Highest roads of Chile:
Chile, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southwestern edge of South America, in Chile – the world's longest country! Seriously, it's a crazy-long, skinny strip of land squeezed between the mighty Pacific Ocean and the even mightier Andes Mountains.
Speaking of the Andes, these aren't just hills, folks. We're talking about some seriously towering peaks that run the entire length of the country, creating a natural barrier that throws a wrench into any travel plans.
What does this mean for road trips? Buckle up! You're either hugging the stunning coastline or gearing up for some serious climbs over those colossal mountains. Get ready for some of the highest international passes you've ever seen, and some rugged mining tracks that will leave you breathless.
You absolutely HAVE to experience roads like Portezuelo Sairécabur, Paso de San Francisco, and Portezuelo Chapiquiña. For something a little different, check out the wild road to Embalse El Yeso, or tackle the legendary Route 5 – Chile's longest route!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardRuta Provincial 2
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Ruta Provincial 2 in Argentina's Valdes Peninsula, right on the Atlantic coast. This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a 139km adventure! The road starts with some nice asphalt, but quickly turns into "ripio," which is basically gravel. It connects the Ruta Nacional 3 to the tiny town of Punta Delgada on the Golfo Nuevo. Now, weather here is WILD. Valdes Peninsula is semi-arid, so things change fast, and the wind can be intense. That's why they recommend sticking to 60km/hour. Trust me, a cracked windshield or flat tire will ruin your wildlife spotting! Speaking of which, this route is all about the scenery. You'll have the chance to spot massive marine animals in their natural habitat. It’s usually maintained so a normal car *could* do it if you’re careful and the weather is good. That said, for max comfort and fewer worries, seriously consider renting a 4x4. The gravel can get loose, especially on the edges, and muddy after rain. Basically, come prepared for an adventure!
hardA wild mining road to Abra de La Deidad in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in Chile's Coquimbo Region and crave some serious altitude, you HAVE to check out Abra de La Deidad. This bad boy clocks in at a whopping 4,907 meters (that's 16,099 feet!), making it one of Chile's highest roads. Nestled in the heart of the Andes, practically kissing the Argentinian border near Los Cuartitos, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved, rugged mining road. Expect a challenging journey, folks – think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and hairpin turns galore. But here's the catch: due to its extreme elevation, you can only tackle this beast during the summer months (December to April). The rest of the year, Mother Nature slams the door shut with heavy snow. And even in summer, be prepared for biting winds and bone-chilling cold. The views? Absolutely epic. The bragging rights? Totally worth it.
moderateUnbuilt Sections of BR-101: A Jungle Dilemma
🇧🇷 Brazil
Deep in the rainforest of São Paulo, Brazil, lies the eerie Viaduct Petrobras – an abandoned concrete giant! Imagine this: you stumble upon a colossal concrete structure rising out of the dense jungle, only to have it vanish just as quickly. Talk about mysterious! Back in the day, Brazil dreamed big with the BR-101, a nearly 3,000-mile highway. But the stretch from Rio to São Paulo? It was swallowed by the jungle. Then came the 70s, with even bigger plans! The Viaduct Petrobras was meant to be a game-changer, built over the jungle along paths carved out for pipelines. Picture this: nestled in the Sierra do Mar mountains near the southeast coast, this viaduct was built in tough conditions. Think heat, bugs, trees, the works! This key piece was meant to shave off over 30 miles of coastal road between Rio and São Paulo. The asphalted viaduct soars 131 feet above the jungle floor and stretches nearly 1,000 feet long. But as fate would have it, economic troubles hit, and this awesome structure was abandoned, left to fade into the mists. Today, it's a haunting reminder of dreams left unfinished, a concrete ghost in a green paradise.
hardPirquitas Mine
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Mina Pirquitas in Jujuy Province, Argentina! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest towns on Earth you can reach by car, perched way up at a lung-busting 14,240 feet! The road? Gravel, baby. And it's a beast. Seriously, the air gets thin up here, so expect your engine (and your lungs) to work overtime. The climb is steep, and the gravel can be loose, especially near the edges. This isn't a route to take lightly. Come prepared; you're heading into a remote mining area where the scenery is starkly beautiful, and the challenge is real.