Where is Portezuelo de Chaxas?

Where is Portezuelo de Chaxas?

Bolivia, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,494 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Chile and Bolivia, way up in the Andes at a staggering 14,744 feet! That's Portezuelo de Chaxas, a seriously remote mountain pass that connects the Antofagasta Region of Chile with the Potosí Department of Bolivia.

Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is a rough, unpaved dirt track that demands a 4x4 and a healthy dose of adventure. In fact, the border crossing itself is closed to private vehicles due to some seriously sketchy conditions. Word is there's even a mined area on the Chilean side - fenced off and clearly marked, of course - covering a good chunk of land. So, while the scenery is undoubtedly epic, this is one border crossing best left to the pros... or maybe just admired from afar!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Bolivia
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
4,494 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in south-america

Driving the Scenic Camino 6 de Septiembre to Cerro Pan de Azúcar in Córdobamoderate

Driving the Scenic Camino 6 de Septiembre to Cerro Pan de Azúcar in Córdoba

🇦🇷 Argentina

Cerro Pan de Azúcar is a famous mountain pass reaching an elevation of 1,023m (3,356ft) above sea level in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba, Argentina. The road over the pass, known as the Camino 6 de Septiembre, is a classic mountain route connecting the Punilla Valley with the Sierras Chicas. The summit is a major tourist landmark. It is dominated by a massive 14-meter iron cross, which is visible from miles away. Visitors can also find a restaurant, a parking lot, and the famous "Aerosilla" (chairlift) that takes tourists to the very top for a panoramic view of the Punilla Valley and the city of Córdoba. The road through the summit features both paved and unpaved sections. Known officially as Ruta Provincial 54, this dirt track was built in 1931. It remains a rugged and curvy mountain road, offering a true "old-school" driving experience. While parts near the towns are improved, long stretches consist of loose gravel and earth that require careful navigation. Located in the scenic Punilla Valley, the road through the pass is 28km (17 miles) long. It runs west-east from Cosquín, the oldest town in the Punilla Valley and famous for its folklore festival, to Villa Allende. The drive is notoriously curvy, with steep sections that offer rewarding views of the Mediterranean-style scrubland typical of the Córdoba mountains. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Is the road from Balzas to Celendin paved?extreme

Is the road from Balzas to Celendin paved?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because the road from Balzas to Celendín in northern Peru is a wild one! This 35-mile stretch of Route 8B isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. Freshly paved and in great condition, it still throws over 200 curves your way, including 34 hairpin turns that’ll test your nerves. Forget about a relaxing cruise – this road climbs from 854m in Balzas to a lofty 2,643m in Celendín, packing in an elevation gain of 1,789m. Expect some serious gradients, with sections hitting a steep 7%! But here’s the kicker: sheer drops. We're talking about a 1000m drop on one side and a vertical cliff on the other. Seriously, at some corners, your back tire might be flirting with the void. If you’re scared of heights or landslides, maybe grab a bus. But if you're after adrenaline and breathtaking views of the valleys far below, this is your road. Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!

A wild road to Laguna Uchucchacua in the Andesmoderate

A wild road to Laguna Uchucchacua in the Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Laguna Uchucchacua! This hidden gem sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the province of Oyón – we're talking a staggering 14,402 feet (4,390m) above sea level. The road to get there? It's a 27-mile (43.5 km) unpaved stretch of pure, rugged beauty, known as LM-18. Think of it as a scenic rollercoaster that winds its way from Oyón eastward, eventually linking up with the PA-100. Fair warning: This isn't a Sunday drive. Expect countless twists and turns as you climb higher and higher. And remember, you're in serious mountain territory, so the air gets pretty thin. But trust me, the views are SO worth it!

Laguna Pumacocha: this road is not for timid driversmoderate

Laguna Pumacocha: this road is not for timid drivers

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Laguna Pumacocha, a breathtaking lagoon chilling way up high in the Peruvian Andes, in the Yauyos Province of the Lima Region. I'm talking 4,370m (14,337ft) high! This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road, if you can call it that, is totally unpaved and barely wide enough for one car. Hope you don't mind getting cozy with the mountain! We're topping out at a whopping 4,920m (16,141ft), so be prepared for that thin mountain air. But trust me, the views are worth it. Think shimmering glacial lakes and dramatic mountain scenery at every turn. The whole area is gorgeous. The adventure begins near Huancapallca, and it's a 18.3 km (11.37 miles) climb to the top. Get ready for a wild ride!