An epic road to Portezuelo del Cajon in the Andes
Bolivia, south-america
150 km
4,480 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the ride of your life! We're heading to Portezuelo del Cajón, a crazy-high mountain pass straddling the border between Chile and Bolivia. Perched at a lung-busting 4,480m (that's almost 14,700ft!), you'll feel like you're on top of the world.
This epic route, also called Hito Cajón, connects Chile's Antofagasta Region with Bolivia's Potosí Department, nestled on the flank of the Juriques volcano in the Andes. The Bolivian side drops you right into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, practically spitting distance from the stunning Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca. Think Uyuni Salt Flats to San Pedro de Atacama – this is the road many tourists use to bounce between these iconic destinations.
The whole shebang is about 150km (93 miles) of mixed terrain, from smooth pavement to rugged unpaved sections, stretching from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) to Quetena Chico (Bolivia).
Keep an eye out for Cerro Toco to the south! Be prepped for some serious altitude changes and isolated landscapes. Random fact: the Bolivian Customs office is like, 80km into Bolivia, basically in the middle of nowhere and even higher than the pass itself at over 5,000m! You'll find it hidden behind a guarded barrier at a processing plant. The Chilean border post is conveniently located on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama, a good 40km back down the road. And pro tip: check the weather! High altitude means colder temps and a higher chance of storms.
Where is it?
An epic road to Portezuelo del Cajon in the Andes is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -17.0995, -62.7296
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 150 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,480 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -17.0995, -62.7296
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving the road from Celendin to Yerbabuena: absolutely no room for mistakes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because the Celendín-Yerbabuena Highway in Cajamarca, Peru is a WILD ride! Picture this: 163 km (101 miles) of perfectly paved road snaking between the towns of Celendín and Yerbabuena, which sounds idyllic, right? Wrong! This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We’re talking seriously narrow stretches with a sheer 1,000-meter drop on one side and a towering rock face on the other. Seriously, you’ll be gripping the wheel so hard your knuckles will turn white. The road’s in great condition, thankfully, but those corners! Imagine feeling like one of your tires is flirting with the edge as you navigate over 500 hairpin turns. Talk about stunning views – you’ll be gazing at incredible mountains the entire time. But be warned, if you’re afraid of heights, this might be your personal hell, with hundred-meter drops and zero guardrails in many places. It's an unforgettable – and slightly terrifying – adventure!
moderateAntiguo Puente de Pailón is a challenging bridge in Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, so picture this: You're in Bolivia, near the little town of Pailón, and you stumble upon what *was* one of the coolest bridges ever! I'm talking about the old Pailón bridge, a wooden wonder stretching almost a mile (1.4km) across the Río Grande. Built way back in the 1950s, it was this super rickety, single-lane affair where trains ALWAYS had the right-of-way. Can you imagine?! Sadly, it's been replaced by a shiny new bridge right next to it, so the old one is out of commission now. Still, what a sight it must have been! Now, buckle up for a wild ride on El Angosto, deep in the Andes. This isn't your average scenic route; it's known as one of the world's most treacherous roads, heading towards the Salar de Ollague Pass. Get ready for some serious elevation and heart-stopping views – if you dare to look!
moderateWhy is it called Piedra del Molino?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, because Piedra del Molino in Salta, Argentina is a wild ride you won't soon forget! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a staggering 3,367m (11,046ft) above sea level. You'll find it snaking through the central-western part of the Salta province. Ever wonder about the name? "Piedra del Molino" translates to "Millstone," and legend has it that a huge granite grinding stone was abandoned here way back in 1927. Talk about a roadside attraction! This adventure lies within Los Cardones National Park, and the road itself, Ruta Provincial 33, is mostly paved. Don't let that fool you though – it's a winding beast also known as Cuesta del Obispo, a name that hints at the challenging path ahead. Stretching for 105 km (65 miles) between Payogasta and El Carril, this drive is not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, steep climbs, and some serious drop-offs that might have your stomach doing somersaults. But oh, is it worth it! Just before the summit, there's a breathtaking lookout point where you can see the snaking road and Quebrada del Escoipe spread out before you. The summit itself has a tiny chapel dedicated to St. Rafael, a perfect spot for a moment of reflection after that epic drive.
hardHow to drive the road from Quime to Sacambaya Valley in La Paz?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Quime-Sacambaya Valley Road in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This wild ride sits southeast of La Paz, snaking through the Inquisivi Province in the western Andes. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a completely unpaved trail, roughly 50 km (31 miles) of pure adrenaline. Expect hundreds of twists and turns, unbelievably narrow sections, and some seriously stomach-churning drop-offs. Rain can wash out parts of the road, and landslides? Common! It's intense, folks, because there are zero guardrails between you and the abyss. Plus, the margin for error is minuscule if you meet oncoming traffic. But the scenery? Epic! You're completely surrounded by the towering Andes. The route runs from the mining town of Quime to the Sacambaya Valley, where the Inquisivi and Ayopayo Rivers meet. You might even recognize it from Discovery's Treasure Quest. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!