Where is Icalma Pass?

Where is Icalma Pass?

Argentina, south-america

Length

14.8 km

Elevation

1,307 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
14.8 km
Max Elevation
1,307 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in south-america

Where is Paso Chungara-Tambo Quemado?moderate

Where is Paso Chungara-Tambo Quemado?

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Paso Chungara-Tambo Quemado, an epic international mountain pass straddling the border of Chile and Bolivia, way up at a lung-busting 15,377 feet! You'll find this Andean beauty connecting Region XV in Chile with the Oruro Department in Bolivia. Think of it as a major artery linking La Paz to its closest port, Arica, in northern Chile. The road itself, Ruta Nacional 4 (in Bolivia) and Carretera Internacional CH 11 (in Chile), is a workhorse, so expect to share the road with plenty of trucks. Good news is, it's generally open year-round. This transitable road stretches for 97.5 miles (157 km), starting from Curahuara de Carangas, Bolivia, and winding its way to Putre, Chile. Get ready for stunning views and an unforgettable high-altitude experience!

Reaching the Sky on the Winding Road to Alto Pacuni in the La Paz Departmenthard

Reaching the Sky on the Winding Road to Alto Pacuni in the La Paz Department

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Ready for an epic Bolivian adventure? Head to the La Paz Department and tackle Alto Pacuni, a mountain pass that'll leave you breathless – literally! We're talking about 4,900m (16,076 ft) above sea level, making it one of Bolivia's highest drives. Located near the town of Pacuni in the Inquisivi Province, get ready for a true off-road experience. This isn't your Sunday cruise; Camino a Choquetanga is a completely unpaved, 22.6 km (14.04 miles) stretch from Pacuni to Choquetanga that demands respect (and a 4x4). Think endless turns, hairpin bends that'll test your skills, steep inclines, and narrow passages. Keep an eye out for mining trucks – Mina La Argentina is nearby, so you'll be sharing the road. But hey, the views! Despite the challenging drive, you'll be rewarded with incredible mountain scenery, a few tunnels carved in overhanging cliffs, and glimpses of stunning lakes like Laguna Recompensa and Laguna Miguillas. A word of caution: altitude sickness is a real concern here. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue are all signs to take seriously. If things get worse, descend immediately. Be careful and enjoy the ride!

How to drive to Laguna Casiri Hembra and Casiri Macho?extreme

How to drive to Laguna Casiri Hembra and Casiri Macho?

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, picture this: you're in the Arica and Parinacota Region of Chile, practically breathing Bolivian air, and you're about to tackle one of the highest drives in the country. Destination? The unreal Laguna Casiri Hembra and Laguna Casiri Macho, two high-altitude lakes that'll blow your mind. Starting from the sleepy village of Caquena, you've got about 16 kilometers of pure, unadulterated off-roading ahead. Over that distance, you’ll climb 540 meters, so buckle up for some serious uphill action. The reward? Reaching the shores of Casiri Hembra (at a cool 4,825m) and Casiri Macho (slightly higher at 4,856m). Forget smooth asphalt, this is all gravel and loose volcanic rock. Think "tippy" and bumpy, with sections so steep you'll need your A-game. Seriously, a 4x4 isn’t just recommended, it’s mandatory. If you're not comfortable with technical off-roading, maybe sit this one out. Now, the altitude. At almost 4,900 meters, both you and your engine will feel the burn. Hypoxia is real, folks! Plus, this road is usually a no-go in winter due to snow. And even in summer, be wary of sudden thunderstorms that can turn the gravel into a muddy nightmare in minutes. But oh, the views! Towering volcanoes, jagged peaks, and a landscape that feels straight out of another world. Laguna Casiri Macho even has an underwater algae garden you can spot from the shore! Weirdly, despite the harshness, you'll find mosquitoes chilling by the lagoons, all framed by these crazy ancient volcanic rock formations. Word to the wise: this is remote. Like, REALLY remote, near the Bolivian border. Be completely self-sufficient, make sure your ride is in tip-top shape, and pack extra supplies. The road itself? Narrow, winding, with hairpin turns and rocky embankments that demand your full attention. It's intense, but if you're prepared, it's the adventure of a lifetime.

Where is the Colchane-Pisiga Pass?hard

Where is the Colchane-Pisiga Pass?

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, picture this: you're straddling the Chilean-Bolivian border, ready for an adventure! That's where you'll find the Colchane-Pisiga Pass. Forget smooth sailing, though; this unpaved road winds its way through some serious altitude. On the Chilean side, it's known as the road to San Lorenzo de Tarapacá, and once you cross over into Bolivia, it becomes the road to Pisiga. We're talking a pretty decent stretch of unpaved road here. Expect stunning scenery, but also be prepared for some real driving challenges. If you're thinking of heading to Taapaca Volcano, or even braving the 4x4 track to Lastarria Volcano, this could be part of your route! So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride in the high Andes!