Sico Pass is a scenic border pass in the Andes

Sico Pass is a scenic border pass in the Andes

Argentina, south-america

Length

337 km

Elevation

4,092 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an epic border crossing! Paso de Sico sits way up high in the Andes, straddling Chile and Argentina at a staggering 13,425 feet above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive.

We're talking a 209-mile trek across a super arid, high-altitude plateau, connecting San Pedro de Atacama in Chile with San Antonio de los Cobres in Argentina.

The Chilean side, Route 23, is smooth sailing thanks to recent paving. But Argentina's Route 51? Let's just say it's an unpaved adventure, though there's talk of changing that!

Keep an eye on the weather. Summer highs hit a mild 23 degrees Celsius, but winter plunges to a frigid -12. It's cold, dry, and can get seriously windy up there. But with views like this, it's a trip you won't soon forget! The pass is open year round.

Where is it?

Sico Pass is a scenic border pass in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.9125, -62.6007

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
337 km
Max Elevation
4,092 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-38.9125, -62.6007

Related Roads in south-america

The wild road to the summit of Abra Quencoextreme

The wild road to the summit of Abra Quenco

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Quenco in the Arequipa Region of Peru! This ain't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about a gravel road that claws its way up to a staggering 5,020m (16,469ft), making it one of Peru's highest roads. Located within the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve, this pass isn't just high, it's a wild ride! Expect sandy patches, tight hairpin turns that'll test your nerves, and some seriously steep inclines that'll leave you breathless (literally, thanks to the altitude!). Watch out for those sneaky loose-gravel sections! Word to the wise: rain turns this road into a beast. Even a little drizzle can make things tricky, and heavy downpours can render the unpaved sections impassable. The oxygen is thin, the climb is relentless, and the views? Absolutely epic! Just beyond the pass, the road briefly touches 5,101m (16,735ft). Keep an eye out for the occasional mine vehicle. The road leading up to this epic point is known as Carretera C-105. Heads up for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Driving in those conditions is for experienced adventurers only!

How Can I Get by Car to Salar de Maricunga in the Atacama Region?hard

How Can I Get by Car to Salar de Maricunga in the Atacama Region?

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: blindingly white salt flats shimmering under an intense sun. That’s Salar de Maricunga, sitting way up high in the Chilean Atacama at a lung-busting 3,700 meters (that’s over 12,000 feet!). You'll find this unreal landscape inside Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, way over on the eastern side of Chile. Be warned, this place is extreme. Think scorching days and freezing nights – the temperature swings are wild! But it's worth it. Imagine stark volcanic scenery meeting vibrant turquoise lagoons, home to unique wildlife. It’s a photographer's dream! The road in, Ruta 31-CH, is a bit of an adventure in itself. It's about 280 km (173 miles) of mostly gravel, connecting Copiapó to the Paso San Francisco border crossing with Argentina. You'll find some paved sections at the start and end, but the middle is all about that rugged off-road feel. Luckily, you don't necessarily need a 4x4 for this one, a 2wd car should usually do the trick! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Cerro Aspero, a thrilling (scary) off road experienceextreme

Cerro Aspero, a thrilling (scary) off road experience

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cerro Aspero in Argentina's Córdoba province is calling your name! Nestled in the Pampeanas Range, this high mountain pass tops out at 1,964m (6,443ft), and getting there is no joke. Forget pavement – this road is all about rugged, rocky terrain that demands a 4x4 with serious clearance. Seriously, they say it's one of the toughest trails in the whole country! Get ready for a wild ride because this isn't your average Sunday drive. Starting from the abandoned Pueblo Escondido tungsten mine, the road climbs 3km (1.86 miles) up to the summit. And hold on tight, because you'll be tackling some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 16%! Plus, a short section with 18 hairpin turns, known as Los Caracoles, will keep you on your toes. Over this distance the elevation gain is 309 meters. Just a heads-up: the winters here are brutal, so always check the weather before you go. But if you're craving an adrenaline-pumping adventure with breathtaking views, Cerro Aspero is where it's at!

Driving to Parinacota, One of the Highest Towns in the Worldmoderate

Driving to Parinacota, One of the Highest Towns in the World

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, so Parinacota! Picture this: a tiny town clinging to the Andes at a staggering 14,400 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest places you can actually drive to. You'll find it nestled in northern Chile, practically spitting distance from Bolivia, in the gorgeous Lauca National Park. The whole area is a visual feast. Think snow-dusted volcanoes like Pomerape and Sajama piercing the sky, steamy hot springs bubbling away, and these crazy-beautiful high-altitude lakes – Chungará and the Cotacotani Lagoons. Plus, wetlands bursting with all sorts of weird and wonderful plants and animals. The road itself? It's called A-93, and it's a smooth, paved 55-mile stretch connecting Chucuyo to Visviri, the main hub of the General Lagos area. It's been fully paved since the early 2020s. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery on this drive!