Where is Paso Chungara-Tambo Quemado?

Where is Paso Chungara-Tambo Quemado?

Bolivia, south-america

Length

157 km

Elevation

4,687 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Paso Chungara-Tambo Quemado, an epic international mountain pass straddling the border of Chile and Bolivia, way up at a lung-busting 15,377 feet!

You'll find this Andean beauty connecting Region XV in Chile with the Oruro Department in Bolivia. Think of it as a major artery linking La Paz to its closest port, Arica, in northern Chile.

The road itself, Ruta Nacional 4 (in Bolivia) and Carretera Internacional CH 11 (in Chile), is a workhorse, so expect to share the road with plenty of trucks. Good news is, it's generally open year-round.

This transitable road stretches for 97.5 miles (157 km), starting from Curahuara de Carangas, Bolivia, and winding its way to Putre, Chile. Get ready for stunning views and an unforgettable high-altitude experience!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Bolivia
Continent
south-america
Length
157 km
Max Elevation
4,687 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in south-america

Road LM-110hard

Road LM-110

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡ͺ Peru

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in the Huaral province of Peru and looking for an adrenaline rush, Carretera LM-110 is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about 50.8 kilometers (31.5 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel and bumpiness, all set at a lung-busting 2,500 meters above sea level. Seriously, night driving or poor visibility? Hard pass unless you're a seasoned pro. Think hairpin turns – we're talking 29 of them – and dizzying drop-offs that could make your stomach do somersaults. We're talking vertical drops of over 1,000 meters just waiting on some turns. And did I mention there are basically no guardrails? Reaching a peak elevation of 3,375 meters (11,072 feet), this route links the villages of San JosΓ© and Sumbilca, nestled in the heart of the Andes. Pro tip: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe choose a different adventure. But if you're up for a challenge with views that'll take your breath away (if the altitude doesn't first!), this road is an absolute must-do.

Laguna La Viudaextreme

Laguna La Viuda

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡ͺ Peru

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Lima Region of western Peru and you're craving an adrenaline rush, you HAVE to check out Laguna La Viuda. This stunning high-mountain lake sits way up at 4,560m (that's nearly 15,000ft!). Getting there on the gravel road 20A is...well, let's just say it's an experience. This isn't your Sunday drive. Think seriously steep inclines, a serious lack of oxygen, and some seriously mind-blowing vertical drops. We're talking hundreds of meters down, with no guardrails to keep you company! If you get dizzy easily, this might be one to skip, especially on a windy day. While the road tests your courage, it rewards you with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Just keep your eyes on the road! It connects Lima and Colquijirca. Be aware that this road can be closed due to snow. The area is known for heavy mist, making visibility a challenge. Plus, avalanches, snowfalls, and landslides are a real possibility, and icy patches are common. So, yeah, keep your wits about you. Make sure to take altitude into account, most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters.

Driving a road to the brutally high Abra Huayta in Arequipahard

Driving a road to the brutally high Abra Huayta in Arequipa

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡ͺ Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Huayta! This insane mountain pass in Peru punches you right up to 5,323m (17,463ft). We're talking seriously high altitude here, one of the highest roads in the whole country. Find this beast south of Cusco, nestled in the Arequipa Region's Chachas District. You're deep in the Chila mountains, with views for days, and the pass itself is named after the imposing Huayta mountain. The road? Forget smooth asphalt. It's a wild, unpaved ride with hairpin turns galore. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. And heads up: the air is thin up here! Take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness. Clocking in at almost 99 km (61 miles) from Orcopampa to Caylloma, you'll likely have the whole road to yourself. If you're craving a truly remote and unforgettable drive, this is it. Just maybe bring a buddy – safety first!

How long is the road to Laguna Verde?hard

How long is the road to Laguna Verde?

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡΄ Colombia

Okay, picture this: you're in southern Colombia, in the NariΓ±o region, heading towards the Azufral Natural Reserve. This place is home to Laguna Verde de Azufral, a volcanic lake shimmering with an unreal emerald green color. We're talking serious altitude here, nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet)! There used to be this legendary track, the Via acceso Laguna Verde, snaking its way up to the crater. It started near Villa Santa Isabel, but heads up: it's currently off-limits to vehicles. It's about protecting this fragile, stunning ecosystem. Before the closure, this route was a proper challenge, steep and unpaved, and it just got rougher as you climbed. Think deep ruts, crazy gradients – a high-clearance 4x4 was essential. It gained a steady elevation, eventually rewarding you with an epic viewpoint overlooking the three lagoons nestled inside the volcano's crater. But hold onto your hats, because the weather up there is wild! Snowstorms, howling winds, and sudden temperature drops were all part of the adventure. These days, the reserve is under strict protection. You can't drive all the way up anymore, but the surrounding mountain scenery is still mind-blowing. If you're exploring near Villa Santa Isabel, pack waterproof gear and warm layers. And remember, respecting the "No Entry" signs is key!