
Where is Tacora Volcano?
Chile, south-america
18.6 km
5,590 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile, practically spitting distance from Peru, lies the mighty Volcan Tacora. This northernmost volcano of Chile isn't just a pretty face; it's an active one, simmering with fumaroles and hints of past eruptions.
Now, the real kicker? A crazy mining road claws its way up this beast, all the way to a staggering 5.590m (18,339ft)! Yeah, you read that right—it's one of the highest drives you can find in South America.
Forget smooth asphalt; this is a rugged, unpaved climb, a true test for you and your 4x4. Picture this: 18.6 km (11.55 miles) from Chislluma packed with endless hairpin turns, stomach-dropping cliffs, and an average gradient of 7.02%. It's not for the faint of heart, but the views? Absolutely insane! You'll find sulfur mines dotting the landscape between Tacora and Chupiquiña, and you might even spot some hot springs bubbling on the eastern side. Get ready for an Andean adventure you won't soon forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 18.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,590 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow to Get to Paron Lagoon in Ancash by Car
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, near the town of Caraz, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Laguna Parón, a stunning turquoise lake tucked away in Huascarán National Park, one of the biggest in the Cordillera Blanca. The road? Oh, it's an experience. We're talking nearly 30 kilometers of unpaved, winding, gravel road that’ll get your heart pumping. Get ready for over 100 hairpin turns as you climb from Caraz up to a staggering 4,200 meters (that's almost 14,000 feet!). The average incline is about 7.5%, but don't let that fool you. You'll be driving through a dramatic canyon with granite walls that soar a kilometer above you. The views are insane – think steep, almost vertical drops alongside a narrow valley. And the hairpins? They just keep coming, each one offering an even more spectacular (and slightly terrifying) glimpse of the surrounding peaks. Speaking of peaks, keep your camera ready! You'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of Artesonraju (yep, the Paramount logo mountain!), Chacraraju, Pisco, and Huandoy. Trust me, you'll want to stop every few minutes for photos. This isn't just a drive; it's a visual feast of the Peruvian Andes.
extremeHow long is the road to Laguna Cerro Negro?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Jujuy Province, Argentina, ready for an adventure to Laguna Cerro Negro. This hidden gem sits way up high at 4,492m (14,737ft)! The adventure starts in Lagunillas del Farallón, and the road stretches for about 17.7 km (11 miles). You'll climb through the golden Puna grasslands, with views that will blow your mind – perfect for those Insta-worthy shots. Heads up: before you reach the lake, you'll tackle the Cuesta del Farallón, topping out at 4,625 m. Seriously high! Forget smooth tarmac. This road is all gravel and loose rocks, super narrow, and often hugs the edge with massive drop-offs. Passing another car? Good luck! Someone might be reversing for ages. 4x4 is non-negotiable. Expect hairpin turns, ridiculously steep climbs, and conditions that turn treacherous after rain. Think mud and slippery rocks. Only seasoned drivers with seriously prepped vehicles should attempt this. Altitude is a real factor at over 4,400 meters, so take it easy. Landslides are also a risk. But the reward? A visual masterpiece! The deep blue lagoon is framed by the dark, volcanic Cerro Negro. The raw, lonely beauty of this place is unforgettable – easily one of the most spectacular sights in Jujuy.
extremeAbra Rapaz
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Abra Rapaz is calling your name! Nestled way up in the Peruvian highlands of Lima, this high-altitude mountain pass clocks in at a staggering 4,937m (that's 16,197ft!). Get ready for a gravel road rollercoaster – seriously steep, seriously twisty, and seriously breathtaking. We're talking hairpin turns galore! Just a heads-up, you might be sharing the road with some mining trucks, so keep your eyes peeled. The scenery is absolutely stunning, but don't get *too* distracted. We're talking about drop-offs of hundreds of meters, and let's just say guardrails aren't exactly a thing here. Mother Nature throws some curveballs too – rain can make things tricky, and snow, avalanches, and landslides can happen anytime. Patches of ice? Yep, those can show up too. So, pack your common sense and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateDriving the 200 curves and hairpin turns on the road from Cincha to Huanca
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure-seekers, let's talk about the Cincha-Huanca road in the Peruvian Andes! This beauty is a real high-altitude trek, never dipping below 2,500m, so get ready for some thin air. Starting in Cincha and winding north to Huanca, this 43.9km stretch is no Sunday drive. We're talking over 200 curves, including some seriously tight hairpin turns to test your skills. The highest point? Abra de Rumualdo, clocking in at a cool 3,434m. Keep in mind the road quality changes as you go. It starts paved in Cincha, narrows to a single lane, and eventually becomes a gravel track. But the views? Absolutely worth it. Just be prepared for a rough and tumble ride through some stunning southern Peruvian landscapes.