Route 5 is Chile's longest route
Chile, south-america
3,337 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Chile's Ruta Nacional 5: The Mother of All Road Trips!
They say Ruta 5 is Chile's longest road, and I believe it! This beast stretches 3,337 km (2073 miles) from the Peruvian border, near Arica, all the way south to Quellón on Chiloé Island. Four tunnels punctuate the route: El Melón, La Calavera I & II, and Angostura.
But let's be real: the northern section between Arica and Iquique? That's where the adventure *really* begins. It's a two-lane highway, speed limit's around 100 km/h (62 mph).
Picture this: You're carving through deep valleys, sheer drop-offs on either side. The landscape is stark, almost hauntingly beautiful in its emptiness. It's the Atacama Desert in all its glory! The monotony can be killer. One wrong move, and you could become another desert statistic. Sadly, along the way, you'll spot small memorials to those who weren't so lucky.
Oh, and did I mention the fog? Out of nowhere, visibility can drop to zero. It's intense! Also, fuel stations are few and far between. And the wind? Prepare for gusts that'll try to shove you right off the road. Seriously, stay focused and maybe skip the strong coffee. This drive demands your full attention!
Where is it?
Route 5 is Chile's longest route is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -32.6247, -73.7922
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 3,337 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -32.6247, -73.7922
Related Roads in south-america
hardThe rough and bumpy road to Abra de Vacas Heladas in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a seriously epic mountain pass? Then put Abra de Vacas Heladas on your radar! This beast of a road climbs to a staggering 5,064m (that’s 16,614ft!) in the San Juan province of Argentina, making it one of the highest drives you can find in the country. Tucked away in the Andes Mountains, practically kissing the Chilean border, this route is a pure, unadulterated off-road adventure. Forget pavement – you’ll be tackling a rugged, unpaved track. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! Expect narrow stretches that'll test your nerves, seriously steep inclines that'll have your engine roaring, and hairpin turns galore. And remember, you're playing in thin air up there. The altitude is no joke! Take it slow, stay hydrated, and listen to your body to avoid altitude sickness. This road is only open during the summer months (December to April) when the snow gods are feeling generous. Always check the forecast before you go, because the weather in the Andes can change in a heartbeat! Prepare for biting winds and freezing temperatures, even in summer. But trust me, the views? Totally worth it. Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!
moderateAn Andean border road to Futaleufú Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Paso Futaleufú, a seriously cool international mountain pass straddling the border between Chile and Argentina. We're talking about a relatively low-lying pass, only 335m (1,099ft) high, nestled in the stunning Futaleufu National Reserve and named after the wild Futaleufú River. This beauty connects Argentina's Chubut Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region, and it's THE go-to route if you're heading from Argentina to the northern stretches of Chile's legendary Carretera Austral. Border crossings are open during daylight hours, with slightly adjusted times in summer and winter. Get ready for a 118 km (73.32 miles) journey that kicks off on Ruta 235 in Chile and winds its way to Esquel in Argentina. The road itself? Think a mix of gravel and paved sections along Ruta Nacional 259 (Argentina) and Ruta Internacional CH-231 (Chile). Prepare for epic scenery!
hardWhere is Chiquián?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure awaits in Chiquián, a cool mountain town way up at 11,187 feet! This is the capital of Bolognesi Province, so you know it's got some importance. Now, about getting there: the road's paved, which is a huge plus, but don't get complacent. We're talking twelve hairpin turns, and some seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients of up to 16%. Locals call it the "Chonta Pass," and it peaks at a lung-busting 13,959 feet. Keep your eyes peeled for rock slides, especially after rain. The whole drive is just over 10 miles, but you'll climb almost 2,800 feet – that's an average gradient of about 5%! And hey, once you are there, you are super close to Paron Lagoon. Get ready for some killer views!
moderateCamino de Los Túneles
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for an adrenaline rush on the Camino de Los Túneles – the "Road of the Tunnels"! Nestled in the heart of Argentina, where the Sierras Chicas meet the Suquía River, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking Ruta Provincial 28 (RP28) in Córdoba province, a roughly 11-kilometer stretch of unpaved road connecting Córdoba and La Rioja. Built in the 1930s, this beauty starts at kilometer 83 (the access road's paved now, thankfully!). Once you conquer that first tunnel, BAM – a valley panorama explodes before you, all flat greens stretching to the horizon. Hold on tight though! This route's got five tunnels and a few bridges, a dizzying pigtail turn that climbs like crazy, and some seriously narrow spots with hundreds of meters of drop-offs. Not for the faint of heart (or those with vertigo!). Keep an eye out for rock slides, too. But it's not all white-knuckle driving. There are viewpoints where you can spot majestic condors soaring overhead! The most famous tunnels are Chancaní and Taninga. Picture this: native trees clinging to the edge of the abyss, condors circling the Quebrada de la Mermela, and the endless plains of La Rioja fading into the distance. It's a wild ride to Cerro Estrella in the Andes, and one you won't soon forget!