
Termas del Flaco
Chile, south-america
77.8 km
1.776 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're heading to Termas del Flaco, a super cool hot springs resort nestled high in the Chilean Andes, about 1,776 meters above sea level. We're talking the Región del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, specifically the Colchagua valley. To get to these amazing thermal baths (also called Baños del Tinguiririca or Las Vegas del Flaco), you'll be cruising along I-45, a gravel road that hugs the wild Tinguiririca River.
The adventure begins in San Fernando, just off the Panamericana Sur 64. From there, it's a 77.8 km journey on unpaved road that winds its way eastward into the mountains. Any car can handle it, but be prepared for a bumpy, scenic ride! Keep in mind, this dirt road is only open from December to April, so plan your trip accordingly. It's usually snowed in from May to November, so winter is a no-go! Get ready for some epic views!
Where is it?
Termas del Flaco is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -34.0792, -69.7528
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 77.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.776 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -34.0792, -69.7528
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhy is Termas Valle de Colina famous?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, itching for an adventure, and someone whispers about natural hot springs nestled high in the Andes. That's Termas Valle de Colina, sitting pretty at 2,500 meters! Getting there is half the fun. You'll cruise from Santiago for about 76 kilometers (almost 50 miles!) towards Argentina, following Camino Al Volcán (Ruta G-25). The road hugs a river, snaking its way deeper and deeper into the mountains. It's paved at first, but don't get too comfy. The last 10 kilometers are rocky, unpaved, and begging for a 4x4. Seriously, leave the sedan at home. Expect some steep sections! Once you arrive, it's a short 3-kilometer hike to a killer viewpoint of the San José Volcano. But the real reward? Nine natural thermal pools, terraced down the mountainside, with water temps hitting up to 50°C. Imagine soaking in those mineral-rich waters with snow-capped peaks all around – bliss! Word to the wise: check the weather. Even in summer, it can get chilly up there, especially at night. The weather can change fast, from sunny skies to misty rain, or even snow. In winter, the road's usually closed, so plan accordingly. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience!
extremeThe paved road from Balzas to Celendin in northern Peru is not an easy drive
🇵🇪 Peru
Located in the region of Cajamarca, in the northern part of Peru, the road from Balzas to Celendín tests the skill, and courage, of any driver. Hair raising stuff. There is absolutely no room for mistakes. The road, part of the 8B Road, was recently paved. The surface of the road is in really good condition. It’s 56.2 km (35 miles) long and features more than 200 curves, with 34 hairpin turns. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo or a fear of landslides. At times the road is so narrow, with a 1000m drop off on one side and a sheer cliff rising the other, that at the corners the back wheel will be half off the edge. The road is very steep. It starts at Balzas, in the province of Chachapoyas, at an elevation of 854m above sea level and ends at Celendín, capital of the province Celendín, at 2.643m above sea level. It’s incredibly disorienting to look over the edge, or even just to see the valleys a couple thousand feet below you. The elevation gain of the road is 1.789m and the average gradient is 3,19 %, with some sections up to 7%. There are sheer drops virtually along the entire route and enough hairpins to make a whirling dervish dizzy. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardLaguna Salada
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Bolivia's Sur Lípez Province, nestled within the otherworldly Salvador Dalí Desert, lies Laguna Salada. This isn't your average scenic overlook - we're talking a high-altitude salt lake experience at a whopping 4,407 meters (that's 14,458 feet!). The road in? Think gravel and sand, baby. This track can get seriously muddy and slick after a good rain, turning your drive into a proper challenge. If a storm rolls through, be warned: even a 4x4 might not save you. But oh, the views! Seriously, the wild landscape and the shimmering lake are absolutely worth the effort, making this a must-do for any off-the-beaten-path enthusiast. Just be prepared for an *adventure*.
hardIs Planchon Pass in the Andes unpaved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: Paso del Planchón, an epic high-altitude border crossing chilling at 8,251 feet between Argentina and Chile. We're talking serious Andes vibes here! Yep, this bad boy is unpaved, so get ready for some dusty, sandy action. It's Ruta Provincial 226 on the Argentina side and J-55 once you cross into Chile. Clocking in at 121 miles long, this trek connects Las Loicas, Argentina, to Curicó, Chile. Now, here's the catch: Planchón Pass is only truly accessible from November 1 to April 30 each year. The rest of the time, Mother Nature's got it locked down. Expect scorching days and freezing nights. We're talking a summer high around 15°C and a winter plunge down to -25°C!