Is the road to Cerro Pachón paved?
Chile, south-america
14.9 km
2,696 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Cerro Pachón! Nestled way up high in the Chilean Coquimbo Region, this peak tops out at a breathtaking 2,696 meters (8,845 feet). The road up, Camino Centro Astronómico, is about 14.9 kilometers (9.25 miles) long, starting from the D317. Get ready for a climb, because you'll gain 951 meters in elevation, averaging a 6.38 percent gradient.
The road itself is mostly paved, with some concrete sections thrown in for good measure. Just a tiny bit at the very end – the last 200 meters – is a well-maintained dirt road.
But what's at the top? Prepare to be amazed! Cerro Pachón is home to some serious astronomical firepower: the Gemini South Telescope, the SOAR Telescope, and the soon-to-be-operational Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This new observatory, with its massive 8.4-meter mirror and gigantic camera, promises to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
A word of caution: due to the extreme altitude, this drive isn't recommended for those with hypertension, cardiovascular issues, or lung problems. And leave the little ones at home – no one under 6 is allowed up. But if you're prepared, the views and the astronomical wonders are totally worth the trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 14.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,696 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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