Pichachen Pass is a vital border road from Argentina to Chile in the Andes
Chile, south-america
180 km
2,063 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the wild ride that is Paso Internacional Pichachén! This high-altitude border crossing between Argentina and Chile sits way up in the Andes at a cool 2,063 meters (that's 6,768 feet!).
Connecting the Biobío Region of Chile with the Neuquén Province of Argentina, this isn't your average scenic drive. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking a 180 km (111 mile) unpaved rollercoaster, known as Ruta CH-5 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 6 in Argentina, snaking its way from Canteras to El Cholar. Expect hairpin turns and a real test for your driving skills!
Keep in mind, Pichachén isn't open year-round. Winter brings closures due to minimal maintenance. Also, be prepared for some extreme weather – think dry air and huge temperature changes. Sunny days can be surprisingly warm, but those Andean nights? Seriously cold. Get ready for insane views you'll never forget!
Where is it?
Pichachen Pass is a vital border road from Argentina to Chile in the Andes is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -35.1740, -68.1768
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 180 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,063 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -35.1740, -68.1768
Related Roads in south-america
hardCurvas de Huanchaca: 24 Switchbacks on a Narrow and Steep Road
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for the Curvas de Huanchaca, a wild ride through the Peruvian Andes! This road, snaking along the border of Cusco and Apurimac, is famous for its mind-boggling series of 24 hairpin turns. Seriously, it's one of the most intensely switchbacked roads on the planet, promising a drive that's both spectacular and maybe a little dizzying. You'll find this beauty in the southern highlands of Peru, nestled in the Urubamba Valley, about 40km west of Cusco. It's known locally as Curvas de Huallpachaca too. Route 3SF has been recently paved and even though it's barely wide enough for one car in places, most vehicles can handle it. But don't let the fresh pavement fool you – this road is a challenge! Those 24 switchbacks are carved right into the rock, and there are no guardrails to keep you from the sheer drop-offs. If you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the road ahead! This incredible feat of engineering climbs steeply through the mountains, maxing out at a 17% gradient in some sections. The intense part is 12.5km (7.76 miles) long, starting at the Puente Huallpachaca over the Apurimac river at 2,142m (7,027ft) above sea level and topping out at 2,901m (9,517ft) asl. That's a whopping 759 meters of elevation gain, averaging out to a 6.07% gradient. Trust me, you'll feel it!
moderateThe abandoned Viaduct Petrobras in the middle of the Brazilian jungle
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the Brazilian rainforest, São Paulo state to be exact. Suddenly, BAM! An enormous, abandoned concrete viaduct rises up before you – the Viaduct Petrobras. Seriously, it's like something out of a movie, a colossal concrete giant swallowed by the jungle. Back in the '50s, they dreamt up BR-101, a mega-highway stretching almost 3,000 miles. But the section between Rio and São Paulo? That remained a wild, untamed dream hidden in the jungle. Fast forward to the '70s, and boom - the Viaduct Petrobras became part of the plan. Instead of the original route, they decided to build *over* the jungle, piggybacking off Petrobras' pipeline paths. Nestled near the southeast coast in the mountainous Sierra do Mar, this viaduct was meant to shave off 30+ miles of coastal driving between Rio and São Paulo. Picture this: you're cruising on asphalt, a cool 131 feet above the jungle floor. The viaduct is a solid 300 meters long. The jungle was brutal with the heat, the insects, and the massive trees. Then, BAM! Economic crisis hits, and the whole project grinds to a halt. The Viaduct Petrobras, this incredible concrete creation emerging from the mists, was simply left behind. And there it stands today, a relic of big dreams and a seriously epic photo op!
moderateHow to drive through San Juan Pass in the Andes?
🇨🇱 Chile
Hey adventure junkies! Ever dreamed of conquering a truly wild road? Then pack your bags for Paso de San Juan in Chile's Atacama region! This beast of a pass climbs to a whopping 3,607m (11,833ft) in the Andes, carving through the Chilean Altiplano's crazy landscapes. Think volcanic rock, stark plains, and maybe a few grazing llamas thrown in for good measure. The "road" – Camino entre Río Grande y Machuca – is a 13.6 km stretch of pure, unadulterated grit. Forget smooth asphalt; you're dealing with razor-sharp volcanic rock and bone-rattling corrugated dirt. Seriously, bring at least TWO full-size spare tires; you'll need them! Starting near Río Grande, you'll climb 794 meters over 8.45 miles to reach Machuca, following the Grande River. A 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST, especially if it's been raining or you're near those tricky salt flats and seasonal rivers. Oh, and did I mention you're in the Andes? Altitude sickness is a real possibility, so take it slow and acclimatize. Prepare for relentless sun (sunglasses are your best friend!), dust devils whipped up by crazy winds, and make sure you bring enough water to keep you hydrated. It's an insane drive but the views? Totally worth it.
extremeA wild road to Cerro Rico, the silver mountain that eats men
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cerro Rico, the "Rich Mountain" of Bolivia! This iconic, cone-shaped peak, also called Cerro Potosí, sits way up high in the Andes, clocking in at a staggering 15,616 feet above sea level. Okay, a bit of history: this mountain is legendary for its massive silver deposits that fueled the Spanish Empire back in the day. Imagine, the world's largest industrial complex in the 16th century! Today, it's still mined for zinc, tin, tungsten, lead, copper, and even a little silver. Now, getting to the top is where the adventure really kicks in. The road is completely unpaved, twisting and turning with hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. And hold on tight, because some sections are incredibly steep, with gradients reaching a maximum of 15%! Be warned, though, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Due to extensive mining over centuries, the mountain is unstable and riddled with tunnels, making it a potentially hazardous climb. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep your eyes on the road – you'll need them!