Picavilque Pass, pure adventure
Chile, south-america
N/A
5,085 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Bolivian border in Chile's Region I (Tarapacá), you HAVE to check out Abra Picavilque. This insane mountain pass tops out at a lung-busting 5,085m (16,683ft)! Seriously, you'll be gasping for air up there.
The road, known as A-349, is an unpaved adventure. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumps – definitely not for the faint of heart. A 4x4 is highly recommended. While technically open to all vehicles, you'll want the extra traction. And keep a close eye on the weather! This area is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, plus icy patches can pop up out of nowhere.
You'll be cruising along a fairly new and wide road for a high mountain road -- wide enough for two trucks. The pass itself is nestled between Cariquima and Lirima. The views are incredible (hello, Curiquinca Volcano!), but remember, the air gets thin near the top. Take it slow and enjoy the ride. Just be aware, altitude sickness can kick in hard around those elevations. Trust me, it's an experience you won't forget!
Where is it?
Picavilque Pass, pure adventure is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.8786, -68.5557
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,085 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -34.8786, -68.5557
Related Roads in south-america
extremeCan you drive to Abra Anticona?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Anticona! This insane mountain pass straddling the Lima and Junin regions of Peru hits a lung-busting 4,824m (15,826ft). Some say it's the highest paved road in South America – debate that over a coca tea at the summit! Yep, you can drive it! It's all paved as part of the Carretera Central (Ruta 22), winding through the Peruvian Andes. You'll find a small bar and parking lot to celebrate conquering this beast. This baby clocks in at 37.4 km (23 miles) from Casapalca heading east to the JU-102 road. Now, let's talk challenge. Prepare for some serious white-knuckle action! Think hairpin bends that'll have you questioning your sanity, llamas popping out of nowhere, and mountains that love to shed rocks. It's steep, twisty, and packed with trucks and coaches, so cyclists, maybe skip this one. Oh, and expect weather that changes on a dime. Give yourself about an hour to tackle this trek. The summit, also called Ticlio Pass or Nevado de Ticlio, is where the Pacific and Atlantic drainage basins split – pretty cool, huh? Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardAntenas de Entel (Jamp'aturi)
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Las Antenas de Entel in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This isn't just a road; it's a climb to the heavens, topping out at a staggering 4,937 meters (16,197 feet)! Tucked away in the Cordillera Real of the Andes, it's easily one of Bolivia's highest roads. Picture this: a gravel track winding its way skyward, relentlessly steep. Trust me, you'll feel the burn, and not just in your legs. The air gets thin up here, and altitude sickness is a real possibility, especially since most people start feeling it below 3,000 meters. As you approach the summit, prepare for seriously short oxygen supplies. This road is not for the faint of heart, and definitely not one to attempt in bad weather. But the views? Totally worth the challenge.
extremeIs the Road to Salinas Lake Unpaved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in the Arequipa Region of Peru, ready for an adventure. Your destination? Laguna de Salinas, a shimmering salt lake perched way up at 14,222 feet. Getting there? That's half the fun (and maybe a little bit of the terror!). We're talking Ruta 34C, a 40-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road mayhem. Forget pavement, this is all dirt, rocks, and serious curves. Think narrow paths barely wide enough for your rig, sheer cliffs on one side, and a stomach-dropping plunge on the other – no guardrails to be seen! Expect tunnels, hairpin turns galore, and views that'll make you forget your fear… almost. Give yourself a solid two hours to tackle this beast from Arequipa, the gorgeous colonial city. Trust me, you'll want every minute to navigate this wild ride. You'll need nerves of steel and a vehicle you trust implicitly, but the bragging rights and the otherworldly scenery at the end? Totally worth it!
hardHow to get by car to Cumbre Chuchu in the Andes?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cumbre Chuchu in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a sky-high mountain pass hitting a whopping 15,265 feet (4,653m). Locals also call the summit Ch’uch’u Apachita or Abra Chuchu. You'll find this beast in the Larecaja Province, tucked into western Bolivia. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a pure, unadulterated dirt road experience. Get ready for a serious workout – think endless twists, hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, plus narrow stretches and some seriously steep climbs. Trust me, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. This epic 18-mile (30km) stretch kicks off from Sorata and winds its way north of the main Cordillera Real range in the Andes. The scenery is breathtaking, but keep your eyes on the road!