Agua Negra Pass is the highest road between Argentina and Chile
Argentina, south-america
318 km
4,774 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Paso de Agua Negra, or "Black Water Pass," straddling the border between Argentina and Chile! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 4,774 meters (15,662 feet) above sea level. Nestled high in the Andes, this road is the ultimate link between Chile's Coquimbo region and Argentina's San Juan province.
This isn't your typical highway; think rugged, mostly unpaved terrain along Ruta 41 (Chile) and Ruta Nacional 150 (Argentina). Clocking in at 318 km (198 miles), this east-west route connects Las Flores, Argentina, with La Serena on Chile's coast. You could technically tackle it in any vehicle, but be prepared for a bumpy ride!
Just a heads up: Mother Nature dictates when you can visit. This pass is typically open only during the summer months (December to April) due to heavy snowfall. Always double-check conditions before you go, as the exact dates can vary.
Oh, and keep an eye out for some unreal scenery – the views are absolutely breathtaking! But soon, travel will be easier, as they plan a massive tunnel project – the Agua Negra Tunnel – that'll eventually allow year-round access. These tunnels, each with two lanes and spanning 13.9 km (8.63 miles), will be a game-changer for travel and trade.
Where is it?
Agua Negra Pass is the highest road between Argentina and Chile is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -35.2813, -59.7910
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 318 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,774 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -35.2813, -59.7910
Related Roads in south-america
hardOquepuño Pass is one of the highest paved roads of South America
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Oquepuño! This baby clocks in at a whopping 4,883 meters (that's 16,020 feet!) above sea level, nestled high in the Carabaya province of Peru. Word on the street is, it’s one of the highest paved roads you’ll find in South America. You'll find this beast in the Puno region, way down south. The whole route is paved and goes by the name Ruta Nacional PE-34B (aka Carretera Interoceanica). Get ready for a 44km (27.34-mile) stretch of road, winding its way from Macusani to Puerto Arturo. Keep in mind you're playing in the big leagues here! Oxygen is thin, so take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness. At the very top, you’ll find a cute little chapel called Santísima Cruz. Also, this road doesn’t mess around: we’re talking steep climbs, hitting 11% grades in places, and hairpin turns galore. Ten of them, to be exact.
hardWhere is Abra de Potrerillos?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Abra de Potrerillos is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.192m (13,753ft) above sea level, located in the department of Tumbaya, in Argentina. Where is Abra de Potrerillos? The pass is located in the province of Jujuy, in the northwestern part of the country. When was Abra de Potrerillos built? Formerly, the territory was crossed by mule trails descending from the highlands to the valley. In the early '70s, a dirt road was built, part of the Provincial Route 16, linking San Salvador de Jujuy, the capital of the province, with the town of Susques . In 1979, the stretch of 65 km from Purmamarca to Route 40 became a national jurisdiction, called National Route 52. And in 1999, the nation and the province signed an agreement to start the construction of this new road in 2000. Is Abra de Potrerillos paved? The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called National Route 52 (RN52). A few hundred meters before reaching its peak, there is a viewpoint where people can observe the dramatic road entirely. The view of the road as it climbs in a series of switchbacks makes you wonder at the engineering required. How long is Abra de Potrerillos? The pass is 80.1 km (49.77 miles) long, running east-west from Purmamarca to Santuario de Tres Pozos via Salinas Grandes. Beyond this point, the RN52 continues to Is Abra de Potrerillos challenging? The challenging road to the summit is known as Cuesta del Lipán (Lipan Slope). It’s a winding steep road with countless turns and hairpin turns. In approximately 17 kilometers, the slope rises from the edge of the town of Purmamarca at 2,192m to Abra de Potrerillos. The road then goes down to Salinas Grandes, at 3,450 meters. The slope consists of a fully paved road that meanders in its ascent. Be prepared; this is high, so you will have shortness of breath if you try to do anything a bit strenuous. What are the highest roads in Argentina? A memorable unpaved road to Abra de Chorrillos Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeRoad 38
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Carretera 38 in Peru! This wild ride snakes through the Andes, straddling the Tacna and Puno regions near the Bolivian border. We're talking serious altitude here – you'll be cruising entirely above 3,200m! Forget smooth asphalt, this 74km stretch is a mix of gravel and sand, and when it rains? Impassable. No guardrails to be found, just jaw-dropping drops as you hug the mountainside inside the Vilacota Maure Regional Conservation Area. You'll connect the town of Tarata (3,120m) to Challapalca (4,277m). Speaking of Challapalca, this route is the main artery to its infamous prison, known for its harsh conditions. But the real challenge is the road itself: oxygen is thin, and the steepness is relentless. Prepare for altitude sickness! And those hairpin turns? Over 50 of them! This whole area is known as the "Siberia of Peru" for a reason: it is wild, desolate, and incredibly beautiful.
extremeHow to get to Abra Llamaorgo?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Abra Llamaorgo in the Huancavelica region of Peru is calling your name! This insane mountain pass tops out at a whopping 15,419 feet, so get ready for some seriously thin air. You'll kick off your ascent near \[city name], tackling [length] of winding road with an almost 1,000-meter climb. Picture this: hairpin turns galore clinging to the mountainside with jaw-dropping views at every switchback. The road? Think mostly gravel and dirt, but surprisingly decent. A regular car *might* make it if you take it super slow and the weather's on your side. Now, the not-so-chill part: this road is STEEP – we're talking double-digit gradients in places! The weather is a total wildcard at this altitude, and rain can turn that dirt into a slick mess in a heartbeat. Plus, keep an eye out for snow, landslides, and even avalanches – yeah, it’s that wild! Pro tip: pack like you're heading to the moon. Extra fuel, water, food, warm clothes – the works! A solid GPS and actual paper maps are a must, because cell service is a myth out here. Best time to go? Aim for the dry season (May to September). Rainy season? Mud and ice become major party crashers. And remember, that high altitude will mess with your engine and your lungs, so pace yourself!