How Can I Get by Car to Salar de Maricunga in the Atacama Region?
Chile, south-america
280 km
3,700 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: blindingly white salt flats shimmering under an intense sun. That’s Salar de Maricunga, sitting way up high in the Chilean Atacama at a lung-busting 3,700 meters (that’s over 12,000 feet!). You'll find this unreal landscape inside Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, way over on the eastern side of Chile.
Be warned, this place is extreme. Think scorching days and freezing nights – the temperature swings are wild! But it's worth it. Imagine stark volcanic scenery meeting vibrant turquoise lagoons, home to unique wildlife. It’s a photographer's dream!
The road in, Ruta 31-CH, is a bit of an adventure in itself. It's about 280 km (173 miles) of mostly gravel, connecting Copiapó to the Paso San Francisco border crossing with Argentina. You'll find some paved sections at the start and end, but the middle is all about that rugged off-road feel. Luckily, you don't necessarily need a 4x4 for this one, a 2wd car should usually do the trick! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.
Where is it?
How Can I Get by Car to Salar de Maricunga in the Atacama Region? is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -39.2952, -73.7956
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 280 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,700 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.2952, -73.7956
Related Roads in south-america
hardIs Paso de los Libertadores paved?
🇨🇱 Chile
Straddling the border between Chile and Argentina, high in the Andes, is Paso Internacional Los Libertadores – a truly unforgettable drive. This fully paved route, known as Ruta 60 (Chile) and Ruta Nacional 7 (Argentina), winds its way to the Cristo Redentor tunnel, a 3km passage drilled right through the mountains at over 3,100 meters. The border crossing sits below the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, perched even higher at nearly 4,000 meters! This pass is the main artery connecting Santiago, Chile, with Argentina's Mendoza region. Be warned: winter snows often shut the pass down due to heavy snowfall and potential rockfalls. Even when open, patience and skill are essential. The Argentinian side offers a relatively gentle climb through stunning mountain landscapes, but the Chilean side? Buckle up! Ruta 60 is a wild ride of hairpin turns, clinging to the mountainside. The section known as "Los Caracoles" (the snails) is a series of steep, tight switchbacks, so perfectly formed they resemble a refrigerator coil from above. Heavy truck traffic can create bottlenecks, adding to the challenge. But persevere, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the snaking road below and, if the weather is clear, Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. Despite the challenging conditions, the pass has a decent safety record, but caution is always necessary. Snow and ice are common, and guardrails are absent in many places. Yet, year-round, you'll find cargo trucks and even double-decker buses braving the route.
moderateDriving the curvy road to Mirador Cruz del Condor in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Peru, you absolutely HAVE to check out Mirador Cruz del Cóndor in the Arequipa region. Perched way up at 3,794 meters (that's a whopping 12,447 feet!), this spot is legendary for condor watching. The road to get there, mostly paved but with some dirt sections to keep things interesting (route AR-109, if you're mapping it), winds for 22 kilometers (around 13.67 miles) between Pinchollo and Cabanaconde. Nestled high in the Andes, this isn't just any viewpoint. It’s THE place to soak in the Colca Canyon, arguably the second deepest canyon on the planet. And the real showstopper? The Andean Condors! These magnificent birds, the biggest flying birds *in the world*, put on an aerial display you won't forget. Aim to be there between 7 and 9 a.m. for the best viewing and fewer crowds. You'll also find a big cross and a little stone wall for safety while you're taking in the views. Prime time to visit? May through November for the best weather. Trust me, this is an experience you don't want to miss!
hardWhere is Abra del Condor?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, let me tell you about Abra del Cóndor! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in Argentina, a whopping 3,942 meters (that's 12,933 feet!) above sea level. You'll find this beast straddling the Jujuy and Salta provinces in the northwest of the country. The road itself? Forget smooth asphalt! We're talking rough and rugged RP133 and RP13 roads, the highest point on this wild route. Clocking in at 47.4 km (almost 30 miles), this isn't a Sunday drive. Starting from the paved RN9 north of Humahuaca, it'll take you all the way to the charming village of Iruya. Expect a serious workout for your steering wheel: think endless curves, hairpin turns, and scary drop-offs. Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording rivers? But trust me, the views are worth it! Picture incredible mountain scenery, secluded villages, and crazy off-road trails. The valley views are insane, with cultivated terraces, colorful mountains, and bizarre rock formations sculpted by the wind and time. The road is usually dry, but watch out for those summer rainstorms that can turn it into an impassable mud bath. Aim for June to October for the best weather window. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeHow to get by car to Santa Rosa Mine near Pavico?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! We're heading to the Mina Santa Rosa in Peru, one of the highest mines on the planet, clocking in at a staggering 5,133 meters (that's 16,840 feet!). Picture this: you're in the southern part of Peru, straddling the border between Moquegua and Puno regions, with the imposing Arichua volcano as your backdrop. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." We're talking totally unpaved, so a 4x4 is your best friend here. Get ready for a wild ride: narrow sections, steep climbs, and enough turns to make you dizzy. From Santa Rosa, it's roughly 40 km (25 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure. But wait, there's more! You're in the Andes, so expect some serious weather. Think harsh conditions, intense sun, crazy winds, and bone-chilling temps. But hey, you’re visiting one of the ten highest mines in the world — totally worth it for the bragging rights (and the views)!