Driving to Parinacota, One of the Highest Towns in the World

Driving to Parinacota, One of the Highest Towns in the World

Chile, south-america

Length

89 km

Elevation

4,389 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so Parinacota! Picture this: a tiny town clinging to the Andes at a staggering 14,400 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest places you can actually drive to. You'll find it nestled in northern Chile, practically spitting distance from Bolivia, in the gorgeous Lauca National Park.

The whole area is a visual feast. Think snow-dusted volcanoes like Pomerape and Sajama piercing the sky, steamy hot springs bubbling away, and these crazy-beautiful high-altitude lakes – Chungará and the Cotacotani Lagoons. Plus, wetlands bursting with all sorts of weird and wonderful plants and animals.

The road itself? It's called A-93, and it's a smooth, paved 55-mile stretch connecting Chucuyo to Visviri, the main hub of the General Lagos area. It's been fully paved since the early 2020s. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery on this drive!

Where is it?

Driving to Parinacota, One of the Highest Towns in the World is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.1978, -72.1383

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Chile
Continent
south-america
Length
89 km
Max Elevation
4,389 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-34.1978, -72.1383

Related Roads in south-america

Road trip guide: Conquering Quebrada del Peñonhard

Road trip guide: Conquering Quebrada del Peñon

🇨🇱 Chile

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Quebrada del Peñon! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a staggering 12,440 feet in Chile's Atacama Desert. The landscape is insane, nestled within the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park. Now, about the road itself: it's called C-601, and it's a gravel and sand track. Think rugged and remote! Be warned – this baby can get seriously muddy and slippery after a rain shower, turning it into a real challenge. And during or after a storm? Forget about it, even 4x4s might be out of luck. Weather-wise, prepare for extremes. Daytime highs can hit a balmy 30°C (86°F), but nighttime temps plummet, especially in winter when it can dip below freezing. Plus, the area is known for some serious winds, so hold onto your hats! Overall, Quebrada del Peñon is a wild ride with incredible scenery and a true test for the adventurous spirit. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Lago Laramcotahard

Lago Laramcota

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Bolivia, you HAVE to check out Lago Laramcota. This stunner sits way up high in the Kimsa Cruz mountains at a whopping 15,915 feet! The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. This isn't a Sunday drive – it's steep! And remember, we're talking serious altitude here. The air gets thin, and you'll feel it, especially since it's a brutal climb. But the views? Oh man, the views are totally worth it. Just be aware that in the winter this route is a no-go. Also, near the top, there's an old mine road that climbs even higher to a dizzying 16,843 feet! So, if you're not afraid of heights and you crave a real off-road challenge, Lago Laramcota is calling your name.

Ruta Provincial 52moderate

Ruta Provincial 52

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Ruta Provincial 52! This beauty is a 33 km stretch of gravel road ("ripio" as they say in Argentina) winding through the stunning Valdes Peninsula, right on the Atlantic coast in northeastern Chubut Province. It's your connector between Ruta Provincial 3 and the charming Calleta Valdes. Now, heads up – the Valdes Peninsula can be a bit of a weather wildcard, thanks to its semi-arid climate. Expect sudden changes and strong winds. Keep an eye on the sky. The speed limit is a chill 60km/h, and trust me, you'll want to stick to it to avoid any flat-tire drama. Speaking of the road, it can get a bit loose and muddy, especially after rain. A high-clearance 2WD *can* manage it if you take it slow and steady, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best friend here. Think of it as an investment in comfort and peace of mind. Why bother? Because this road is your ticket to some seriously incredible wildlife sightings. We're talking massive marine animals in their natural habitat. It's an experience you won't forget!

Salar de Aguas Calientes: an awe-inspiring route through extremely remote areashard

Salar de Aguas Calientes: an awe-inspiring route through extremely remote areas

🇨🇱 Chile

Salar de Aguas Calientes: Picture this – a shimmering salt flat nestled high in the Andes of northern Chile's Antofagasta Region. We're talking seriously high altitude here, topping out at 4,250m (13,943ft)! During the day, you might be sweating in 30°C heat, but brace yourself – nights can plummet below freezing, especially in winter. And the wind? Let's just say it's a constant companion. This road, also known as Salar de Tara, snakes through a landscape that feels more like Mars than Earth. It's all paved, making it accessible even for 2WD vehicles wanting a taste of extreme altitude. But don't let the smooth surface fool you. This is remote territory. Cell service? Forget about it. The nearest gas station could be up to 160 km away. Winding through Los Flamencos National Reserve on a high desert plateau, this road is generally open year-round (snow permitting). It's a long, straight shot across the Andes, and you will be at an average height of 3,000 m.a.s.l. Clocking in at 156.19 km (97.05 mi), the route stretches from San Pedro de Atacama all the way to the Argentinian border. Be ready for some serious winds, blazing sun, and bring enough water for everyone in your vehicle! A couple of spare tires wouldn't hurt either. And keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of up to 12.6% in places!