Where is Icalma Pass?
Argentina, south-america
14.8 km
1,307 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Argentina and Chile at a cool 1,307 meters (that's 4,288 feet!) above sea level. This is the Icalma Pass, a newly paved gem nestled high in the Andes.
On the Argentinian side, it's known as RP23, while in Chile, it transforms into Route R-89. The whole shebang is about 14.8 km long, connecting the charming villages of Villa Pehuenia in Argentina and Icalma in Chile. Close to the top, there's a border crossing point.
Now, a word of warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. You're high in the mountains, so the weather can be a bit of a drama queen – changing in a heartbeat. Snow and heavy conditions are common, especially in winter, so be prepared for restrictions and mandatory snow chains. But generally, it's open year-round, so keep an eye on local reports, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 14.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,307 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
hardA memorable unpaved road to Abra de Chorrillos
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra de Chorrillos! This high-altitude Argentinian pass clocks in at a staggering 4,555 meters (14,944 feet), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in Argentina. You'll find it straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in the northwest, so get ready for some serious Patagonian vibes. The climate's as wild as the scenery: arid, cold, and with temperatures that swing from relatively mild during the day to downright freezing at night. We're talking potential lows well below -15°C (5°F) – pack accordingly! Summer brings the only rain, but don't expect a tropical downpour. You'll also be driving past some seriously stunning salt flats. The road itself? It's a 57.9 km (35.97 miles) unpaved beauty, also known as Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), winding its way from San Antonio de los Cobres to Olacapato. The good news is, in dry weather, most vehicles can handle it. And for a good chunk of the drive, you'll be cruising alongside an old, abandoned railway line. The views? Epic. The adventure? Unforgettable.
moderateGet behind the wheels for the Chilean CH-265, one of the planet’s most scenic roads
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Chilean Patagonia on Ruta CH-265, one of the most breathtaking drives on Earth. Seriously, National Geographic-level views everywhere! This isn't your average Sunday drive. This wild stretch of road hugs the southern shore of General Carrera Lake for about 122 km (75.80 miles), linking Puerto Guadal on the Carretera Austral (Ruta 7) to Chile Chico, practically spitting distance from Argentina. Budget about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to soak it all in (without stops – good luck with that!). You'll be too busy gawking at the unreal views of the lake, islands, and forests from the cliffs. Heads up: most of the road is gravel – think dirt, stones, and sand. Only the final few kilometers near Argentina are paved. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride with constant ups and downs. Also, watch out for those hairpin turns, especially heading downhill! People tend to speed, so stay alert. You'll climb to about 524m (1,719ft) above sea level. Bring snacks because you won't find any shops for 200 kilometers. Be prepared for some serious hills, wind, and rain. But trust me, those views are worth every bump in the road!
extremePortezuelo Caballo Muerto
🇨🇱 Chile
Portezuelo Caballo Muerto? Buckle up, adventurers! This high-altitude pass, nestled way up at 4,410m (14,468ft) in Chile's Atacama Region within Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, is not for the faint of heart. The road's all gravel so you'll want a 4x4 for this one. The climb? Brutal. Seriously steep grades meet thin air that will test your lungs and your vehicle. And the weather? Wild! Expect extreme temperature swings from warm days to freezing nights. Wind is a constant companion, and even in summer, snowstorms can roll in unexpectedly. Winter here is just plain *cold*. Keep a close eye on the forecast before you go, this road can be closed due to snow at any time. Heavy mist can also roll in, so visibility can drop to near zero in an instant. If you've got any respiratory issues or heart problems, honestly, this might be one to skip. The oxygen levels at the summit are seriously low – think about 40% less than at sea level! Altitude sickness is a real risk, so be prepared. But if you're up for a challenge and reward of breathtaking scenery, Portezuelo Caballo Muerto awaits!
hardWhere is La Cumbre Choroni?
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, picture this: you're in Venezuela, about to tackle La Cumbre Choroni, a wild ride up to 1,611 meters (5,285 feet)! This mountain pass snakes through Aragua state, right in the heart of Henri Pittier National Park. The road, Carretera Maracay (also known as Via Choroni or Carretera Local 6), is paved—though with some concrete sections to keep things interesting. It's a throwback, originally built way back in the 1920s, but fully paved only by 1990. Get ready for 50 kilometers (32 miles) of twisty, narrow mountain road. You'll start in Maracay, the lively capital of Aragua, and wind your way north down to Puerto Colombia, one of Venezuela's best Caribbean beach getaways. Now, don't let the beautiful scenery fool you. This road is not for the faint of heart. Expect cracks in the road, random obstacles, and be on alert for floods and landslides, especially after rain. Seriously, it’s narrow, windy, and packed with hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. You'll be navigating cloud forests one minute and descending towards the sea the next. Even taxis bomb around blind corners like they’re auditioning for a stunt driving movie. Buckle up and keep your eyes on the road!