Where is Pascua Lama?
Argentina, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you wanna hit up Pascua Lama? This insane international peak straddles the border between Argentina and Chile. It's seriously high, so be prepared for some thin air!
You'll find this beast north of the town of Alto del Carmen, chilling in the southern part of the Atacama Desert. Once you conquer the summit, you'll be standing pretty close to the Pascua Lama mine site, which, FYI, is a point of contention with the local community.
The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think super steep, unpaved mining road. It's a tough climb, to say the least.
Now, a word of caution: this drive is NOT a walk in the park. If you've got any respiratory or heart issues, seriously reconsider. The altitude sickness is real, and it'll kick your engine's butt, too. Expect altitude effects around 13,000 feet!
Oh, and there's also the Rio Encuentro bridge crossing between Argentina and Chile to look out for. Trust me, the views are insane, but this adventure definitely comes with some serious challenges.
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeTA-104 Road: Driving the narrow lakeside cliffs of Laguna Aricota
🇵🇪 Peru
Cruising through southern Peru's Tacna Region? Buckle up for the TA-104, a regional road that's not for the faint of heart! This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on high-altitude, white-knuckle experience through a stark, volcanic landscape. Think of it as a vital artery snaking through the high desert, but one that demands respect (and a seriously reliable vehicle). Clocking in at 55.7 km (34.6 miles), this west-to-east trek slices through the rugged Tacna mountains, connecting the tiny settlement of Mirave to Pallata. You'll peak at a cool 2,917m (9,570ft) above sea level, smack-dab in the Andean desert. The road is a rollercoaster, carving through steep canyons and scaling high ridges, creating a direct, albeit intense, connection between the coastal valleys and the altiplano highlands. Forget smooth asphalt; you're mostly dealing with a narrow track of gravel and loose dust. Picture this: the road's often etched directly into the mountainside, where crumbly rock walls mean erosion is a constant companion. The most heart-pounding stretch? The northern shore of Laguna Aricota. Here, the track shrinks to a sliver, clinging to the cliff face with absolutely no guardrails above the deep blue water. Seriously, one slip and you're taking an unplanned swim! Technical driving is the name of the game, thanks to 36 hairpin turns that twist and shout up and down the desert ridges. These switchbacks are tight, demanding careful steering, especially when you meet local traffic on the narrowest bends. It's a constant dance between sheer rock face on one side and a dizzying drop on the other. Plus, the unpaved surface means dust can become a major visibility issue, and things get slippery if the "camanchaca" (coastal mist) creeps up this high. That lakeside section? Seriously exposed. The gravel's often unstable, and being so close to the water means zero room for error. And watch out for falling rocks and small landslides! A high-clearance vehicle is a must to navigate the ruts and rocky bits. Pro tip: stick to daylight hours. No lighting and those unpredictable drop-offs make night driving on the TA-104 a gamble you don't want to take.
hardWhat does Colquechaca mean?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Colquechaca! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: you're in Bolivia, cruising towards a town perched way up high in the Province of Chayanta—I'm talking a lung-busting 13,671 feet above sea level! This is seriously one of the highest towns you can actually drive to on the planet. The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. We're talking about a completely unpaved, sometimes super-narrow, 29.32-mile stretch. The whole thing kicks off from Sacaca and winds its way up to Colquechaca. As for the views? Get ready for breathtaking panoramas of the Andes. Just keep your eyes on the road, because it demands respect! Keep in mind that Colquechaca, whose name possibly alludes to silver mining ("silver bridge"), is known for its rich indigenous culture, with most of its several thousand residents descending from the Qaqachaca people. It’s said to be the highest city in Bolivia, with houses reaching a dizzying 13,894 feet!
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.
extremeThe wild road to the summit of Abra Quenco
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Quenco in the Arequipa Region of Peru! This ain't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about a gravel road that claws its way up to a staggering 5,020m (16,469ft), making it one of Peru's highest roads. Located within the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve, this pass isn't just high, it's a wild ride! Expect sandy patches, tight hairpin turns that'll test your nerves, and some seriously steep inclines that'll leave you breathless (literally, thanks to the altitude!). Watch out for those sneaky loose-gravel sections! Word to the wise: rain turns this road into a beast. Even a little drizzle can make things tricky, and heavy downpours can render the unpaved sections impassable. The oxygen is thin, the climb is relentless, and the views? Absolutely epic! Just beyond the pass, the road briefly touches 5,101m (16,735ft). Keep an eye out for the occasional mine vehicle. The road leading up to this epic point is known as Carretera C-105. Heads up for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Driving in those conditions is for experienced adventurers only!