
Road trip guide: Conquering Mina Centinela
Chile, south-america
N/A
5,430 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Atacama Region of Chile and have a serious thirst for altitude, you HAVE to check out the road to Mina Centinela. This high-mountain copper mine isn't just about digging up treasure; it's about the breathtaking journey to get there.
South of the majestic Copiapó volcano (Cerro Azufre, if you're feeling fancy), this mining road climbs to a whopping 5,430 meters (that's 17,814 feet!) above sea level. Just imagine the views! You'll find the start of the road where it peels off from the C-347.
Nestled in the stunning Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, the road is completely unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. But trust me, it's worth it for the sweeping panoramas of Laguna del Negro Francisco. Just be aware that it's a working mine, so watch out for heavy equipment and mining traffic. But hey, think of the stories you'll have!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Mina Centinela is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -38.4511, -71.3640
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,430 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -38.4511, -71.3640
Related Roads in south-america
moderateIs the road to Puna Jujeña unpaved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Argentina, in the Rinconada Department, about to tackle an epic unpaved road trip up to Puna Jujeña. This high mountain pass sits way up there, so get ready for some serious altitude! The road itself? Think rugged – it’s all dirt. We're talking a north-south route stretching from Orosmayo to Coranzuli. It's not a super long drive, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in scenery and, let's be honest, a bit of a challenge. You'll be navigating the straight Ruta Provincial 26 in La Pampa, and if you're heading toward El Aguilar, one of the highest towns on the planet, you're in for a treat! Just be prepared for some stunning views and maybe a bumpy ride or two!
extremeAbra de la Santa Cruz: Driving the 4,597m Jujuy-Salta Boundary (RP13A)
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic road trip? Then you HAVE to check out Abra de la Santa Cruz, a crazy-high mountain pass nestled way up in the Argentinian Andes. We're talking a lung-busting 4,597 meters (15,082 feet!) above sea level, so yeah, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll find this beast straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northern Argentina. Route 13A will lead you on this wild, 46-kilometer (28-mile) ride from Abra del Sauce to Casillas. Now, fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The whole thing is unpaved and throws EVERYTHING at you – think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and more hairpin turns than you can count! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential to conquer the ever-changing terrain of loose gravel and jagged rocks. But the biggest challenge? The altitude! At that height, altitude sickness is a real threat, so come prepared. Also, you're pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so don't expect to find gas stations or emergency services around every corner. Pack extra water, fuel, and a first-aid kit, and ALWAYS keep an eye on the weather forecast, because things can change on a dime up there. But hey, the payoff? Unforgettable, panoramic views of the stunning high-altitude Andes scenery that'll leave you breathless (literally!).
hardThe Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Caliz, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, is calling your name. This crazy-high mountain pass straddles the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces in Peru, clocking in at a staggering 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!) above sea level. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in Peru. You'll find it nestled in the Cusco Region, way up in the southern highlands, practically breathing the same air as the snow-capped Quesso Queperina and the Quelccaya Glacier. Think stunning Cordillera Vilcanota range scenery! Word of warning: winter here means game over. Snow makes it totally impassable. So, peep that weather forecast like your life depends on it (because, well, kinda!). Road 1406 is the name, and unpaved is the game. This 50-kilometer (31-mile) stretch from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) to CU-125 Road is no Sunday drive. Expect gnarly drop-offs, super-skinny sections, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? Oxygen's thin up here, so pack your common sense and prep for potential AMS. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, this north-to-south trek is an absolute must. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this planet has to offer.
moderateIs the road to Punta Callan in the Ancash Region paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic paved road in Peru? Head to the Ancash Region and find Carretera 14A, because you're about to climb to Punta Callán, a mountain pass sitting pretty at a whopping 4,228 meters (13,871 feet)! This isn't just any drive – we're talking 83.1 kilometers (51.63 miles) of pure, winding bliss (or carsickness, if you're unlucky!). Seriously, the road zigzags like crazy with more turns than you can count, as you climb from Huaraz to Pariacoto. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You'll be gazing at the stunning, snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca the whole time. And get this, after cresting the pass, you can cruise all the way down to sea level near Casma on the Pacific coast. Talk about a road trip!