
Jama Pass is an Andean road from Chile to Argentina
Argentina, south-america
160 km
4,283 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Paso de Jama, an insane high-altitude pass perched way up at 14,051 feet! You'll find this border crossing connecting Jujuy, Argentina, with the super cool desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
This is the northernmost road linking these two countries, and it's your gateway to where Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina almost touch. We're talking about 100 miles from the Chilean border. You'll cruise through parts of Los Flamencos National Reserve before hitting San Pedro. Keep an eye out for trucks, too – it's a popular route for them heading to Chilean ports.
The road's been paved since '05, so you can leave the off-roader at home. This baby's open year-round for all vehicles, but snow can sometimes close it down, so check ahead! Daytime temps can hit a balmy 86°F, but nights? They plunge, especially in winter – think freezing! And the wind? Let's just say it can get a little wild.
Remember, you're in the Andes, cruising through a semi-desert at an average of 9,800 feet. Pack layers! And maybe skip that massive lunch before you head up – trust me, your stomach will thank you.
You'll be rolling on Ruta 27 (CH-27) in Chile and National Route 52 in Argentina. Heads up, the Chilean side climbs even higher, topping out at 15,853 feet at Portezuelo Paranal. From Jujuy, it's mostly uphill to Jama (217 miles to be exact!). Once you conquer the pass, it’s still another 100 miles to San Pedro – but hey, it's downhill from there!
Where is it?
Jama Pass is an Andean road from Chile to Argentina is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.3758, -63.0852
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 160 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,283 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -38.3758, -63.0852
Related Roads in south-america
Ruta de los 7 Lagos, an iconic drive in Patagonia
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northwest Patagonia in northern Argentina, wind in your hair (maybe!), on the legendary Ruta de los 7 Lagos – the Seven Lakes Route! This baby is paved from start to finish, winding you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes you've ever seen. Think crystal-clear, deep-blue lakes reflecting snow-capped Andes mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. You'll be driving through Lanín and Nahuel Huapi National Parks, so keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife. The road gets its name from the seven stunning lakes it connects: Machónico, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo, Lácar, Falkner, and Villarino. The whole shebang is about 107km (66 miles) between Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes. I'd say dedicate a full day to really soak it all in, with plenty of stops for photos and maybe a picnic by one of those gorgeous lakes. Just a heads-up: you might share the road with some semi-trailer trucks, so stay alert and enjoy the ride! Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget.
extremeLaguna Conococha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, high in the Andes, about to stumble upon Laguna Conococha, a stunning lake shimmering at a whopping 4,050 meters (that's 13,287 feet!). You'll get there via Carretera 3N, a paved road that'll have your jaw dropping. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Being so high up, this road can get snowy real quick, so closures happen. Plus, the mist can roll in thick, making visibility a real challenge. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides – oh my! Patches of ice are common, too. The climb itself is a beast, seriously testing your lungs with that thin air. Altitude sickness is a definite possibility here; most people start feeling it way before you even reach the lake. But trust me, the wild, untamed beauty is so worth it.
hardIs Garganta del Diablo paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Peru's got some seriously epic drives, and the Ushco Canyon road, snaking through the Yauyos province near Lima, is right up there. Locals call it "Garganta del Diablo" – Devil's Throat – and trust me, it lives up to the name! This stretch of the 24 Nacional Route is completely paved, which is a bonus, but don’t let that fool you. It’s *narrow*, like squeeze-through-the-rocks narrow. We're talking about a signed width of 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) with some rock overhangs as low as 3.4 meters (11.2 feet), so keep an eye on your vehicle’s height. Tackling this at night? Get ready for an adrenaline rush. The most intense part, the actual Devil's Throat, clocks in at 10.8 km (6.71 miles). It's a jaw-dropping drive along the canyon floor, and the towering rock formations are incredible. Now, about those unlit tunnels… They're a one-car-at-a-time situation. Proceed with major caution, and maybe say a little prayer you don’t meet another vehicle coming the other way. Reversing skills are a MUST. Since it is not a one-way road, head on collisions are common. Whoever has more space is responsible for backing up. Despite the nail-biting moments, the views are unreal. You're driving through a super deep, winding canyon that's as beautiful as it is intimidating. Definitely one for the bucket list, but maybe not if you're a nervous driver!
extremeA Road through the Scenic Pircas Negras Pass High in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Paso de Pircas Negras, or Black Pircas Pass: a seriously stunning high-altitude crossing sitting way up at 4,175m (13,697ft) on the border of Argentina and Chile. Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Andes, this pass connects the Atacama Region in Chile with the La Rioja province of Argentina. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the trip – think panoramic vistas that draw travelers from across the globe. You'll be cruising along Ruta Nacional Nº 76 (in Argentina) and Carretera C359 (in Chile). Be warned: it's mostly unpaved and gets super narrow in sections (only about 40km is paved near the border crossing and Laguna Brava). A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. This is a remote route, folks! The entire stretch is 427 km (265 miles) from Copiapó, Chile, to Villa Unión, Argentina. Heads up: This pass is typically open from November 1st to April 30th, from 9 am to 6 pm – weather permitting. Snowfall can be intense, with over 2 meters blanketing the summit in winter. So plan accordingly and prepare for some truly epic views!