How long is Ruta Nacional 5 in Chile?
Chile, south-america
3,337 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Ruta Nacional 5, Chile's mega-route stretching a wild 3,337 km (2073 miles) from the Peruvian border all the way down to Quellón on Chiloé Island! It's the country's longest road, slicing through some seriously diverse landscapes and even ducking through four tunnels – El Melón, La Calavera I & II, and Angostura.
Now, let's be real – not all parts of this epic route are created equal. That stretch between Arica and Iquique? Yeah, it's got a reputation. We're talking a simple two-lane road, paved, with a 100 km/h (62 mph) speed limit. Sounds chill, right? Wrong. It snakes through deep valleys with seriously steep drops and desolate desert scenery. The landscape is stark, almost aggressively bare, and can mess with your focus.
Concentration is key because thick fog can roll in out of nowhere, slashing visibility to zero. It's easy to see how accidents happen. Plus, you're in the Atacama Desert, so the views, while striking, are super monotonous. Imagine hundreds of miles of emptiness! It's not uncommon to see roadside memorials – a sobering reminder. Distances between gas stations are also a challenge, and strong winds are notorious for throwing vehicles off course. In short: stay alert, stay focused, and keep both hands on the wheel!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 3,337 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardWiswillani Pass
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Arequipa Region of Peru and craving some serious off-road thrills, Paso Wiswillani (also known as Q'asa) is calling your name! This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a whopping 4,807 meters (15,771 feet) above sea level. We're talking serious altitude here. The road itself? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of tippy sections along Route 34E. Think a good 4x4 is optional? Think again! You'll need it, especially if it's wet and muddy. This isn't a joyride for Sunday drivers; it's a proper climb, and it's steep! But hey, if you're an experienced wheeler who loves a challenge and isn't afraid of heights, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the desolate but beautiful Andean countryside. Just be aware that winter can make this pass totally impassable. Trust me, the views are worth the challenge!
moderateAn old mining road to Tuzgle Volcano in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Argentinian Andes, in the province of Jujuy, lies Volcán Tuzgle, a dormant volcano hiding a seriously epic road. We're talking about a climb to 5,244m (that's 17,139ft!) on what used to be a mining road – making it one of the highest drives in the country. This old unpaved mining route winds its way up to the abandoned Mina la Betty, and trust me, it’s seen better days. While you probably don't need a full-on 4x4, you'll want a vehicle with decent clearance to handle the rough terrain. Be warned: there are definitely sections where your ride will be tilting at some pretty wild angles. It's probably best to avoid this trek at night, or super early morning when ice could be a factor. Starting from Ruta Provincial 40 (RP-40), you’ve got a 10km climb ahead of you, gaining almost 800m in elevation. That's an average gradient of nearly 8%! But hey, the views of the Central Andes are totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path adventure!
hardRuta Provincial 70 is a road you'll never forget in Jujuy
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience in Argentina, Ruta Provincial 70 (RP70) in Jujuy province is calling your name! Picture this: you're in the extreme northwest of Argentina, practically straddling the borders of Chile and Bolivia, tackling a 41km unpaved road. Your journey begins where RP7 joins Ruta Provincial 7, near the mesmerizing Pozuelos Lake – a Biosphere Reserve with an area of 180,000 square meters. This natural monument sits high at 4320m above sea level! The route winds its way to Liviara, dropping you right onto the legendary Ruta Nacional 40 (RN40), Argentina's longest route and a world-class road trip in itself. But here's the kicker: this isn't just any road; it's a high-altitude challenge, peaking at 4343m above sea level in Médano de Fundiciones. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The best time to visit is year-round, though summer rains can throw a wrench in your plans. Be sure to check road conditions in Abra Pampa or Cieneguilla before you head out.
moderateWhere is Pehuenche Pass?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about Paso Pehuenche, an epic high-altitude pass straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking 2,557 meters (8,389 feet) above sea level, people! This beauty connects Mendoza Province in Argentina with Chile's Maule Region. The best part? It's paved! Smooth sailing (relatively speaking!) all the way to the top since they finished paving it in 2018. You'll find it marked as Ruta Internacional CH 115 on the Chilean side and Ruta Nacional 145 once you cross into Argentina. The whole shebang stretches for about 167 kilometers (104 miles) from Las Loicas, Argentina, to San Clemente, Chile. Plan for a solid 2.5 to 3.5 hours of driving time if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially as you climb higher. And speaking of climbing, get ready for some seriously steep sections – some ramps hit an 11% gradient! Keep in mind, this pass is a seasonal star. Usually, it's open from December to March, but Mother Nature calls the shots, so check conditions before you go. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. You're deep in the Andes, surrounded by dramatic peaks and landscapes. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!