
An unforgettable road to Cuesta Codoceo
Chile, south-america
280 km
4,342 m
extreme
Year-round
Hey adventure seekers! Ever heard of Cuesta Codoceo (aka Portezuelo Codoceo)? This high-altitude mountain pass sits way up at 4,342m (14,245ft) in Chile's Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, Atacama Region.
You'll find it along Ruta 31-CH, a 280 km unpaved road that's totally doable in most cars when it's dry. The route kicks off in Copiapó and winds its way to the Argentinian border. Expect a well-maintained gravel track, where even a 2WD with decent clearance can handle it safely at low speeds.
Now, heads up: the climb is brutal! Seriously, the lack of oxygen will test your limits, and the steepness is no joke. Keep an eye on the weather – sudden snowstorms and blizzards can make things super tricky. Plus, it's a desert climate, so expect wild temperature swings between hot days and freezing nights.
Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a little gravel track at the top that climbs even higher to Portezuelo Caballo Muerto at 4,410m (14,468ft).
But the real reward? The stunning scenery! You'll be cruising through remote areas, including the breathtaking Salar de Aguas Calientes. Trust me, this is an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
An unforgettable road to Cuesta Codoceo is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -37.0998, -71.2614
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 280 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,342 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -37.0998, -71.2614
Related Roads in south-america
extremeLa Pampa-Sihuas (Road 12A)
🇵🇪 Peru
Daredevils, listen up! Deep in central Peru, snaking through the magnificent Huascarán National Park, lies Carretera 12A – a gravel track that's more rollercoaster than road. Forget guardrails; you're playing chicken with gravity here, with sheer drops of hundreds of meters just inches from your tires. Vertigo sufferers, seriously, sit this one out. This epic 91.5 km route connects Sihuas (at a cool 2,725m above sea level) to La Pampa (dipping down to 1,796m), and it's a wild ride. Prepare for hairpin after hairpin as you climb to a dizzying 4,200m. It’s a true test of skill and nerves, and you’ll be sharing the road with lumbering log trucks, so stay sharp! The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Think mind-blowing mountain vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. But don't get too distracted – this narrow, exposed trail demands respect. Landslides and avalanches are a real threat, and one wrong move sends you tumbling. Oh, and a windy day? Hard pass. If you crave adventure and have nerves of steel, your wheels will be treated to views unlike anything else on Earth! Just be sure you know how to reverse.
extremeRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Abra Campana
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to Salta Province in the extreme northwest of Argentina and craving a seriously epic drive, you NEED to check out Abra Campana. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 4,399 meters (that's 14,432 feet!), so get ready for some thin air. You'll find it in the Santa Victoria Department, and the road, known as Ruta Provincial 7 (RP7), is a 67.2 km (41.75 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt. We're talking a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST, and after a bit of rain, you might even need to kick it into 4x4. Starting near Abra del Lizoite and winding its way east to Santa Victoria Oeste, this isn't a road for the faint of heart. Think hairpin turns galore and some seriously steep climbs. But trust me, if you're not afraid of a challenge, the views are absolutely worth it! If you're nervous about high mountain roads with a million twists and turns though, maybe sit this one out.
hardPuente del Rio San Pablo
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're way down in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, practically at the bottom of the world. You're cruising along a super scenic road when BAM! You hit this totally awesome wooden bridge stretching 42 meters over the San Pablo River. Seriously, this bridge is a showstopper! Now, the road itself? It's generally kept in good nick, so a 2WD with decent clearance should be fine if you take it slow on the straight bits. But pro tip: Rent a 4x4. Trust me, it'll make the ride smoother and less stressful. You're heading up to Cerro Estrella, after all, right in the Andes! Just a heads-up: the weather here is a bit wild, and the wind can be a real beast. Be prepared for anything! Also on the itinerary is the surreal Salar del Hombre Muerto. Get ready for an epic adventure!
hardThings to Know Before Driving the Paved Road to Abra Lliullita
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Lliullita! This beast of a mountain pass climbs to a staggering 4,645m (15,239ft) in the Apurímac Department of Peru. Nestled in the southern Peruvian Andes, this route, also called Abra Llullita, will take your breath away - literally! Historically a vital trade route, now it's more about the thrills and views. Speaking of views, near the top you’ll find the incredible Laguna de Lliullita, a must-see for fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. The road itself? It’s fully paved and known as Carretera 3SF, but don't let that fool you. Expect endless twists, turns (hairpins galore!), and some seriously steep climbs. If you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out! It's a consistent 45km ascent from Vilcabamba, but the good road surface and lack of traffic make it manageable. After conquering the summit lakes, prepare for a rapid 1,500m descent into Lambrama. The whole route stretches 135km (83 miles) from Vilcabamba to Abancay. A word of warning: the altitude is no joke. Take it easy and acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness! Trust me, the views are worth the effort.