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
moderateDriving the Rodovia Deputado Miguel Bufara in southeastern Brazil
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through the Brazilian state of Paraná and have a hankering for some off-the-beaten-path exploring, Rodovia Deputado Miguel Bufara is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 117km (72-mile) stretch of unpaved road that winds from near Morretes all the way to Guaraqueçaba, one of Paraná's coolest coastal cities. Now, let's be real: this road is RUGGED. Think narrow paths, plenty of potholes, and the potential for flash floods after a good rain. Seriously, a high-clearance vehicle isn't just recommended, it's practically essential. But trust me, the scenery is worth it! Just keep an eye on the weather, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardDon’t glance down at your phone on the road to Uspallata Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Paso Uspallata, an epic mountain pass sitting way up high at 3,810m (12,500ft) in the Chilean Valparaíso Region. You might also hear it called Bermejo Pass or Cumbre Pass. It's not far from the famous Paso Internacional de los Libertadores, north of Santiago and pretty close to the Argentinian border. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a 17km (10.56 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt road known as E-773, or Camino Cristo Redentor. Nowadays, it's more of a scenic route to see the Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. But don’t let the pretty statue fool you. This road is STEEP – we're talking gradients over 15% – and packed with 65 hairpin turns that will seriously test your driving skills. If you get queasy easily or are scared of landslides, maybe skip this one. A tunnel took over as the main route back in 1980 for a reason! Nestled high in the Andes, the views are insane, but Mother Nature calls the shots here. Only tackle this road in the summer when the snow is gone. Winter temps can plummet to -30°C, and heavy snowfall and rockfalls can shut things down in a heartbeat.
extremeTravel guide to the top of Cerro Uturuncu
🇧🇴 Bolivia
# Cerro Uturuncu: Bolivia's Sky-High Adventure Ready for one of the most extreme driving experiences on the planet? Head to the Potosí Department in southwestern Bolivia, where a rough gravel road climbs to a jaw-dropping 6,008 meters (19,711 feet) above sea level. This is seriously high—we're talking one of the loftiest roads anywhere in the world. The road winds up Cerro Uturuncu (also called Uturunku or Uturunco), a stratovolcano nestled in San Pablo de Lípez Municipality. Back in the day, this mountain hosted a sulfur mine, and the original unpaved road connecting to it was carved out between 1948 and 1950. These days, the route is maintained sporadically by local guides mostly for adventurous tourists. Here's the reality check: you'll absolutely need a solid 4x4 vehicle. The lower sections are sandy and manageable, but don't expect a smooth cruise. The first five kilometers average about an 8% grade, which steepens dramatically—hitting over 10% between 5,100 and 5,600 meters—before finally easing off near the top. Depending on the season, you might encounter loose rocks or even snow. The biggest villain? Oxygen deprivation. Once you push past 5,000 meters, your engine starts gasping for air almost as much as you will. Most vehicles get stopped by a landslide around 5,700 meters, though reports vary on exactly how far you can actually drive. (One enterprising French cycling team reportedly managed to pedal and push their way to the actual summit—respect.) What you get in return? Absolutely stunning Altiplano landscapes: active volcanoes, vibrant lagoons, and endless mountain vistas that'll make every labored breath worth it.
hardHow to drive the remote 4x4 route to Abra Mallachuma?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Hey thrill-seekers! Ever dreamed of touching the sky? Abra Mallachuma in Bolivia lets you do just that, topping out at a staggering 5,131m (16,833ft)! Nestled in the La Paz Department, west of Quime in the Inquisivi Province, this is Andean adventure at its finest. Forget smooth asphalt; this is raw, unpaved mining track, folks! You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle the narrow paths and seriously steep ascents. Trust me, the insane views of the lagoons make it worth every bump and lurch. Just keep your eyes on the road — we're talking major drop-offs and exposed edges that'll test your nerves. The 67.8 km (42.12 miles) route from Araca to Rodeo is a north-south rollercoaster ride. Be warned: there's nothing out here. No gas stations, no snack shacks, nada. Oh, and did I mention you're basically living above 5,000m (16,400ft) the whole time? The air is thin, and altitude sickness is a real threat – headaches, dizziness, the works. Even your ride might feel sluggish! And the weather? It can flip from sunny to snowy in a heartbeat, so pack accordingly. Acclimatize beforehand, hydrate like crazy, and don't push yourself. Bring layers, water, and emergency supplies – you're out in the wild!