Ojos del Salado is one of the highest accessible points by car on Earth
Chile, south-america
600 km
6,500 m
hard
Year-round
# Ojos del Salado: The World's Highest Volcano Road
Standing at a jaw-dropping 6,891 meters (22,608 feet), Ojos del Salado is the world's highest volcano and sits right on the Argentina-Chile border. It's not just impressive for its elevation—it's also one of the most accessible ultra-high peaks you can actually drive to, making it a magnet for adventure seekers and record-breakers alike.
Nestled in the Andes, roughly 600 kilometers north of Aconcagua, this massive stratovolcano connects Chile's Atacama Region with Argentina's Catamarca Province. The volcano sits just south of the Atacama Desert, creating an otherworldly landscape where snow clings to the peak only during winter months. The rest of the year? Bone-dry conditions dominate.
## A Playground for Record-Seekers
Ojos del Salado has become legendary for altitude records. In 2007, a heavily modified 1986 Suzuki Samurai driven by Chileans Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales Moya reached 6,688 meters, smashing the previous vehicle record. That modified little beast had supercharger upgrades, reinforced axles, and custom suspension—necessary equipment for such an insane climb.
Since then, the records keep coming. A Mercedes truck hit 6,675 meters, a solar-powered e-vehicle reached 6,500 meters in 2024, and motorcycles have pushed higher too. In 2015, Chilean rider Gianfranco Bianchi set the motorbike record at 6,472 meters on a Suzuki RMZ 450. Even cyclists have joined the party—Guido Kunze pedaled an astonishing 6,233 meters in 2013, covering over 342 kilometers from the Pacific coast in just over 37 hours.
## The Real Challenge
Don't let the "accessible by vehicle" part fool you—this is genuinely brutal. The terrain throws everything at you: steep climbs, massive boulders, snow, glaciers, and deep volcanic sand. Most roads don't combine all these obstacles in a single journey, but Ojos del Salado does it gleefully.
Add in hurricane-force winds, temperatures plummeting to minus 30°C (minus 22°F), and the relentless effects of extreme altitude, and you've got a recipe for serious danger. Medical help? Forget it—you're looking at a day or more for evacuation, and helicopter rescue is virtually impossible in these conditions. This is one of South America's most unforgiving roads, and it demands respect.
Where is it?
Ojos del Salado is one of the highest accessible points by car on Earth is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -27.1090, -68.5410
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 600 km
- Max Elevation
- 6,500 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -27.1090, -68.5410
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhat Is Laguna Parrillar?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're in southern Chile, in the wildly beautiful Magallanes and Antártica Chilena Region. You're heading towards Laguna Parrillar National Reserve, named after its showstopper of a lake, and get ready for a ride! The road, officially known as Camino a Reserva Laguna Parrillar, stretches for about 21.7 km (13.48 miles) south of Punta Arenas. Now, here's the thing: it's unpaved. But don't worry, most cars can handle it, especially if you're cruising through during the warmer months, October to March. Speaking of those months, there are seven designated spots to pull over, stretch your legs, and soak it all in. Laguna Parrillar itself? It's a beauty! It completely freezes over in winter (we're talking serious ice levels!), and the snow can pile up high. This whole area is part of the Laguna Parrillar hydrographic basin, which is Punta Arenas' main water reserve, but more importantly, it's pure scenic magic. Get ready for some epic landscapes and outdoor adventures!
hardWhere is Abra de Chorrillos?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Abra de Chorrillos! This high-altitude pass punches through the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northwest Argentina, topping out at a whopping 4,555 meters (14,944 feet)! Imagine yourself cruising along Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), mostly on unpaved roads, but totally doable in a regular car, *if* the weather's dry. You'll be tracing the path of an old, abandoned railway for much of the way, adding to the vintage vibe. Stretching nearly 58 kilometers (36 miles) from San Antonio de los Cobres to Olacapato, this route serves up some serious scenery. Think arid landscapes, shimmering salt flats, and the kind of wide-open spaces that make you feel truly small. The weather is a bit extreme, with daytime temps varying from 14°C to 21°C (57F to 70F). Nightime temperatures in midsummer go to 6°C (43F) and in midwinter to -8°C (18F). Expect the chance of rain exclusively in the summer. Prepare for a ride that's both challenging and breathtaking!
extremeAn epic road to Abra Ares in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Arequipa region of Southern Peru, you'll find Abra Ares, an epic mountain pass soaring to a staggering 5,018 meters (that's 16,463 feet!). It's one of the highest roads in Peru, so get ready for some serious altitude. The road stretches for about 19.2 kilometers (almost 12 miles) from Illigua to Chahuaña, and it's a totally unpaved, bumpy ride—but don't worry, your average car can handle it. Just be prepared for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting over 10%! The air is thin up here, so take it easy and soak in the breathtaking views of the Andes. Keep an eye on the weather; conditions can change fast in these parts. This isn't just a drive; it's an Andean adventure!
extremeAbra Tolconi
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Arequipa Region of Peru and craving a serious dose of altitude, you HAVE to check out Abra Tolconi. This mountain pass punches through the Andes at a staggering 4,860 meters (that's 15,945 feet!). The road? Well, let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, connecting Caylloma to Quiñota, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. But trust me, the views from the top are worth every jolt. We're talking panoramic vistas that stretch for miles! Now, a word of caution: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Pack plenty of water, snacks, extra fuel, a cozy jacket, and your trusty GPS and maps. You're climbing high and heading into remote territory! Be ready for potential challenges. Even a little rain can make things tricky, and avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are possibilities. Patches of ice can also make things interesting (read: dangerous). The good news is the climb itself is fairly gentle, so you won't be battling insane inclines. But be prepared!