
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
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