How to get by car to Tocorpuri Volcano on the border of Chile and Bolivia?
Bolivia, south-america
90 km
5,563 m
hard
Year-round
Ready for an epic adventure? Head to the Chile-Bolivia border and discover the incredible Volcán Tocorpuri. A mining road snakes its way up this dormant volcano, climbing to a staggering 5,563 meters (that's over 18,251 feet!). It's seriously one of the highest roads you'll find here.
You'll find Tocorpuri, also known as Michina, Cerro de Tocorpuri, or Cerros de Tocorpuri straddling the border between Chile (Antofagasta) and Bolivia (Potosí). The volcano itself is ancient, formed from old lava flows and volcanic debris. The latest activity was around 34,000 years ago, but there's still geothermal action nearby, possibly linked to the El Tatio geysers.
The road itself? It's a beast! Built for sulfur mining, this unpaved, sandy track winds up the Bolivian side. You'll need a 4x4 for sure. Expect a nail-biting 90 km (56 miles) drive from Quetena Grande, complete with narrow sections and a whole lot of hairpin turns. The views? Absolutely breathtaking, but keep your eyes on the road!
Where is it?
How to get by car to Tocorpuri Volcano on the border of Chile and Bolivia? is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -15.9643, -62.4459
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 90 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,563 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -15.9643, -62.4459
Related Roads in south-america
hardA gravel road to Planchon Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Paso del Planchón, a seriously epic high-altitude pass straddling the Argentina-Chile border at a whopping 8,251 feet! We're talking rugged Andes Mountains scenery here. This beast, also known as Paso Internacional Vergara, is a 121-mile dirt road stretching from Las Loicas, Argentina (Mendoza Province) to Curicó, Chile (Maule Region). Forget smooth pavement – this is raw, unadulterated travel, complete with sandy stretches that'll test your driving skills. On the Argentina side, it's Ruta Provincial 226, morphing into J-55 once you cross into Chile. Now, a heads-up: this pass isn't always ready for visitors. It’s usually only open from November to April, when they fix it up for tourists and mining folks. The climate is super dry, with wild temperature swings. Think sun-baked days and freezing nights – summer highs around 59°F and winter lows plummeting to -13°F!
extremeAbra Huamanripa
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because Abra Huamanripa in the Ancash region of Peru is a wild ride! This high-altitude pass, also called Abra Yanashalla, tops out at a whopping 4,879 meters (that's over 16,000 feet!). It's the highest point on the Pachacoto – Huayllanca road, a route famed for its stunning, if somewhat intimidating, beauty. Typically open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes has other plans, and snow can temporarily shut things down. The climb is intense, to say the least. The air is thin, the slopes are steep, and the gravel road can get pretty hairy after rain or snow – you might want a 4x4 for some sections. Be warned: this road isn't for the faint of heart! Expect unpredictable weather – snowstorms and blizzards can roll in fast, making driving seriously challenging. Avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides are real possibilities, and icy patches are common. Road closures aren't unusual, so it's a must to check the latest conditions before you go. But, if you're prepared for an adventure, the views are absolutely worth it!
moderateAn awe-inspiring road to Pino Hachado Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Argentina-Chile border, smack-dab in the southern Andes, at an elevation of 6,190 feet! That's Paso Pino Hachado for you, one of the main routes through these stunning mountains. The whole road is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. You'll be following RN-22 on the Argentinian side and 181-CH when you hit Chile. We're talking about a 43-mile stretch from Llancacura, Chile, to Las Lajas, Argentina. Just a heads up, this pass is usually open from December to May. Oh, and remember to factor in time for customs and immigration on both sides of the border! The scenery is absolutely worth it.
extremeHow long is Trampolín del Diablo in Colombia?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: Southern Colombia, Putumayo Department, and you're staring down the barrel of the "Trampolín del Diablo" – Devil's Trampoline, or "Adiós mi vida" (Bye bye my life), if you're feeling dramatic. This road from Mocoa to San Francisco is not for the faint of heart. Built way back in 1930, this roughly 75 km (46.47 miles) stretch is carved into the Andean mountains. Think unpaved, think seriously narrow, and think steep drops with zero guardrails. We're talking a single lane of gravel clinging to the side of the mountain! Locals built it to transport soldiers, but now, it’s a wild ride through the Valley of Sibundoy. It’ll probably take you 3-4 hours, assuming you don't stop (but you will, to catch your breath!). It's beautiful, don’t get me wrong. Lush forested mountainsides, solitude, and views that'll make your jaw drop. But with blind corners, hairpin turns, and the constant threat of landslides, it demands your full attention. They say the landslides are the real killer, ready to sweep you over the edge. It’s a notorious road where hundreds have met their end, marked by roadside crosses and ominous warning signs. Be prepared for cloudy and misty conditions – that's pretty much the default setting. It’s a challenging ride with very light traffic, but if you're up for an adventure and respect the road, the Devil’s Trampoline is an unforgettable experience.