelo Llanganuco, a mountain pass that'll blow your mind. We're talking 4,717m (15,475ft) high in the Yungay province! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, called AN-106 (Carretera de Yungay), is about 70.8 km (44 miles) long and almost entirely unpaved, snaking its way from Yungay to Yanama. Brace yourself for around 50 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. It's no joke, with steep sections hitting an 11% gradient and some seriously sharp switchbacks. Expect sheer drops, stone cliffs, and maybe some loose rocks or mud, especially after rain. Keep an eye out for potential avalanches, too! This legendary route, used since pre-Inca times, carves through Huascaran National Park, north of the famous Punta Olimpica Tunnel. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to incredible sights of Mounts Huascaran, Huandoy, Chopicalqui, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Yanapaccha. This pass is usually open year-round, offering a unique corridor between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. Get ready for an unforgettable, breathtaking experience!
moderateHow To Plan Your Trip to Machu Picchu by Train
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado, and let me tell you, the name isn't just hype. This baby stretches for about 25 miles through the San Juan Mountains, connecting Ouray and Silverton. The road climbs to over 11,000 feet, so be prepared for some serious altitude! But the real kicker? It's carved into the side of a mountain, and in some spots, there are absolutely no guardrails. That's right, just you, the road, and a seriously steep drop-off. Now, if you're scared of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. Also, keep an eye out for sharp hairpin turns and the occasional rockslide, especially after bad weather. But if you're up for it, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Think towering peaks, lush forests, and maybe even a glimpse of some wildlife. It's a total sensory overload of natural beauty. Just remember to drive carefully, and maybe bring a friend to help you spot those hazards!
hardWhere Is Cerro Paranal?
🇨🇱 Chile
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!
extremeLaguna Chuchon
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because the 20A highway to Laguna Chuchon in Peru is not for the faint of heart! This gravel road, snaking its way up to a staggering 4,465m (14,648ft) in the Lima Region, is a true test of driving skills and nerve. Linking Lima and Colquijirca, this route offers mind-blowing mountain views that'll leave you breathless. But hold on tight – we’re talking seriously exposed edges, with sheer drops of hundreds of meters and absolutely no guardrails. If you're prone to vertigo, this might be one to skip! Be prepared for anything. At this altitude, heavy mist can roll in quickly, and snowfalls can shut the road down at any time. Avalanches, landslides, and icy patches are real possibilities. The climb is brutal, the air is thin, and altitude sickness is a definite concern. They say the road to San José de Parac nearby is even scarier, but honestly, this one's already pushing the limits!