Where is Pichachén Pass?
Chile, south-america
180 km
2,063 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Chile-Argentina border, high in the Andes, at a cool 6,768 feet above sea level. This is Paso Internacional Pichachén, and it's a wild ride!
We're talking about a 111-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt road connecting the Biobío Region in Chile with Argentina's Neuquén Province. Known locally as Cajon del Pichachen or Boquete de Antuco, this route (Ruta CH-5 in Chile and Ruta Provincial 6 in Argentina) is seriously twisty and will put your driving skills to the test.
Keep in mind, this isn't a year-round joyride. Mother Nature often shuts it down in the winter due to, well, pretty much zero maintenance. Expect crazy temperature changes too – scorching sun during the day, but bundle up for freezing nights. But hey, with views like these, who's complaining?
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 180 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,063 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateThe 007 Road Trip: Driving to James Bond's Futuristic Hideout at Cerro Paranal
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile's Atacama Desert, about to climb Cerro Paranal, reaching a staggering 2,635 meters (8,645 feet) high! The road, Ruta Observatorio Paranal, is completely paved, but don't let that fool you – it's a seriously steep climb, with gradients hitting 12% in spots! From the B-710 road, you'll ascend for about 8.6 kilometers (5.34 miles), gaining 566 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of around 6.58%. The views? Absolutely unreal. Keep an eye out for the Cerro Paranal Observatory at the summit, home to some seriously impressive telescopes (Very Large Telescope & VLT Survey Telescope). Fun fact: part of the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, was filmed here! There's even a hotel, La Residencia, for staff, but sadly, no overnight stays for tourists. Just remember the last stretch is often gated. Get ready for an out-of-this-world driving experience!
hardTravelling Through Ruta 27 (CH-27) in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising on Ruta 27 in northern Chile, smack-dab in the Andes. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a serious high-altitude adventure across a wild, arid plateau. This two-lane paved beauty stretches for 156 kilometers (97 miles), linking San Pedro de Atacama to Argentina via Paso de Jama. It's a fairly new route, fully paved since 2005, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a breeze. Prepare for steep climbs and some challenging conditions, especially those strong, dry winds and the blazing sun! Sunglasses, H2O, and a couple of spare tires are absolute must-haves. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll be hitting some serious heights, topping out at Portezuelo Paranal, a mountain pass sitting pretty at a breathtaking 4,832 meters (15,853 feet). That makes it one of South America's highest paved roads. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardDare to drive the dangerous road to Abra del Condor
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra del Cóndor in Argentina is calling your name! We're talking a staggering 3,942 meters (12,933 feet) above sea level, perched right on the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in the wild northwest. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about Ruta Provincial 133 and 13, AKA Carretera de Iruya, a mostly unpaved path stretching nearly 48 kilometers (30 miles) from the RN9, just north of Humahuaca, all the way to the charming village of Iruya. Get ready for a wild ride, because this road throws everything at you: endless twists and turns, hairpin curves that'll make your head spin, and seriously steep drops where you'll be hugging the mountainside. Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording rivers? But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Imagine yourself surrounded by mind-blowing mountain landscapes, quaint, secluded villages, and off-road trails begging to be explored. You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of valleys dotted with cultivated terraces, all framed by vibrant, multi-colored mountains and bizarrely eroded rock formations. Keep an eye on the weather, though! It's usually pretty dry, but summer storms can turn this road into a muddy mess. Your best bet? Plan your trip for June through October. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
hardPasochoa Volcano
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: the road to Volcan Pasochoa, an old volcano nestled in the stunning Ecuadorian Andes. We're talking about reaching a whopping 3,234 meters (that's over 10,600 feet!) above sea level. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is a mix of cobblestones and rough dirt, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. It's definitely a trail for experienced off-roaders, so if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, maybe sit this one out. A 4x4 is an absolute must! Also, if heights aren't your thing, be warned: this climb is steep. Keep an eye on the weather too, because thunderstorms can quickly turn this road into a four-wheel-drive-only zone or even make it impassable. Once you reach the top, you'll find a collection of antennas, but the real reward is the panoramic views you'll never forget.