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
hardThe Winding Road from Tupiza to Quiriza is for Experienced Drivers Only
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Hey adventure junkies! Get ready for an epic Bolivian off-road experience from Tupiza to Quiriza, deep in the Potosí Department near the Argentinian border. Forget pavement – this is pure, unadulterated dirt, sand, and rock! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer this beast and even ford a river! The entire route sits above 3,100m, climbing to a lung-busting 4,236m (13,897 ft) at its peak. Starting in Tupiza (3,160m), a gorgeous, remote town that feels like the edge of the world, you'll traverse 63.9 km (39.70 miles) of corrugated road heading north to the mining town of Quiriza (3,598m). Prepare for a wild ride through some truly stunning, untouched landscapes. Trust me, the views are worth the bumps!
hardWhere is Abra de Chorrillos?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Abra de Chorrillos! This high-altitude pass punches through the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northwest Argentina, topping out at a whopping 4,555 meters (14,944 feet)! Imagine yourself cruising along Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), mostly on unpaved roads, but totally doable in a regular car, *if* the weather's dry. You'll be tracing the path of an old, abandoned railway for much of the way, adding to the vintage vibe. Stretching nearly 58 kilometers (36 miles) from San Antonio de los Cobres to Olacapato, this route serves up some serious scenery. Think arid landscapes, shimmering salt flats, and the kind of wide-open spaces that make you feel truly small. The weather is a bit extreme, with daytime temps varying from 14°C to 21°C (57F to 70F). Nightime temperatures in midsummer go to 6°C (43F) and in midwinter to -8°C (18F). Expect the chance of rain exclusively in the summer. Prepare for a ride that's both challenging and breathtaking!
extremeRoad 1NC
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Carretera 1NC in the Peruvian Andes! This insane stretch of road clocks in at over 47 km, practically all of it perched above 4,500 meters. Yeah, you read that right – we're talking serious altitude! The highest point hits a staggering 4,780m (15,682ft), so be prepared for some thin air. Connecting the Huayllay District in Pasco with the Pacaraos District in Huaral, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: a super narrow road, clinging to the mountainside with drops of hundreds of meters just inches from your tires – and no guardrails! Add to that the occasional traffic jam caused by lumbering trucks, and you've got yourself an adrenaline-pumping experience. Because of its altitude and remote location, preparation is key. Weather changes in an instant up here. Rain can turn the road into a real challenge, and avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are all potential hazards. Patches of ice are common, too, so drive carefully and keep your eyes peeled. Despite the challenges, the views are absolutely breathtaking.
moderateDriving the Wild Unpaved Road to Abra Culipampa in Apurimac
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Culipampa, a seriously high mountain pass nestled in the Apurímac region of Peru! We're talking a lung-busting 4,834 meters (that's 15,859 feet!) above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Located in southern Peru, the 98km (61-mile) stretch, also known as Carretera 111, winds its way north-south from Antabamba (Antapampa) towards the Arequipa border. Now, here's the kicker: it's entirely unpaved. Some sections are decent, but others are sandy, so a high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet. Keep in mind this is a mining road, so you'll be sharing the road with trucks. But hey, the views are worth it! Think stunning lakes and majestic volcanoes lining your path. Just be prepared to share the road with those hard-working mining trucks as you soak it all in.