Mamuil Malal Pass: a border road in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
84.9 km
1,253 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let me tell you about Paso Mamuil Malal, also known as Paso Tromen, a totally awesome international mountain pass chilling at 1,253m (4,111ft) between Chile and Argentina.
You'll find this gem hanging out north of the Lanín Volcano, connecting the Araucanía Region in Chile with the Neuquén Province in Argentina. Pro tip: double-check the time zones at the tourist offices before you go, because Chile loves to switch things up seasonally!
The road stretches for about 85 km (53 miles) from Curarrehue in Chile to Malleo in Argentina. On the Chilean side, Ruta CH-199 will get you started from the Pan-American Highway near Freire, and it's been fully paved since 2017 - smooth sailing! Once you cross into Argentina, you'll be cruising on Ruta 60. Heads up: the final 12 km (7.5 miles) to the pass are unpaved, but word on the street is they're planning to change that.
Keep in mind that this pass can get snowy in the winter, so closures are possible, and snow chains are a must during those colder months. All that said, the views high up in the Andes are absolutely unforgettable!
Where is it?
Mamuil Malal Pass: a border road in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.5932, -61.4086
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 84.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,253 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -38.5932, -61.4086
Related Roads in south-america
hardExploring the Remote and Rugged Abra de La Honda o del Portillo: A High Andean International Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de La Honda, or del Portillo, is a seriously epic international mountain pass straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 4,156 meters (that's 13,635 feet!). This beast connects the Coquimbo Region of Chile with the Calingasta department in Argentina, deep in the Andes Mountains. The pass gets its name from the stunning Honda valley, so you know the views are going to be incredible. Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The entire 90.1 km (56.4 miles) from La Vega is unpaved and seriously rugged. We're talking narrow roads, hairpin turns that will test your skills, steep climbs, and complete remoteness. Seriously, you might not see another soul out there. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. This wild route leads to an unnamed international pass where the road ends, so plan accordingly!
hardAbra Huamina
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer pass for you: Abra Huamina in the Ayacucho region of south-central Peru. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 4,284 meters (that's 14,055 feet!) above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be cruising on Route 3S, an asphalt road linking Ayacucho and Chumbes, deep in the south-central Andes. Prepare for a long, challenging haul through some seriously remote landscapes. The road is rough, the air is thin (seriously, that altitude will test you!), and the steepness is no joke. You'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good 60 kilometers! Keep an eye on the weather, though. This area is notorious for heavy mist, which can make visibility a real issue. So, unless you're looking for a white-knuckle drive, avoid this route in bad weather. But if you're prepped and the skies are clear, get ready for some breathtaking mountain scenery.
extremeWhere is Tejos Refuge?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious adrenaline rush, you NEED to hear about Refugio Tejos in Chile. Picture this: you're in the Atacama region, practically spitting distance from Argentina, and you're aiming for what's rumored to be the world's highest mountain hut. We're talking about a tiny L-shaped refuge at a whopping 5,800 meters (that's 19,000 feet!). Six beds, a gear room, and a history as a mining company's tribute to a fallen helicopter pilot – this place is rugged and real. Plus, it’s the ultimate basecamp for those crazy enough to summit Ojos del Salado, the Andes' tallest peak and the Earth's highest volcano. Now, the road. Oh, the road! Forget pavement, my friends. This is an all-dirt, all-challenge kinda situation. You absolutely need a 4x4 and the driving skills of a seasoned pro. We're talking one of South America's highest roads, so the air is thin, the terrain is treacherous, and the weather? Wildly unpredictable. Expect sudden snowstorms and icy temps, even during the summer. But wait, there's more! This isn't just a rough road; it's a seriously dangerous one. We're talking about cliff drops of hundreds of meters that can make even seasoned drivers queasy. One wrong move and… well, let's just say you don't want to look down. Seriously, skip this one if it's windy. But if you're an experienced off-roader with a taste for the extreme, Refugio Tejos will reward you with views you won't find anywhere else on Earth. Just remember to respect the mountain and drive safe!
hardHow to Drive Across the High Desert of Siloli?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: southwest Bolivia, near Chile, way up in the Andes. We're talking serious altitude – almost 15,000 feet! This is the Desierto de Siloli, and getting here is an adventure in itself. Think off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your perspective!), a total South American highlight reel. We're smack-dab in Sud Lípez Province, surrounded by volcanoes, weird wind-carved rock formations, and endless plains. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde? Neighbors. Pavement? Forget about it. The "road" is more like a network of tracks cutting through sand, dodging volcanic ridges, and snaking around crazy rock formations. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to handle the soft ground, the bumps, and that pesky altitude. Also, pro-tip: zero services out here, so pack accordingly. Most folks jump on a guided 4x4 tour leaving from Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama. From Uyuni, it's a couple days south, cruising past the Uyuni Salt Flats and those crazy colored lagoons. From San Pedro, it's your first day's adventure after crossing the border. Either way, get ready for wide-open desert, salt flats, and seriously high mountain passes. Highlight reel? The "Stone Tree" (Árbol de Piedra) – a rock formation shaped by wind that looks like, well, a tree made of stone. Volcanoes everywhere, many sporting colorful slopes. Epic desert vistas. Plenty of chances to hop out and scramble around on the rocks for even better views. Heads up: altitude is no joke here. Limited oxygen, scorching sun. Be prepared for altitude sickness, and bring sunscreen! The real danger is the combo of high altitude and isolation. The driving itself isn't super technical, but the lack of services and emergency help means you gotta be prepared. Weather can turn on a dime – think sudden strong winds or freezing temps. A breakdown out here could mean a long wait with no help nearby.