
Driving the international San Francisco Pass in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
201 km
4,760 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Paso de San Francisco, a seriously epic international mountain pass straddling the Argentina-Chile border. We're talking sky-high – a whopping 15,616 feet above sea level!
This beauty connects Argentina's Catamarca province with Chile's Atacama Region, carving right through the heart of the Andes. Think volcanoes, towering peaks, shimmering salt flats, and stunning lagoons as your backdrop.
On the Argentina side, you'll be cruising on Ruta 60, a fully paved road stretching 125 miles from Fiambala. Get ready for some steep climbs and twisty turns as you wind your way up.
Chile's side, Ruta CH-31, is also paved as of 2019! This stretch clocks in at about 174 miles from Copiapó. Along the way, you'll hug the Maricunga salt flat in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and pass the unreal Laguna Verde.
Where is it?
Driving the international San Francisco Pass in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -31.9228, -61.4279
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 201 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,760 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -31.9228, -61.4279
Related Roads in south-america
extremeDriving the Dizzying Road to Cotahuasi Canyon
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle what some say is the DEEPEST canyon in the Americas? Head to the Arequipa region of Peru, Province of La Union, and get ready for the Cañon de Cotahuasi! This beast separates the Solimana and Kopuna ranges deep in the Andes. We're talking a canyon that plunges over 11,000 feet, making the Grand Canyon look like a kiddie pool. The landscape is seriously unreal, a total feast for the eyes. Remote doesn't even begin to describe it, but the views are SO worth it. Carved by the Cotahuasi River, it's a place of hot springs, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages like Cotahuasi, with its charming church. Keep your eyes peeled for condors soaring overhead, vicuñas grazing, and maybe even a sneaky Andean fox! Plus, you'll spot ancient pre-Incan terraces clinging to the canyon walls. Now, about that road... buckle up! This winding, unpaved track stretches for about 22 miles from Cotahuasi to Quechualla, and it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, sheer drop-offs, and a whole lotta dust. A 4x4 is an absolute MUST. But trust me, the views from the start all the way down into the canyon are breathtaking. Protected by the Reserva Paisajística Subcuenca del Cotahuasi, this drive is an experience you won't soon forget. Hit this road during the dry season (June-September) for the best conditions. Avoid the rainy season (December-March) when things get muddy and the river swells. And pro tip: don't forget the bug spray – the mosquitos can be fierce!
hardHow to Get by Car to Taapaca Volcano on the Chilean Highlands?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Parinacota Province of Chile lies Volcán Taapacá, a stratovolcano also called Nevados de Putre. Nestled within the stunning Parque Nacional Lauca in northern Chile, this volcano is a sight to behold with its high peaks and fascinating geological history. Here's the kicker: a mining road snakes its way up the volcano's northern side, climbing to a staggering 5,450m (17,880ft) – making it one of the highest roads in the whole country! Built to access sulfur deposits near the summit (though it doesn't quite reach the very top), this road is not for the faint of heart. Starting near Chacapalla, the 20km (12-mile) route is entirely unpaved, mainly sand, so a 4x4 is a must. Expect narrow sections and a serious dose of hairpin turns as you ascend. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep your eyes on the road… and maybe a prayer on your lips! Get ready for an unforgettable ride.
easyHow long is the road from Chivay to Arequipa?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, cruising from the charming mountain village of Chivay to the vibrant city of Arequipa. This isn't just any road trip; it's a 149km (93-mile) adventure through the heart of the Colca Valley! We're talking about a mix of roads 34A and AR-109. Most of the route is paved, but be warned, the higher you climb, the rougher it gets. Still, it's not too bad, and since there isn't much traffic, it's a pretty relaxed drive, even with the altitude. Speaking of altitude, get ready to climb! You'll reach a staggering 4,879m (16,007ft) above sea level, with views that'll blow your mind. Think sweeping landscapes dotted with vicuña, llamas, alpacas, and even Andean ducks. Seriously, the scenery alone makes this trip worth it!
moderateCamino de Los Túneles
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for an adrenaline rush on the Camino de Los Túneles – the "Road of the Tunnels"! Nestled in the heart of Argentina, where the Sierras Chicas meet the Suquía River, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking Ruta Provincial 28 (RP28) in Córdoba province, a roughly 11-kilometer stretch of unpaved road connecting Córdoba and La Rioja. Built in the 1930s, this beauty starts at kilometer 83 (the access road's paved now, thankfully!). Once you conquer that first tunnel, BAM – a valley panorama explodes before you, all flat greens stretching to the horizon. Hold on tight though! This route's got five tunnels and a few bridges, a dizzying pigtail turn that climbs like crazy, and some seriously narrow spots with hundreds of meters of drop-offs. Not for the faint of heart (or those with vertigo!). Keep an eye out for rock slides, too. But it's not all white-knuckle driving. There are viewpoints where you can spot majestic condors soaring overhead! The most famous tunnels are Chancaní and Taninga. Picture this: native trees clinging to the edge of the abyss, condors circling the Quebrada de la Mermela, and the endless plains of La Rioja fading into the distance. It's a wild ride to Cerro Estrella in the Andes, and one you won't soon forget!