An awe-inspiring road to Pino Hachado Pass in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
69.6 km
1,887 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Argentina-Chile border, smack-dab in the southern Andes, at an elevation of 6,190 feet! That's Paso Pino Hachado for you, one of the main routes through these stunning mountains.
The whole road is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. You'll be following RN-22 on the Argentinian side and 181-CH when you hit Chile. We're talking about a 43-mile stretch from Llancacura, Chile, to Las Lajas, Argentina. Just a heads up, this pass is usually open from December to May. Oh, and remember to factor in time for customs and immigration on both sides of the border! The scenery is absolutely worth it.
Where is it?
An awe-inspiring road to Pino Hachado Pass in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -37.7370, -60.8791
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 69.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,887 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -37.7370, -60.8791
Related Roads in south-america
hardTrans-Amazonian Highway runs through the Amazon forest in Brazil
🇧🇷 Brazil
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Trans-Amazonian Highway (BR-230) in Brazil! This beast of a road plunges deep into the heart of the Amazon, winding through mud and jungles for a staggering 4,260 km (2,647 miles). Starting from the coastal vibes of João Pessoa in the northeast, it cuts a path all the way to the Peruvian border. Be prepared for a mix of smooth sailing on paved sections and a wild ride on unpaved stretches. You'll cruise through the states of ParaÃba, Ceará, Piaui, Maranhão, Tocantins, Pará, and Amazonas, some of the most sparsely populated regions in Brazil. Think long stretches of road with just jungle and tiny villages. Keep in mind, the last 1,000 kilometers or so are still unpaved, turning into a challenging, bumpy obstacle course during the rainy season (October to March). Expect pits and holes that will put your vehicle's suspension to the ultimate test! The scenery, however, is absolutely breathtaking. Just be aware that heavy rains can cause inundation, so check local conditions before you go. This journey is not for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable experience for the adventurous soul!
moderateDriving a Wild Curvy Road to Abra Ucchuchacua in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Ucchuchacua! This Andean high-altitude pass straddles the Yanahuanca and Oyón districts of Peru, hitting a dizzying 4,740 meters (15,551 feet) above sea level. Locals call it Abra Uchucchacua or Abra Uchuc Chacua, linking Oyón and Daniel Alcides Carrión provinces right in the heart of the country. Fun fact: this mountain lent its name to a rare mineral, Uchucchacuaite, first found at the Uchucchacua Mine, known for its silver, lead, manganese, and zinc. The road, mostly unpaved but with a few concrete sections near the top, is Ruta 18 (Carretera 18). It stretches 82.8 km (51 miles) from Oyón in the west to Yanahuanca in the east. Fair warning: expect heavy truck traffic due to the mining operations in the region. But hey, that just adds to the rugged, authentic feel, right? Get ready for some insane views!
extremePortezuelo Caballo Muerto
🇨🇱 Chile
Portezuelo Caballo Muerto? Buckle up, adventurers! This high-altitude pass, nestled way up at 4,410m (14,468ft) in Chile's Atacama Region within Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, is not for the faint of heart. The road's all gravel so you'll want a 4x4 for this one. The climb? Brutal. Seriously steep grades meet thin air that will test your lungs and your vehicle. And the weather? Wild! Expect extreme temperature swings from warm days to freezing nights. Wind is a constant companion, and even in summer, snowstorms can roll in unexpectedly. Winter here is just plain *cold*. Keep a close eye on the forecast before you go, this road can be closed due to snow at any time. Heavy mist can also roll in, so visibility can drop to near zero in an instant. If you've got any respiratory issues or heart problems, honestly, this might be one to skip. The oxygen levels at the summit are seriously low – think about 40% less than at sea level! Altitude sickness is a real risk, so be prepared. But if you're up for a challenge and reward of breathtaking scenery, Portezuelo Caballo Muerto awaits!
extremeWhere does the road to Don Mario and Punta Pumacocha start and end?
🇵🇪 Peru
Ready for the ultimate Andean challenge? This 42km route punches through the heart of central Peru, connecting the Lima and Junin regions with some serious high-altitude thrills. We're talking two colossal passes and elevations pushing 5,000 meters! This isn't your Sunday drive. Think remote mining country, where the air is thin and the slopes are steep – a real test for both you and your rig. This epic traverse runs west to east, from the Laraos District to somewhere near Junin, carving through a landscape of jagged peaks, desolate plateaus, and valleys bursting with minerals. The first hurdle is the Don Mario Pass. Leaving the mine area behind, the road gets gnarly – unpaved and aggressively steep. Traction can be a nightmare, especially in wet conditions. After that initial climb, you'll cruise across a high plateau for a bit, but don't get too comfy. The altitude is already playing games, and your engine's gonna feel it. But the real fun starts as you climb toward Punta Pumacocha. The final stretch is brutal. The road becomes a gravelly, incredibly steep climb, averaging a gut-punching 10.5% grade in the last section. At this altitude, it’s simply savage on any vehicle. Expect your engine to be gasping and your low-range gearing to become your new best friend. And if you're not a fan of heights? Let's just say the drop-offs and narrow track will definitely test your nerve. Mining operations try to keep this route open, but the weather up here is wild. Even a little rain turns things into a muddy mess. Landslides, avalanches, and heavy snow can block the road without warning. Plus, frequent freezes on those steep slopes make things extra sketchy. And don't even think about skipping acclimatization – high-altitude sickness is a real risk. Before you leave, make sure you're packing extra fuel, emergency thermal gear and maybe some supplemental oxygen. You're gonna need it!