
Is the coastal road from Caldera to Huasco paved?
Chile, south-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Cruising the Chilean Coast: Caldera to Huasco
Escape to the Atacama Region of Chile for an unforgettable coastal adventure! This north-south route stretches approximately [insert approximate length from map] from [Caldera] to [Huasco], hugging the Pacific coastline. The road is fully paved.
Prepare for a warm, extremely dry climate thanks to its location on the edge of the Atacama Desert. However, the coastal breeze offers some respite. Keep an eye out for the occasional floods.
The scenery is simply breathtaking, so make sure your camera is charged! Get ready for an amazing drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Pastoruri Glacier?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Pastoruri Glacier in the Ancash region of Peru, smack-dab in Huascarán National Park. This baby sits at a lung-busting 4,955m (16,256ft) above sea level. The road itself? It's called the Carretera a Pastoruri and it's a short but sweet 1.8km (1.11 miles) jaunt to the parking lot, but don't let the length fool you. This is not a drive for your grandma's sedan! The road's pretty narrow, with some steep climbs and rocky sections. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet. And remember, that altitude is a real thing, so take it easy. Once you park, it's a roughly 500m walk to the glacier itself. Now, while Pastoruri was once a big tourist draw and one of the few tropical glaciers in South America, climate change has taken its toll. It's shrunk considerably, and where there was once a natural ice slide, now there's a small lagoon. But don't let that deter you! The drive is still totally worth it for the stunning views of the surrounding Andes mountains and valleys. Plus, there are cool stops along the way, like the Pumapampa gasified springs. And keep your eyes peeled for the thousands of towering Puya Raimondii flowers – they're unreal! Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes!
hardDriving the RN149 to Abra del Colorado in San Juan
🇦🇷 Argentina
Hey adventure seekers! Let me tell you about Abra del Colorado, a must-see mountain pass in Argentina's San Juan Province. Picture this: you're cruising along at 2,629m (8,625ft), surrounded by the raw beauty of the Andes. This isn't just any drive; it's a key route connecting the Iglesia and Calingasta valleys, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the towering Andean peaks. The landscape here is something else – a dry, almost Martian terrain with reddish soil that gives the area its name, "Colorado." You'll be driving on Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149), a smooth, fully paved road that stretches for 88.3 km (54.86 miles) from Bella Vista towards the junction with the RP436, en route to Talacasto. Now, a word of caution: you're in high mountain territory. Keep an eye out for sudden gusts of wind—the notorious Zonda can really test your driving skills! Cyclists, take note! This pass is legendary, the ultimate stage of the Vuelta a San Juan. Even if you're not a pro, you'll feel like one as you tackle this climb. The gradients are forgiving, mostly around 5-6%, but it's the sheer length and the desert heat that'll challenge you. The final 15 kilometers are the stuff of legends, winding through a rocky canyon before you finally reach that high-altitude plateau. Trust me, the sense of accomplishment is unreal! For drivers and cyclists, this climb is an epic experience, a unique taste of the Argentinian Andes that you won't soon forget.
hardHow to get by car to Abra Condorillo?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a spot for you in Peru that'll blow your mind: Abra Condorillo! This high mountain pass sits way up high in the Arequipa region, clocking in at a staggering 4,993m (16,381ft) above sea level. You'll find it chilling north of Abra Arcata in the Condesuyos province, nestled within the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve. The whole area is pretty remote. The road itself? It's a 57km (35 miles) unpaved gem called AR-611, starting near Arcata. Think dramatic, multi-colored hills and a serious sense of isolation. Heads up, though: once you pass the Arcata gold and silver mine (around 4,700m), there's a seriously steep kilometer stretch, and you'll encounter some sandy sections and hairpin turns that demand your full attention. You even drive through a working mine at one point! But hang in there, because the climb to the summit gets gentler, and the views…oh, the views! They are absolutely epic, and the descent into the valley on the other side? Pure magic.
hardDriving through the lethal Ocoña Cliffs
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Peruvian coast on the Acantilados de Ocoña – a cliff-hugging highway that's equal parts stunning and seriously thrilling. We're talking southern Peru, where the road weaves between the Caravelà and Camaná provinces. Imagine a paved ribbon carved into the hillsides, a constant zig-zag dance as it climbs and plunges along the cliffs. Officially, it's known as 1S (Carretera Panamericana Sur) but unofficially? It's an adventure. Clocking in at around 75 kilometers (46ish miles), this stretch connects Atico to Ocoña, and it's a non-stop ocean view extravaganza. Now, for the adrenaline junkies: this road has a rep for being one of the trickiest in the country. Think sheer drops of around 200 meters (650+ feet) in many spots, with zero guardrails to hold you back! Plus, you'll be navigating a series of tunnels. Throw in the region's love for earthquakes, landslides, and ever-present traffic, and you've got yourself a ride to remember.