Where is Paso Salar de Ollagüe?
Bolivia, south-america
254 km
3,695 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna straddle the border between Chile and Bolivia in the most epic way possible? Then get ready to tackle Paso Salar de Ollagüe!
This high-altitude gem sits way up at 3,695m (that's over 12,000ft!) in the majestic Andes, smack-dab in the Reserva Nacional Alto Loa. Think stunning mountain views and pure, unadulterated wilderness. Just a heads-up, you can only cross between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Now, let's talk about the road itself. Forget smooth tarmac, this is a wild, unpaved ride from start to finish. On the Chilean side, it's known as CH-21, morphing into Carretera 701 once you hit Bolivia. We're talking rugged, remote, and definitely an adventure. Thankfully, it's usually open year-round.
Clocking in at a hefty 254km (157 miles) between Calama (Chile) and Maicota (Bolivia), this isn't a quick jaunt. Given how remote this area is, consider hooking up with a local driver who knows the ropes. Trust me, it'll make the journey way more enjoyable. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 254 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,695 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering Mina Centinela
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Atacama Region of Chile and have a serious thirst for altitude, you HAVE to check out the road to Mina Centinela. This high-mountain copper mine isn't just about digging up treasure; it's about the breathtaking journey to get there. South of the majestic Copiapó volcano (Cerro Azufre, if you're feeling fancy), this mining road climbs to a whopping 5,430 meters (that's 17,814 feet!) above sea level. Just imagine the views! You'll find the start of the road where it peels off from the C-347. Nestled in the stunning Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, the road is completely unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. But trust me, it's worth it for the sweeping panoramas of Laguna del Negro Francisco. Just be aware that it's a working mine, so watch out for heavy equipment and mining traffic. But hey, think of the stories you'll have!
moderateWhere Is Los Nevados?
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, so Los Nevados is this super cute mountain village nestled way up high in the Venezuelan Andes, like way, way up there! We're talking proper altitude here. You'll find it chilling near the Sierra Nevada National Park, southwest of the cool city of Mérida. Getting there? That's half the adventure! Forget smooth asphalt, the 44.1 km (27.40 miles) road from Apartaderos is a wild ride! Picture this: a super skinny track clinging to the side of mountains, some serious drop-offs that will make your palms sweat (we're talking hundreds of meters down!), and views that will absolutely blow your mind. It’s considered one of the most exciting roads in the country for a reason! Get ready for an unforgettable scenic journey.
extremeWhere is Socompa Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Wanna get seriously off the beaten path? Then buckle up for Paso Socompa, a wild ride straddling the Argentinian-Chilean border at a lung-busting 12,716 feet! You'll find this high-altitude gem nestled in the Andes, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta province. Why "Socompa"? It's named after the massive 19,787-foot Socompa volcano watching over the whole scene. Fair warning: the road is rough. We're talking entirely unpaved and in pretty rough shape. Think B-55 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 163 in Argentina. Seriously, you'll want a proper off-road vehicle for this adventure. This drive isn't for the faint of heart. It's remote, rugged, and unforgiving. The combo of a terrible road surface, zero water, scorching desert heat, and practically no other vehicles makes it a real challenge. Even the Dakar Rally has tackled this beast! Keep an eye out for the abandoned train station at the summit – a seriously cool, eerie sight. Be prepared for extreme temperature swings, too. Blazing sunshine during the day gives way to brutally cold nights. A word of caution: stick to the marked roads. This area has a history, and there are potential minefields left over from past conflicts. Stay safe, and only cross the border at official checkpoints. Check with local authorities about hazards.
moderateDriving the international Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Chile and Bolivia, high up in the Andes. We're talking 4,687 meters (that's 15,377 feet!) at the Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass. This isn't just any border crossing; it's a major route linking La Paz, Bolivia, to Arica, Chile's closest seaport. The entire route is paved, so no need for a hardcore 4x4, but be prepared to share the road with plenty of big rigs. You'll be driving on Ruta Nacional 4 in Bolivia, which magically transforms into Carretera Internacional CH 11 once you cross into Chile. This high-altitude pass, nestled in the Cordillera Occidental, is generally open year-round, so you shouldn't have trouble getting through. The journey spans 157 kilometers (97.5 miles), stretching from Curahuara de Carangas in Bolivia to Putre in Chile. The scenery is absolutely stunning!