Where is San Francisco Pass?
Argentina, south-america
201 km
4,760 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Paso de San Francisco! This high-altitude gem straddles the border between Argentina and Chile, clocking in at a breathtaking 4,760m (15,616ft). We're talking serious altitude here!
Nestled deep in the Andes, it connects Argentina's Catamarca province with Chile's Atacama Region, winding through a landscape of towering volcanoes, jagged peaks, shimmering salt flats, and serene lagoons.
The Argentinian side (Route N 60) is a fully paved 201 km (125 miles) run from Fiambala, a winding climb that'll test your driving skills. Over in Chile, Route CH-31 offers a smooth 280 km (174 miles) paved journey from Copiapó, taking you past the stunning Maricunga salt flat in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and the otherworldly Laguna Verde. Keep your eyes peeled – the scenery is absolutely epic!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 201 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,760 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardTravel guide to the top of Mullu Apachita
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Mullu Apachita in Bolivia is calling your name! This insane mountain pass tops out at a staggering 16,463 feet. We're talking serious altitude! Nestled in the Cordillera Real of the Bolivian Andes, this 25-mile dirt road connects Calapuncu and Peñas. You might also hear it called Paso Amahuaya, Mollo Apacheta, or Cumbre Mollo. Whatever you call it, just know it's epic. Definitely bring your 4x4 because this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. The air is thin, the weather can turn on a dime, and you're basically climbing to the top of the world. But hey, the views? Totally worth it. Just take it slow, breathe deep (if you can!), and soak in that insane Bolivian scenery. Photo cred to René Collomb for capturing the magic!
extremeCerro Armazones, The Road That Has It All
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride to Cerro Armazones! This peak, scraping the sky at 3,060m (10,040ft), sits in the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert—seriously, it's about as remote and dry as it gets. The road itself? Asphalt, believe it or not, all the way to the top. It was built to service the European Extremely Large Telescope, a colossal, 2,500-ton steel beast that's currently under construction. Just a heads up: this road is STEEP! To even make the observatory possible, they carved the mountaintop into a plateau. But here's the real deal: the wind is a constant companion here, howling pretty much year-round. Don't be surprised if you see snow even in summer, and winter temps are brutal. High altitude means potential closures due to snowfall—so be prepared for anything. And watch out for heavy mist that can roll in, slashing visibility to near zero. Basically, if the weather looks iffy, save this adventure for another day. Even in good weather, ice and snow can linger, so take it slow and steady. Basically, between the elevation (hello, altitude sickness!), the weather's mood swings, the crazy steep grade, and just how far out there you are, Cerro Armazones isn't a Sunday drive. But trust me, the views (when you can see them!) are worth every white-knuckle moment.
extremeAn old mining road to Overo Volcano
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Argentina's Andes Mountains, in the San Rafael region of Mendoza, lies Volcán Overo, a dormant volcano reaching a staggering 14,701 feet. Getting to the top? Buckle up, it's a wild ride! This isn't your Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, rocky, and seriously steep. You'll need a 4x4 with serious clearance to even think about tackling this beast. We're talking hairpin turns galore – hundreds of them! Plus, remember you're way up high, so the air is thin, and the weather can change on a dime. Be prepared for altitude sickness! The road kicks off near Termas Del Sosneado and winds its way up to Refugio El Ángulo, a mountain refuge near the top. Fun fact: this whole road is an old mining route, built to reach the abandoned Minas de Azufre de Sominar (a sulfur mine). You'll even see the remnants of an old mining tram along the way! Be warned, the last stretch is so narrow, it's best tackled on a bike. The views? Absolutely epic. Get ready for some serious bragging rights when you conquer this one!
hardWhere is Ruta Nacional 25?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Ruta Nacional 25 in Bolivia is a wild ride! This high-altitude beauty snakes its way across the country's western spine, south of the famous Salar de Uyuni. Think seriously epic mountain landscapes. What's cool is that RN25 connects the sleepy town of Colquechaca (the highest town in Bolivia, no less!) to the vibrant "City of Eternal Spring," Sucre. Starting near Sucre, you'll climb to a lung-busting altitude before dropping down to Colquechaca. Spanning around, this isn't your Sunday drive. Expect sections that are more like goat paths than roads, and be prepared to ford a river or two! The whole route is a rollercoaster of steep climbs, white-knuckle descents, and hairpin curves that demand your undivided attention. Seriously, think twice about tackling this one at night or in bad weather if you're not experienced. Rain can wash out sections faster than you can say "landslide!" Plus, prepare for non-stop switchbacks and solitude – traffic can be sparse. And if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale – those twists and turns are not for the faint of stomach!