
An Andean border road to Cardenal Antonio Samore Pass
Argentina, south-america
102 km
1,306 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré, a seriously scenic mountain pass straddling the Chile-Argentina border. We're talking about one of the easiest ways to cross the southern Andes, and get this – it's paved the whole way!
You'll climb to a modest 1,306m (4,284ft), linking Chile's Los Lagos Region with the stunning Patagonia region of Argentina. The route is known as Ruta 215 on the Chilean side and seamlessly transitions to Ruta Nacional 231 once you cross into Argentina.
The pass stretches for 102 km (63 miles) between Entre Lagos in Chile and Villa La Angostura in Argentina. Keep an eye out for the operating times – typically 9 am to 8 pm, but winter weather can definitely throw a curveball. The pass got its name from Cardinal Antonio Samoré, a peacekeeper between Chile and Argentina in the 70s and 80s. Get ready for some incredible views!
Where is it?
An Andean border road to Cardenal Antonio Samore Pass is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.5070, -66.6930
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 102 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,306 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -39.5070, -66.6930
Related Roads in south-america
moderateDriving through the straight Ruta Provincial 26 in La Pampa
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Argentina's La Pampa province, ready to tackle Ruta Provincial 26 (RP26). This isn't just any road trip; it's a straight-shot adventure! This unpaved beauty stretches for 139km (86 miles) through the central part of the country, and get this: you won't hit a single turn for a whopping 133km (82 miles)! Yep, it's one of the longest straight roads on the planet. RP26 runs east-west, connecting Veinticinco de Mayo to El Once, offering a handy shortcut between Ruta Provincial 34 and Ruta Provincial 107. The road surface is unpaved, but usually well-maintained. Get ready for some wide-open Pampas scenery, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. This is pure Argentinian adventure at its finest!
extremeA wild road to Cerro Rico, the silver mountain that eats men
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cerro Rico, the "Rich Mountain" of Bolivia! This iconic, cone-shaped peak, also called Cerro Potosí, sits way up high in the Andes, clocking in at a staggering 15,616 feet above sea level. Okay, a bit of history: this mountain is legendary for its massive silver deposits that fueled the Spanish Empire back in the day. Imagine, the world's largest industrial complex in the 16th century! Today, it's still mined for zinc, tin, tungsten, lead, copper, and even a little silver. Now, getting to the top is where the adventure really kicks in. The road is completely unpaved, twisting and turning with hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. And hold on tight, because some sections are incredibly steep, with gradients reaching a maximum of 15%! Be warned, though, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Due to extensive mining over centuries, the mountain is unstable and riddled with tunnels, making it a potentially hazardous climb. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep your eyes on the road – you'll need them!
extremeCan I drive my vehicle to Abra Fundición?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving an adrenaline rush with a side of mind-blowing scenery, you HAVE to check out Abra Fundición in Salta, Argentina. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a staggering 4,743 meters (15,561 feet)! Located way up in the northwest, Ruta Provincial 69 (RP69) will take you on a wild ride. Forget smooth asphalt; this is an all-dirt affair, so high clearance is a must, and 4x4 is your best friend, especially if it's been raining. This 51.2 km (31.81-mile) stretch runs from the quaint village of Nazareno all the way to the Jujuy Province border. But don't think it's just a scenic drive. This road is NARROW — think one-car-width in sections — with seriously exposed drop-offs. Meeting another vehicle can be a real nail-biter! The views, though? Unreal. Picture yourself surrounded by mountains painted in every color imaginable, with crazy eroded rock formations that look like they're straight out of a sci-fi movie. But a word of warning: this isn't for the faint of heart. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, the weather can change on a dime, and those steep inclines will put your driving skills to the test. Abra Fundición is a challenge, but the rewards are totally worth it for experienced drivers seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
extremeAn epic road to Abra Taapaca
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Taapaca! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 4,809 meters (15,777 feet) high up in the Nevados de Putre volcanic complex, way up in Chile's Tarapaca region. Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Chile. The entire A-23 road is unpaved, so get ready for a bumpy ride! In dry weather, most cars can make it, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best friend here. That final stretch to the top? Let's just say it's pretty intense with some seriously steep sections. Pro tip: pack plenty of water, snacks, extra fuel, a warm jacket, and make sure you've got a good GPS and some offline maps. Oh, and don't be fooled by those "5,250 msnm" signs at the summit—they're a bit optimistic, shall we say? The whole thing is about 45.1 km (28 miles) long, running from the paved Carretera Internacional CH 11 (15 km east of Putre) up to Papujune. Keep in mind you're in the mountains, climbing to some serious altitudes, so the air is THIN. Altitude sickness and crazy weather are real concerns here, so be prepared! The scenery includes the Salar de Aguas Calientes, a mind-blowing landscape that's well worth the adventure.