Travel guide to the top of Cerro Pabellón
Chile, south-america
N/A
4,647 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cerro Pabellón! This insane gravel road winds its way up to a staggering 4,647 meters (that's 15,246 feet!) in the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert. We're talking serious altitude, people.
You'll find this beast in the Ollagüe district of the Antofagasta region. Prepare yourself for a tough climb through seriously remote landscapes. This isn't a Sunday drive! Pack plenty of water, snacks, extra gas, warm layers, and reliable GPS/maps because you're going to need them.
The road surface? Let's just say it's "rustic" with some crazy steep pitches. But the views of the Andean Highlands are unreal. The air gets thin as you climb, so be aware of altitude sickness (most people start feeling it around 2,500-2,800 meters), and oxygen gets scarce near the top. Oh, and when you finally reach the summit, you'll find a geothermal power plant. Talk about a unique photo op!
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Cerro Pabellón is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -33.1937, -69.2366
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,647 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -33.1937, -69.2366
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving the wild Cuesta del Lipán to Abra de Potrerillos in Jujuy
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: You're in Argentina, in the province of Jujuy, ready to tackle the incredible Abra de Potrerillos! This mountain pass is a beast, sitting way up at 4,192 meters (13,753 feet). The whole thing is part of National Route 52, connecting Purmamarca to Santuario de Tres Pozos via Salinas Grandes, stretching about 80 kilometers (almost 50 miles). The road is totally paved, thankfully. The real star here is the Cuesta del Lipán, or Lipan Slope. Get ready for some serious switchbacks as you climb about 2,000 meters in just 17 kilometers from Purmamarca! There's a viewpoint near the top where you can really appreciate the engineering marvel that this road is. Keep in mind the elevation! You might find yourself a little breathless, so take it easy. The scenery is epic, so be sure to soak it all in as you wind your way up and down.
moderateWhere is Portezuelo del Cajón?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Ruta 27, leaving San Pedro de Atacama in Chile behind you, headed towards the wild landscapes of southwestern Bolivia. You're about to cross the Portezuelo del Cajón, also known as Hito Cajón, an international border that sits way up high at 4,480m (that's nearly 14,700 feet!). This isn't just any border crossing; it's an adventure. The whole stretch from San Pedro de Atacama to Quetena Chico is about 150 km (93 miles) of mixed terrain – expect both smooth paved sections and bumpy, unpaved bits. You're basically hugging the lower slopes of the Juriques volcano, so the scenery is out of this world. Think stunning Andean landscapes, especially as you get closer to Bolivia. On the Bolivian side, you’ll be smack-dab in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, with Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca nearby. It's a super popular route for travelers going between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama, so you’re bound to meet fellow adventurers. Now, heads up: the Bolivian Aduana (customs) is bizarrely located about 80 km from the actual border, in what feels like the middle of nowhere at over 5,000m! Getting there involves passing through a guarded barrier. The Chilean border post, on the other hand, is a good 40 km down the road, closer to San Pedro de Atacama. Before you set off, check the weather – high altitude can bring unpredictable conditions. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential storms as you climb. Enjoy the ride!
extremeAlto de Tapacocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Alto de Tapacocha, a Peruvian peak soaring to 15,524 feet! You'll find this bad boy in the Recuay province. The road to the top? Gravel, baby! But don't think it's gonna be a leisurely cruise. This climb is seriously steep – think up to an 18% grade. And pro tip: skip it if the weather's looking dicey. Even in summer, ice and snow can be a real problem, so keep your wits about you. Winter snowfalls can shut it down completely. Heads up – the altitude is NO joke. We're talking seriously thin air. If you've got any heart or breathing issues, maybe sit this one out. Most people start feeling altitude sickness way lower, around 8,000-9,000 feet. Up here, there’s about 40% less oxygen than at sea level, so breathing gets tough, your heart races, and even walking feels like a workout. Altitude sickness can hit anyone, so be prepared. Oh, and your engine might struggle with the lack of oxygen too! Definitely bring a 4x4. Things get muddy after it rains. The high elevation, the risk of altitude sickness, the crazy steepness, and how remote it is all combine to make this a tough trip. The views, though? Totally worth the challenge.
extremeLaguna Shegue
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Laguna Shegue, a stunning high-altitude lake nestled way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the province of Huaral. We're talking a whopping 4,580m (15,206ft) above sea level! The road to get there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think narrow, gravelly tracks that transform into a muddy, slippery mess after a bit of rain. Oh, and did I mention the potential for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides? Yep, this road is a real adventure! The climb is seriously steep, and the air gets thin *real* quick. Most folks start feeling the altitude sickness kicking in around 2,500-2,800 meters, so be prepared. But trust me, the incredible scenery and the feeling of conquering this beast of a road are totally worth it. Just take it slow, stay safe, and soak it all in!