How to drive through San Juan Pass in the Andes?
Chile, south-america
13.6 km
3,607 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey adventure junkies! Ever dreamed of conquering a truly wild road? Then pack your bags for Paso de San Juan in Chile's Atacama region!
This beast of a pass climbs to a whopping 3,607m (11,833ft) in the Andes, carving through the Chilean Altiplano's crazy landscapes. Think volcanic rock, stark plains, and maybe a few grazing llamas thrown in for good measure.
The "road" – Camino entre Río Grande y Machuca – is a 13.6 km stretch of pure, unadulterated grit. Forget smooth asphalt; you're dealing with razor-sharp volcanic rock and bone-rattling corrugated dirt. Seriously, bring at least TWO full-size spare tires; you'll need them!
Starting near Río Grande, you'll climb 794 meters over 8.45 miles to reach Machuca, following the Grande River. A 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST, especially if it's been raining or you're near those tricky salt flats and seasonal rivers.
Oh, and did I mention you're in the Andes? Altitude sickness is a real possibility, so take it slow and acclimatize. Prepare for relentless sun (sunglasses are your best friend!), dust devils whipped up by crazy winds, and make sure you bring enough water to keep you hydrated. It's an insane drive but the views? Totally worth it.
Where is it?
How to drive through San Juan Pass in the Andes? is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -36.2898, -68.7483
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 13.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,607 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -36.2898, -68.7483
Related Roads in south-america
moderatePuente Tincoc
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Cusco Region of Peru, in the Paruro Province, heading towards the Ccapi District. Boom! You stumble upon the Tincoc bridge, and trust me, it’s a showstopper. This thing hangs about 8,549 feet above sea level, a cool 2,606 meters, stretching 71 meters across the epic Apurímac River. The road getting there is gravel, so buckle up for a slightly bumpy ride. But honestly, who cares about a little dust when you’re surrounded by views like these? Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
hardWhere does the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay start and end?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Tres Cruces is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.161m (13,651ft) above sea level, located in the province of Azuay, in Ecuador. It's one of the highest roads in the country. Where does the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay start and end? Set high in the highlands of Ecuador, the road to the summit is totally paved, mostly with concrete. It’s called Vía Colectora Cuenca-Puerto Inca (E582) and links Guayaquil and Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador. How is the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay? The road is very curvy and steep, in good condition, with several hairpin turns. Expect foggy, rainy, cold and misty weather. It rains most habitually in the afternoons. Is the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay worth the drive? Tucked away in the southern Ecuador’s Andes mountains, within the Parque Nacional Cajas, this section is the most western part of the continental divide of South Americas. At the summit of Tres Cruces “Three crosses”, there is a small car park, which isn't always up to the demand, especially at weekends, leading to Mirador Tres Cruces, a high mountain overlook. At the summit there is a monument to the people who have died in the national park. Historically, people died in passage from the port of Guayaquil to the sierras. The three crosses were placed to commemorate the fact that many people died at that point from altitude sickness. The views are well worth the effort. The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge Papallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardSerra do Rio do Rastro
🇧🇷 Brazil
# Serra do Rio do Rastro: Brazil's Most Mind-Bending Mountain Drive Picture this: an 8-kilometer stretch of asphalt that plunges 1,460 meters down the face of a massive escarpment in Santa Catarina through over 250 insanely tight curves and hairpin bends. Welcome to SC-438, the road that connects the highland town of Bom Jardim da Serra to the lowlands below, and honestly? It might just be Brazil's most stunning drive. The engineering here is absolutely wild – this thing literally clings to what feels like a near-vertical mountainside. On a clear day, you're looking at views that stretch over 100 kilometers across the coastal plain. But here's where it gets really cool: the road takes you through cloud layers, so you'll descend into mist and then pop out into brilliant sunshine below. It's like nature's own light show. The contrast is wild too. Up top, it's cold enough for frost and even the occasional snow in winter, while down at the base? Full-on subtropical warmth. There's a viewpoint platform near the summit that's basically Instagram gold – it's one of the most photographed road panoramas in all of South America. So yeah, if you're looking for a drive that's part engineering marvel, part natural theater, and entirely unforgettable, this is it.
hardWhere Can You Find the America’s Lowest Point?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Ever dreamed of touching the absolute bottom? I'm talking about the lowest point in all of the Americas! Head to the wilds of eastern Santa Cruz province, Argentina, and seek out the Gran Bajo de San Julián. This spot clocks in at a staggering -105 meters (-345 feet) below sea level! Forget Death Valley; this is where it's at for extreme low-lying exploration! Getting there is half the adventure. The landscape is straight out of a desert movie: arid, salty soil, and tough vegetation clinging to life. Expect dramatic temperature swings between day and night! It's remote, rugged, and definitely not on the typical tourist trail, which adds to its allure. The good news? You can drive there! Ruta Nacional 3 is paved and stretches about 125 km (77 miles) from Puerto San Julián (Port St. Julian) to Comandante Luis Piedrabuena. So, pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and get ready for a surreal drive to the bottom of the Americas!