Driving one of the highest roads of South America to Tacora Volcano

Driving one of the highest roads of South America to Tacora Volcano

Chile, south-america

Length

18.6 km

Elevation

5,590 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile, practically straddling the Peruvian border, lies Volcan Tacora, and let me tell you, it’s a showstopper. This stratovolcano boasts a rugged mine road that claws its way to a staggering 5.590m (18,339ft) above sea level, making it one of South America's highest drives!

Picture this: you're near the town of General Lagos, inching your way up this totally unpaved path in your trusty 4x4 (essential, trust me). This is the Andes at their finest!

Built in 2009 to access a sulfur mine, the road is an 18.6 km (11.55 miles) rollercoaster from Chislluma, packed with hairpin turns and jaw-dropping drop-offs. You'll climb a hefty 1306 meters, so get ready for some serious gradients – averaging around 7.02%. Keep an eye out for the fumaroles puffing away near the summit and the hot springs bubbling on the eastern side! The views are insane!

Where is it?

Driving one of the highest roads of South America to Tacora Volcano is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -37.7253, -74.8118

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Chile
Continent
south-america
Length
18.6 km
Max Elevation
5,590 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-37.7253, -74.8118

Related Roads in south-america

An epic road to Abra Taapacaextreme

An 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.

Abra Paves: An Awe-Inspiring Road through Extremely Remote Areashard

Abra Paves: An Awe-Inspiring Road through Extremely Remote Areas

🇦🇷 Argentina

Hey adventure seekers! If you're craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience, let me tell you about Abra Paves. This high-altitude pass in Jujuy, Argentina, tops out at a lung-busting 4,239 meters (13,907 feet)! You'll find this wild crossing south of the Cuesta del Lipán–Abra Potrerillos, deep in the northern part of the country. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, a rugged track of loose rocks that demands a 4x4. The real challenge isn't the steepness (though there are some 10% grades near the top!), but the extreme altitude, harsh climate, and sheer isolation of the Puna region. Be prepared to battle: * **Thin Air:** Seriously, the oxygen is scarce up here. Take it slow to avoid altitude sickness! * **Crazy Weather:** The Puna throws unpredictable weather changes and fierce winds your way. Hold onto that steering wheel! * **Middle-of-Nowhere Vibes:** We're talking seriously remote. No cell service, no emergency services nearby. Breakdown? You're on your own. That 4x4 isn't just for fun – it's your lifeline! The adventure starts from Ruta Provincial 52 (RP52), with a 13.57 km (8.43 mi) climb, gaining 388 meters in elevation. Averaging around 2.85%, it's steady, but those altitude and terrain factors make it a proper test.

Is Chicamocha Canyon worth it?hard

Is Chicamocha Canyon worth it?

🇨🇴 Colombia

Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready for an adventure, and someone mentions the Chicamocha Canyon. Trust me, you HAVE to go! This massive canyon, nestled between Boyacá and Santander departments in the Andes, is mind-blowing. They say it's the second biggest in the world, plunging down over 6,500 feet. Now, the road cutting through it – Ruta Nacional 45A – is fully paved, so no need to worry about off-roading. You can cruise from Los Curos to Aratoca along this 25-mile stretch. Don't get too comfy, though! This toll road is a rollercoaster with crazy steep sections and hairpin turns galore. But trust me, the views are worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road! This canyon and the surrounding Chicamocha National Park are a total feast for the eyes. Get ready for some unforgettable photo ops.

Cerro Yaritaniextreme

Cerro Yaritani

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in southeastern Peru's Cusco Region and have a serious craving for altitude, Cerro Yaritani is calling your name. This gravel road climbs to a whopping 4,956m (16,259ft)! Heads up: you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this bumpy ride. Rain turns the road into a real challenge, so check the weather and be prepared for loose gravel. Seriously, plan ahead for this one. The views are incredible, but the altitude is no joke. If you have any respiratory or heart issues, maybe skip this one. And definitely no babies under 4 months! The air is thin, even your engine will struggle, and altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters. It's a tough but rewarding journey!