Where is Portezuelo de Chaxas?
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
4,494 m
moderate
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,494 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Ruta Provincial 26?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the heart of Argentina, ready for an off-road adventure. That's where you'll find Ruta Provincial 26! This isn't your everyday smooth highway – we're talking a full-on, 86-mile dirt track. Don't let that scare you, though; it's generally well-maintained. This rough-and-tumble shortcut links a couple of key spots in the Puna Jujeña region. But a word of caution: the Cuesta del Farallon section is strictly for seasoned pros with serious off-road skills! Get ready for a bumpy ride and unbelievable scenery – this road is a real test, but the views are totally worth it.
moderateWhere is Cerro El Amago?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled way up high in central Argentina is Cerro El Amago. Think a staggering elevation, perfect for soaking in panoramic views. So, here's the deal: Getting to the top isn't a walk in the park, it's a serious climb. The road, affectionately known as "Ruta a Cerro El Amago," stretches for a whopping 35.1 km (21.81 miles), heading north-south from San Francisco del Monte de Oro. The first leg is about 17.4 km (10.81 miles) of non-stop uphill action. Be warned: this ascent is *steep*, gaining you serious altitude with an average gradient that will test your mettle - watch out for the extreme ramps! The road surface? It's mostly gravel, with a few patches of concrete closer to the summit. And that final push? Prepare for some loose gravel under your tires. But it's all worth it! You're driving through the stunning Argentinian Precordillera, offering incredible views of Valle Reservoir Las Palmeras. Plus, you can check out those towering TV and telephone broadcast towers right at the peak. And if you're lucky, you might even spot the famous Abra Blanca viewpoint!
hardWamp'una
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Wamp'una Pass in Peru's Lima Province is calling your name! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 15,889 feet above sea level in the heart of the Andes' Cordillera Central. Now, don't expect a smooth ride. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. It's definitely a 4x4 kind of adventure, and maybe not the best choice during the winter months when things get dicey. If you're not comfortable with heights or unpaved mountain roads, this might be one to skip. Expect steep climbs and potentially muddy conditions when it's wet. But for those with the experience and the right vehicle, the views are supposed to be epic!
extremeDriving the defiant Puchka cliff canyon road
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cañon del Rio Puchka in Peru's Ancash region! This isn't just a road; it's a wild ride carved by the Puchka River, a major player in the Marañón River system. Picture this: towering, almost vertical canyon walls, creating insane panoramic views. The locals even call part of it "Garganta del Diablo" – Devil's Throat! Route 14A, as it's known, was recently paved (2019-2020), but don't let that fool you. Hidden in northern Peru on the eastern side of the Cordillera Blanca, this road is seriously narrow and not for the faint of heart. Think major drop-offs and a roughly 3km (1.86 miles) stretch clinging to the cliffside. It's intense! Your reward? Reaching Puente Copuma, a bridge marking the junction between Huánuco and Áncash. This road is a trip.