Portezuelo Caballo Muerto
Chile, south-america
N/A
4,410 m
extreme
Year-round
Portezuelo Caballo Muerto? Buckle up, adventurers! This high-altitude pass, nestled way up at 4,410m (14,468ft) in Chile's Atacama Region within Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, is not for the faint of heart.
The road's all gravel so you'll want a 4x4 for this one. The climb? Brutal. Seriously steep grades meet thin air that will test your lungs and your vehicle. And the weather? Wild! Expect extreme temperature swings from warm days to freezing nights. Wind is a constant companion, and even in summer, snowstorms can roll in unexpectedly. Winter here is just plain *cold*.
Keep a close eye on the forecast before you go, this road can be closed due to snow at any time. Heavy mist can also roll in, so visibility can drop to near zero in an instant.
If you've got any respiratory issues or heart problems, honestly, this might be one to skip. The oxygen levels at the summit are seriously low – think about 40% less than at sea level! Altitude sickness is a real risk, so be prepared. But if you're up for a challenge and reward of breathtaking scenery, Portezuelo Caballo Muerto awaits!
Where is it?
Portezuelo Caballo Muerto is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -36.3821, -72.4115
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,410 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -36.3821, -72.4115
Related Roads in south-america
extremeDriving the road to Katantika Pass in La Paz is for brave drivers only
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Katantika, aka Paso de Keansani, is calling your name! This Bolivian bad boy tops out at a staggering 4,717m (15,475ft) in the Franz Tamayo Province. We're talking La Paz Department, way up in the northwest corner of the country, practically winking at Peru inside the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. Nestled high in the Apolobamba range, this 19km (12-mile) stretch from Pelechuco to Hilo Hilo is strictly unpaved, seriously challenging, and weaves its way through abandoned mines. Forget your sedan; a 4x4 is a MUST. And leave the oversized vehicles at home – things get tight. Speaking of tight, if you have a fear of heights, this isn't your road. Think narrow ledges and unprotected drops of around 600 meters, especially around those summit hairpin turns. Locals often prefer to walk it – that tells you something! Oh, and after the snow melts, be prepared to ford some seriously rushing waterfalls. Respect the water's power! But hey, for views and bragging rights, it's an absolute winner.
extremeHow to get to Laguna Casiri by car?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region, practically spitting distance from Bolivia. Buckle up, because you're about to tackle one of the highest drives in the country to the Casiri Lagoons – Hembra and Macho. Starting from the tiny village of Caquena, you've got about 16 kilometers of rugged, unpaved road ahead. Don't let the short distance fool you, this isn't your average Sunday drive! You'll be climbing over 500 meters to reach the shores of Laguna Casiri Hembra (at a staggering 4,825m) and Laguna Casiri Macho (even higher at 4,856m!). Forget smooth asphalt, this is all rocky gravel and loose volcanic rock. The track's bumpy, steep in places, and requires some serious off-roading skills. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! If you're not comfortable on technical, unpaved mountain tracks, maybe sit this one out. Now, the altitude. You'll feel it, and so will your engine. Winter? Forget about it, this road's usually snowed in. Even in summer, keep an eye on the sky – a sudden thunderstorm can turn that dry gravel into a muddy nightmare in minutes. So, why bother? Because the views are insane! Think dramatic volcanoes, jagged peaks, and Laguna Casiri Hembra, which is particularly cool thanks to its underwater algae garden. Weirdly enough, you'll find mosquitos buzzing around the lagoon edges. The whole scene is framed by ancient volcanic rock – totally worth the effort. Heads up: you're in the middle of nowhere, bordering Bolivia, so be prepared. Make sure your vehicle's in top shape, pack extra supplies, and stay focused. The road's narrow, winding, and demands your full attention. Get ready for an unforgettable, high-altitude adventure!
extremeRoad PA-106
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up for the Carretera PA-106 in Pasco, Peru! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 79km stretch of high-mountain gravel that connects Paucartambo (2,037m above sea level) to Ninacaca (a lung-busting 4,140m!). Seriously, think twice before attempting this in anything less than a sturdy 4x4, unless you're already planning an upgrade! The gravel is rough, and the climb is intense, with some sections hitting a 10% gradient. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll gain 2,103m, and oxygen gets scarce above 2,500m. Take it slow, and maybe pack some altitude sickness remedies. Along the way, you'll encounter unlit tunnels, stunning high-mountain lakes, and views that'll make you forget about the lack of oxygen... for a minute. But, heads up! This area is known for heavy mist, avalanches, landslides, and ice patches. Plus, the gravel can get seriously loose and muddy after rain, making it impassable. So, check the weather before you go, and maybe avoid it altogether during storm season. This route is narrow, steep, and potentially treacherous but worth it for the views!
hardWhere is Abra Chonta Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Abra Chonta! This bad boy is a high-altitude mountain pass nestled way up in the Huancavelica Region of Peru, clocking in at a whopping 4,875 meters (that's almost 16,000 feet!). You'll find it east of , right in the heart of Peru, dividing the Huancavelica and Angaraes provinces. Now, the road itself, HV115, is a mixed bag. You'll encounter both smooth paved sections and some rougher unpaved bits. The good news is, in dry conditions, most 2WD vehicles can handle it! If you're rolling in from Huancavelica, it’s a relatively gentle climb by Andes standards: a 54 km stretch with gradients of only 2-3%, and all on paved road! The whole journey from Road 28D to Lircay spans about 63.4 km (or 39 miles) going west to east. Get ready for stunning, panoramic views and that crisp, thin mountain air! Just keep an eye out for changing road conditions, and you'll be golden.