Where is Sico Pass?
Argentina, south-america
337 km
4,092 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for an epic border crossing between Chile and Argentina, then Paso de Sico is calling your name.
This high-altitude pass sits at a staggering 13,425 feet above sea level, linking the Antofagasta Region of Chile with the Salta Province of Argentina. We're talking serious Andes mountain scenery here!
The journey stretches for 209 miles, winding from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to the quaint town of San Antonio de los Cobres in Argentina.
On the Chilean side, expect smooth sailing on a newly paved road. But Argentina throws in some spice with a challenging unpaved section – though rumors say it may get paved soon!
Keep an eye on the weather! Summer brings pleasant 23°C, but winter dips to a chilly -12°C. It’s open year-round, but those high altitudes mean things can get cold and seriously windy, so pack accordingly. Get ready for views that'll leave you breathless (literally, maybe, at that altitude!), and an experience you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 337 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,092 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateVolcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drives
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic adventure through the Valley of Volcanoes in southern Peru's Arequipa province! This isn't your typical Sunday drive – it's a 44.3 km gravel track linking Andagua and the stunning Colca Canyon, and it's packed with more than 85 volcanic cones! The Valley of Volcanoes road serves up views for days as it weaves through crazy-deep river valleys and climbs over multiple 3,000-meter mountain passes. The road is maintained, so you can safely cruise along in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle (just take it slow on those long, straight stretches!). Trust me, this drive is a MUST. The geological formations are unreal, with volcanic rocks sculpted by nature into all sorts of animal shapes. And the photo ops? Forget about it! Seriously, charge those batteries, clear your memory cards, and prepare to snap some unforgettable shots. If you're hunting for a place that's wild, remote, and practically untouched by tourism, you've hit the jackpot!
hardWhere is Abra Chonta Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Abra Chonta! This bad boy is a high-altitude mountain pass nestled way up in the Huancavelica Region of Peru, clocking in at a whopping 4,875 meters (that's almost 16,000 feet!). You'll find it east of , right in the heart of Peru, dividing the Huancavelica and Angaraes provinces. Now, the road itself, HV115, is a mixed bag. You'll encounter both smooth paved sections and some rougher unpaved bits. The good news is, in dry conditions, most 2WD vehicles can handle it! If you're rolling in from Huancavelica, it’s a relatively gentle climb by Andes standards: a 54 km stretch with gradients of only 2-3%, and all on paved road! The whole journey from Road 28D to Lircay spans about 63.4 km (or 39 miles) going west to east. Get ready for stunning, panoramic views and that crisp, thin mountain air! Just keep an eye out for changing road conditions, and you'll be golden.
extremeAbra Mio
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Mio in the Huaral Province of Peru! This bad boy tops out at a whopping 4,764 meters (that's 15,629 feet!), so get ready for some serious altitude. The road is gravel, so expect a bumpy ride. If it's been raining or snowing, you might want to bring a 4x4. Speaking of snow, avalanches and landslides are a real possibility here, so keep an eye on the weather. Patches of ice can make things extra dicey! You'll know you've reached the end of the line when you hit the small town of Chungar, accessible from the main Vichaycocha to Cerro de Pasco road. And don't forget to check out the stunning Laguna Chungar on the south side of the pass—it's a view you won't want to miss!
hardSan Antonio de Lipez
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Wanna visit a real-life ghost town? Head to San Antonio de Lipez in southwestern Bolivia! Nestled way up in the Andes Mountains, in the Cordillera de Lípez, this abandoned mining town sits at a staggering 15,610 feet above sea level. Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Bolivia. Getting there is an adventure in itself. The road is gravel, and let's just say it's not exactly smooth sailing. We're talking steep sections and a rough surface. Make sure your vehicle is ready for it! You're in a remote area, so pack extra water, food, fuel, a warm jacket, and reliable GPS. And definitely avoid this route in bad weather. The scenery is stunning, but the altitude is no joke. The air gets thin up there, so be prepared for possible altitude sickness. Legend has it that the town is haunted because miners made a deal with the devil that went sour. Whether you believe the stories or not, exploring this eerie, abandoned place is an unforgettable experience. Just be ready to pull over for oncoming traffic, and keep your eyes peeled for ghosts!