What are the highest roads in Chile?
Chile, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Chile, that sliver of a country hugging the bottom of South America, is a land of extremes. Picture this: the endless Pacific Ocean on one side, and the colossal Andes Mountains on the other, creating a playground for epic road trips.
Forget flat, boring highways! In Chile, you're either cruising along the stunning coastline or tackling insane mountain climbs. We're talking seriously high international passes and rugged mining tracks that carve their way through some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll ever see. The Andes practically run the entire length of the country, so expect some serious elevation changes and views that'll knock your socks off. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Chile? is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -36.5186, -69.7173
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -36.5186, -69.7173
Related Roads in south-america
easyThe Ultimate Road Trip from Chivay to Arequipa
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about the Chivay-Arequipa road in the Arequipa region of Peru! This beauty clocks in at about 93 miles, linking the charming mountain town of Chivay with the vibrant city of Arequipa. You'll be cruising on Route 34A and AR-109 through the heart of the Colca Valley. While it's mostly paved, be ready for some rough patches as you climb higher. But hey, don't sweat it too much – the road isn't too gnarly, the traffic's usually light, and the hills aren't super steep, so it's a pretty smooth ride overall! The real reward? The unbelievable views! You'll be soaring to a staggering 16,007 feet above sea level at Abra Patapampa, where the scenery is absolutely epic. Keep your eyes peeled for vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and Andean ducks hanging out in their natural habitat. Seriously, this drive is a feast for the senses!
hardCerro Llullaillaco
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Andes, straddling the border between Argentina and Chile, lies Cerro Llullaillaco, a slumbering giant of a volcano. Forget paved highways; we're talking a seriously rugged 4x4 track that claws its way up to a staggering 5,049m (16,564ft)! This isn't your Sunday drive. Think harsh, unforgiving desert terrain, littered with steep, rocky ascents that'll test your driving skills. You absolutely need a beast of a 4x4 – high clearance, skid plates, and diff lockers are mandatory. Stock vehicles need not apply! The route is a confusing web of barely-there roads, making navigation a real challenge even with GPS. Oh, and did I mention it's the second highest active volcano on the planet? The altitude is a serious concern, with the risk of altitude sickness looming. Plus, watch out for those landmines (yikes!). And as if that wasn't enough, keep an eye out for the abandoned sulfur mines nearby. But the scenery? Totally worth it (if you survive). Just remember: never tackle this trail solo. Oh, and a slightly morbid history tidbit: the mummified remains of three sacrificed children were discovered at the summit, preserved by the extreme cold after 500 years!
hardLaguna Ampatune
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just discovered this insane route up to Laguna Ampatune, a stunning lake way up in the Peruvian Andes at a lung-busting 14,041 feet! You'll find it in the Quispicanchi Province. Think gravel roads, epic vistas, and seriously snowy peaks towering over 18,000 feet in the distance. This used to be part of the old Trans-Amazonian Highway before they built the new Ruta 26, so it's a bit off the beaten path. Now, this isn't a Sunday drive. This "shortcut" off Ruta 26 is only 33 miles long, but packed with 33 hairpin turns and climbs to a whopping 15,590 feet! Trust me, pace yourself on the snacks; altitude sickness is real, and you might be tempted to hurl your lunch. Plus, the road can get super muddy and slick after rain, even a 4x4 might struggle. Snowfall can shut this road down at any time, and heavy fog can make things downright treacherous. But, oh the views! Even though you're practically on the equator, you'll be cruising past year-round glaciers on mountains like Cayambe and Colque Cruz. Just be prepared for a brutal climb – the air is thin, and the slopes are steep. If you're prone to altitude sickness, be warned that it hits most folks around 8,000-9,000 feet. This road is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is out of this world!
extremeLaguna Chuchon
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because the 20A highway to Laguna Chuchon in Peru is not for the faint of heart! This gravel road, snaking its way up to a staggering 4,465m (14,648ft) in the Lima Region, is a true test of driving skills and nerve. Linking Lima and Colquijirca, this route offers mind-blowing mountain views that'll leave you breathless. But hold on tight – we’re talking seriously exposed edges, with sheer drops of hundreds of meters and absolutely no guardrails. If you're prone to vertigo, this might be one to skip! Be prepared for anything. At this altitude, heavy mist can roll in quickly, and snowfalls can shut the road down at any time. Avalanches, landslides, and icy patches are real possibilities. The climb is brutal, the air is thin, and altitude sickness is a definite concern. They say the road to San José de Parac nearby is even scarier, but honestly, this one's already pushing the limits!