How to get by car to Alto de Chorillos?
Argentina, south-america
6.2 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Deep in the rugged Salta Province of northwest Argentina awaits Alto de Chorillos, a high-altitude peak that'll leave you breathless (literally!). Situated in the heart of the Puna de Atacama, you'll feel like you've landed on another planet.
The adventure kicks off from RN51, the iconic highway that connects Salta to Chile. From the junction, it's a mere 6.2 kilometers (3.8 miles) to the summit, but don't let the short distance fool you. While the gradient is manageable, the real challenge is the elevation. At nearly 5,000 meters, your engine will be gasping for air, losing up to half its power! Expect a tightly hairpinned, bumpy gravel road that demands a 4x4 to handle the loose gravel and steep ramps leading to the LLAMA astronomical observatory.
The gravel track can be treacherous. Impassable in winter due to snow, it can close anytime snow isn't cleared. Even a bit of rain turns the arid soil into a slippery trap. If heights aren't your thing, be warned: significant drop-offs and narrow sections with no barriers abound. Proper preparation is key. Ensure your vehicle's cooling system is top-notch, and consider bringing extra oxygen or taking it slow to avoid altitude sickness.
The climate here is arid and cold, with highs ranging from 14°C to 21°C (57F to 70F). The real danger lurks in the freezing nights and midwinter extremes. Precipitation, mainly in the form of summer storms, can be sudden and violent. High winds are a constant, and the intense solar radiation at this altitude can quickly dehydrate you and your vehicle.
But why brave all this? Because reaching Alto de Chorillos means reaching one of South America's most advanced scientific sites. The LLAMA observatory sits atop the peak thanks to the thin, dry atmosphere, perfect for radio-astronomy. Conquering this high-altitude desert is an exercise in self-sufficiency. There are no services, water, or help for miles, so pack recovery gear and emergency supplies before leaving RN51. Get ready for an off-road experience that's as thrilling as it is scary!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 6.2 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere does the Trans-Chaco Highway start and end?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: the Trans-Chaco Highway, or Ruta PY09 as the locals call it, stretching a whopping 775 kilometers (481 miles) across Paraguay, from José Falcón near Asunción all the way to the Bolivian border at Fortín Sgto. Rodríguez. You'll cruise through Central, Presidente Hayes, and Boquerón, eventually linking up with Argentina's National Route 11 and Bolivia's National Route 6. Once upon a time, this road was legendary for all the wrong reasons – think vehicles swallowed whole by mud during the rainy season! It got a full paving in 2007, but the asphalt didn't last, so be ready for a bumpy ride filled with dust, cracks, and potholes galore. The thin pavement really struggles with all the heavy trucks that use the road! While it's mostly straight, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled every second to dodge those sneaky potholes. Driving at night? Maybe not, especially if it's your first time. The poor conditions make it extra risky. Plus, it's a pretty remote area – low traffic, sparse population – so stock up on extra food and water in case you run into trouble. Prepare for heat and a wild ride!
extremeIs the road from Balzas to Celendin paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because the road from Balzas to Celendín in northern Peru is a wild one! This 35-mile stretch of Route 8B isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. Freshly paved and in great condition, it still throws over 200 curves your way, including 34 hairpin turns that’ll test your nerves. Forget about a relaxing cruise – this road climbs from 854m in Balzas to a lofty 2,643m in Celendín, packing in an elevation gain of 1,789m. Expect some serious gradients, with sections hitting a steep 7%! But here’s the kicker: sheer drops. We're talking about a 1000m drop on one side and a vertical cliff on the other. Seriously, at some corners, your back tire might be flirting with the void. If you’re scared of heights or landslides, maybe grab a bus. But if you're after adrenaline and breathtaking views of the valleys far below, this is your road. Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!
hardA memorable road trip to Abra Laguna Morijon
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Laguna Morijon! This Bolivian beauty sits way up high in the Sur Lípez Province, clocking in at a staggering 4,901 meters (that's 16,079 feet for you metric-phobes!). It's nestled in the Potosi Department, in Bolivia's southwest corner, and ranks among the country's highest roads. Let's be real, the road is rough. We're talking totally unpaved, with a surface that's seen better days. Expect narrow squeezes, hairpin turns galore, and some seriously steep climbs that will test your vehicle (and your nerves!). The whole shebang stretches for about 86 km (or 53 miles) running roughly north-south, linking San Antonio de Lípez to Quetena Chico. The scenery will absolutely blow your mind. Just take it slow and steady!
extremeWhere is Uturuncu?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Potosí Department of Bolivia, near the San Pablo de Lípez Municipality, lies Cerro Uturuncu, a stratovolcano boasting one of the highest roads on the planet! This ain't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a gravel track that claws its way up to a staggering 6,008 meters (19,711ft)! Built originally for a sulfur mine back in the day, the road is now maintained only for tourists by local guides. A 4x4 is a MUST. While the track is generally decent, be prepared for rogue rocks or even a dusting of snow, depending on the season. Now, here's the deal: most reports suggest you can only drive to within a few hundred meters of the summit (somewhere between 5,200 and 5,900 meters), as a landslide has blocked the way further up. However, satellite imagery suggests you can make it to 5,700 meters. A French team even managed to cycle (or push!) their bikes to the top! The lower section is super sandy, and above 5,000 meters, the lack of oxygen is a REAL issue for your engine (and you!). Expect gradients of around 8% for the first five kilometers, ramping up to over 10% between 5,100 and 5,600 meters. The road can get a bit narrow in places, with a seriously steep drop on one side. But, oh, the scenery! Think gigantic landscapes, active volcanoes, and vividly colored lagoons. This is an adventure you won't forget!