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
moderateAn Andean border road to Futaleufú Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Paso Futaleufú, a seriously cool international mountain pass straddling the border between Chile and Argentina. We're talking about a relatively low-lying pass, only 335m (1,099ft) high, nestled in the stunning Futaleufu National Reserve and named after the wild Futaleufú River. This beauty connects Argentina's Chubut Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region, and it's THE go-to route if you're heading from Argentina to the northern stretches of Chile's legendary Carretera Austral. Border crossings are open during daylight hours, with slightly adjusted times in summer and winter. Get ready for a 118 km (73.32 miles) journey that kicks off on Ruta 235 in Chile and winds its way to Esquel in Argentina. The road itself? Think a mix of gravel and paved sections along Ruta Nacional 259 (Argentina) and Ruta Internacional CH-231 (Chile). Prepare for epic scenery!
hardHow to Drive Across the High Desert of Siloli?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: southwest Bolivia, near Chile, way up in the Andes. We're talking serious altitude – almost 15,000 feet! This is the Desierto de Siloli, and getting here is an adventure in itself. Think off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your perspective!), a total South American highlight reel. We're smack-dab in Sud Lípez Province, surrounded by volcanoes, weird wind-carved rock formations, and endless plains. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde? Neighbors. Pavement? Forget about it. The "road" is more like a network of tracks cutting through sand, dodging volcanic ridges, and snaking around crazy rock formations. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to handle the soft ground, the bumps, and that pesky altitude. Also, pro-tip: zero services out here, so pack accordingly. Most folks jump on a guided 4x4 tour leaving from Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama. From Uyuni, it's a couple days south, cruising past the Uyuni Salt Flats and those crazy colored lagoons. From San Pedro, it's your first day's adventure after crossing the border. Either way, get ready for wide-open desert, salt flats, and seriously high mountain passes. Highlight reel? The "Stone Tree" (Árbol de Piedra) – a rock formation shaped by wind that looks like, well, a tree made of stone. Volcanoes everywhere, many sporting colorful slopes. Epic desert vistas. Plenty of chances to hop out and scramble around on the rocks for even better views. Heads up: altitude is no joke here. Limited oxygen, scorching sun. Be prepared for altitude sickness, and bring sunscreen! The real danger is the combo of high altitude and isolation. The driving itself isn't super technical, but the lack of services and emergency help means you gotta be prepared. Weather can turn on a dime – think sudden strong winds or freezing temps. A breakdown out here could mean a long wait with no help nearby.
moderateRoad B-245
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the B-245 in northeastern Chile, a seriously epic high-mountain road trip through the Andes! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's 176 km of pure, unadulterated 4x4 gravel track magic, linking Ruta 21 near San Pedro to the awesome San Pedro de Atacama. Prepare to be wowed by insane views of volcanoes and shimmering lakes, but heads up: this road is REMOTE. Pack accordingly! And seriously, stick to the marked track, folks – you do NOT want to wander off (minefield, no joke!). The climb is a BEAST, topping out at a lung-busting 4,565 meters above sea level. The air gets thin up there, and trust me, you'll feel it. Most people start feeling the altitude sickness around 2,500-2,800 meters, so take it slow, drink lots of water, and listen to your body. Oh, and one last thing: if the weather turns nasty, bail. This road is not for tackling in a storm.
hardWhere is Caliz Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Peru, you NEED to experience Paso Caliz. We're talking about a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!). You'll find it nestled between the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces, deep in the Cusco Region, practically breathing the same air as the Quelccaya Glacier. Word to the wise: this road is NO JOKE. It's about 50 kilometers (31 miles) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved Andean adventure. Think killer drop-offs, super tight hairpin turns that will test your driving skills, and sections so steep you'll swear you're going vertical. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You're gonna feel the thin air up there, so be prepared for some potential altitude sickness! This epic route, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, runs from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) down to CU-125 Road. Winter's a no-go—the snow makes it completely impassable. But if you hit it right, you're in for a visual feast. Just imagine yourself winding through the Cordillera Vilcanota range, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and mind-blowing scenery. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey!