Scaling the Skies: The Journey Up Putana Volcano- Among Earth's Highest Roads on Earth

Scaling the Skies: The Journey Up Putana Volcano- Among Earth's Highest Roads on Earth

Chile, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

5,779 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, picture this: You're in the Antofagasta region of Chile, right on the border with Bolivia, about to tackle a road that climbs a freakin' volcano! We're talking Volcán Putana, also known as Jorqencal or Machuca, a stratovolcano that's got some serious attitude.

This isn't your average Sunday drive. This former mine access road snakes its way up to a mind-blowing 5,779 meters (18,959 feet)! Yeah, you're practically touching the sky up there. It used to be bustling with trucks hauling sulfur, because this volcano is loaded with it. You can even see the fumaroles puffing away from miles off.

Word on the street is, this road might not be passable anymore, but even the attempt would be epic! Just imagine the views...the stark beauty of northern Chile... the sheer bragging rights of conquering one of the highest roads on the planet. This is a climb you won't soon forget!

Where is it?

Scaling the Skies: The Journey Up Putana Volcano- Among Earth's Highest Roads on Earth is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.8139, -74.0212

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Chile
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
5,779 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-34.8139, -74.0212

Related Roads in south-america

Is Ruta Provincial A unpaved?hard

Is Ruta Provincial A unpaved?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina (basically the end of the world!), you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial A. Now, heads up – it's an unpaved road, but don't let that scare you. It's usually in decent shape, but for maximum comfort (and minimizing potential "uh-oh" moments), I'd suggest snagging a 4x4. Be prepared for some tight squeezes, too. Seriously, this is REMOTE. We're talking southeastern Argentina, wayyyy off the tourist trail. Pack everything you need to be totally self-sufficient. If your dream is to get lost in the wild, this is your road. The payoff? Jaw-dropping scenery and a chance to spot some HUGE marine animals in their natural habitat! Just remember, this is Patagonia. The weather can change on a dime, and the wind… whoa, the wind! The road stretches for a good distance, but there's usually a barrier blocking the last bit, but it is still worth it! Prepare to cross the incredible Rio Electrico bridge along the way! Get ready for a road trip to Abra del Lizoite you won't soon forget.

Driving the international Chungara-Tambo Quemado Passmoderate

Driving the international Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Chile and Bolivia, high up in the Andes. We're talking 4,687 meters (that's 15,377 feet!) at the Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass. This isn't just any border crossing; it's a major route linking La Paz, Bolivia, to Arica, Chile's closest seaport. The entire route is paved, so no need for a hardcore 4x4, but be prepared to share the road with plenty of big rigs. You'll be driving on Ruta Nacional 4 in Bolivia, which magically transforms into Carretera Internacional CH 11 once you cross into Chile. This high-altitude pass, nestled in the Cordillera Occidental, is generally open year-round, so you shouldn't have trouble getting through. The journey spans 157 kilometers (97.5 miles), stretching from Curahuara de Carangas in Bolivia to Putre in Chile. The scenery is absolutely stunning!

Where is Cerro El Amago?moderate

Where is Cerro El Amago?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled way up high in central Argentina is Cerro El Amago. Think a staggering elevation, perfect for soaking in panoramic views. So, here's the deal: Getting to the top isn't a walk in the park, it's a serious climb. The road, affectionately known as "Ruta a Cerro El Amago," stretches for a whopping 35.1 km (21.81 miles), heading north-south from San Francisco del Monte de Oro. The first leg is about 17.4 km (10.81 miles) of non-stop uphill action. Be warned: this ascent is *steep*, gaining you serious altitude with an average gradient that will test your mettle - watch out for the extreme ramps! The road surface? It's mostly gravel, with a few patches of concrete closer to the summit. And that final push? Prepare for some loose gravel under your tires. But it's all worth it! You're driving through the stunning Argentinian Precordillera, offering incredible views of Valle Reservoir Las Palmeras. Plus, you can check out those towering TV and telephone broadcast towers right at the peak. And if you're lucky, you might even spot the famous Abra Blanca viewpoint!

A hairy paved road to Anticona Pass in the Andesextreme

A hairy paved road to Anticona Pass in the Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Anticona, a seriously high-altitude pass in the Peruvian Andes, straddling the Lima and Junin regions! We're talking 4,824m (15,826ft) above sea level – that's higher than most clouds! It's often mistakenly called the highest paved road in South America, but regardless, it's a wild ride. You'll find it snaking through the Cordillera Central on the Carretera Central (Ruta 22), all nicely paved. At the top, there's even a little bar and parking spot to soak in the views! The whole shebang is about 37.4 km (23 miles) from Casapalca heading east to the JU-102 road. Now, don't think this is a Sunday drive. This road is steep, twisty, and full of surprises. Think hairpin bends, crazy amounts of trucks and buses, landslides, and llamas randomly running across the road. Cyclists should probably skip this one for safety reasons. Oh, and the weather? Expect the unexpected! Give yourself around an hour to conquer it. The peak, also called Ticlio Pass or Nevado de Ticlio, marks the spot where South America splits, with rivers flowing to either the Pacific or Atlantic.