Why is it called Lastarria Volcano?
Chile, south-america
150 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Chile and Argentina, smack-dab in the Central Andes. Looming large is Volcán Lastarria, a seriously impressive stratovolcano named after some 19th-century Chilean brainiac, José Victorino Lastarria.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road, if you can even call it that, claws its way up the volcano to a lung-busting altitude that puts it in the running for one of the highest roads in Argentina. We’re talking serious elevation here.
The scenery? Think desolate, otherworldly, and jaw-dropping. You'll be surrounded by intense yellow sulfur deposits thanks to the volcano's constant, powerful fumaroles – it's been puffing away for over 70 years. But be warned: this beauty comes with a bite.
The "road" is basically a set of unmarked mining tracks carved out for sulfur extraction. Expect loose volcanic ash, sharp obsidian rocks, and sneaky sand drifts just waiting to swallow your tires. High-clearance 4x4? Non-negotiable. Satellite imagery? Your new best friend.
And did I mention the altitude? The air is thin, your engine's gonna whine, and those sulfur gases? They're not exactly aromatherapy. Plus, you're miles from civilization. If something goes wrong, you're on your own. Pack accordingly—we’re talking supplemental oxygen, gas masks, and enough supplies to survive a zombie apocalypse. This ain't for the faint of heart, but for the ultimate adventure, Lastarria delivers.
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 150 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardThe road to Portezuelo Paranal in the Andes will take your breath away
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Portezuelo Paranal! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a whopping 4,832m (15,853ft) in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, practically spitting distance from Argentina. You'll find it nestled in the Andes, way up in the northeastern corner of the country. The road is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but don't get complacent! At this elevation, you're playing in thin air in a Mars-like landscape—totally barren but strangely beautiful. The whole route is a 156.19 km (97.05 mi) stretch from San Pedro de Atacama to the Argentinian border. It was opened on December 6, 1991 and has been paved since 2005. Expect intense sun (sunglasses are a must!), crazy winds, and next to zero civilization. We’re talking up to 160 km (100 mi) to the nearest gas station. Phone signal? Forget about it. Pack water, spare tires (at least two!), and your wits. And while it is paved, keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections, reaching a maximum gradient of 12.6%. The drive itself can be a bit monotonous because it is a long straight road with the same scenery. Located in Los Flamencos National Reserve, it is open year-round but can be closed due to snow. The best views? Definitely on the way down. So, get ready for an unforgettable, if slightly surreal, ride across the Chilean high desert!
hardLaguna Saquicocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Laguna Saquicocha, a mind-blowing lagoon chilling way up in the Ancash Region of Peru, at a staggering 14,425 feet! The road to get there? Buckle up, buttercup! It's a bumpy gravel track that demands a 4x4, especially after any rain. Seriously, even a little drizzle can make things interesting. Be warned: the road can get seriously steep with some sudden loose gravel spots waiting to surprise you! The climb kicks off from the AN-111 road, winding upwards for about 4 kilometers, tackling a crazy 12 hairpin turns. You'll gain almost 300 meters in elevation, making for an average climb of nearly 7%. Oh, and keep an eye on the weather – this high up, snow is a real possibility, and the road can close in winter. But trust me, if you can handle the challenge, the views in the Pampas Galeras National Reserve are absolutely worth it!
hardThe road to Cotopaxi Refuge is not for timid drivers
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you’re itching for a high-altitude thrill ride in Ecuador, you HAVE to check out the road to Refugio José Rivas on Cotopaxi volcano! This epic spot sits at a staggering 4,639m (15,219ft), putting it way up there in the "highest roads in Ecuador" category. Located about 50 km (31 mi) south of Quito, nestled in the majestic Andes, the road to the "Refugio Cotopaxi," as the locals call it, is pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking a bumpy, gravel track that's been seriously roughed up by rain. Expect dust clouds in dry weather and a muddy slip-n-slide when it's wet. This road climbs to the parking lot for the refuge. Perched high on the northern slopes of Volcán Cotopaxi, Ecuador's second-highest volcano, inside Cotopaxi National Park, the views are absolutely unreal. On a clear day, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the volcano's iconic cone shape. This refuge sleeps 86 people, and you'll be in the shadow of an active volcano that’s erupted over 50 times since 1738! Be prepared for altitude sickness. Now, a word of warning: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The weather can be a real wildcard with wind and thunderstorms. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a 4WD with high clearance is a must. The thin air at this altitude can rob your engine of power, so make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ready for a challenge. Starting at Ovejería, the ascent is 8.2 km (5.09 miles) long with some serious inclines – we're talking gradients of up to 14% in places! Over this distance, you’ll climb 763 meters. Get ready for an unforgettable, if somewhat hair-raising, journey!
extremeCerro Canasa
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cerro Canasa is a seriously high mountain pass sitting way up at 4,304 meters (that's 14,119 feet!) in the Tarapacá Region of Chile, practically spitting distance from Bolivia. You've got two routes to get there, both gravel. The Chilean side (A-395) is your better bet, a fairly decent gravel road. The Bolivian side? Buckle up, it's rough! Keep an eye out for alternate names too, you might see it called Cerro Camasa or Cerro de Canesa. Word of warning: this ain't for the faint of heart (or lungs!). The air is THIN. We're talking serious altitude sickness territory. Most people start feeling it around 2,500-2,800 meters, and up here, the air has about 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Expect your engine to struggle, your pulse to race, and every step to feel like a workout. It's a tough climb, and that elevation, combined with the steepness and remote location, makes it a challenging (but rewarding!) trip.