Where is Pehuenche Pass?
Chile, south-america
167 km
2,557 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about Paso Pehuenche, an epic high-altitude pass straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking 2,557 meters (8,389 feet) above sea level, people!
This beauty connects Mendoza Province in Argentina with Chile's Maule Region. The best part? It's paved! Smooth sailing (relatively speaking!) all the way to the top since they finished paving it in 2018. You'll find it marked as Ruta Internacional CH 115 on the Chilean side and Ruta Nacional 145 once you cross into Argentina.
The whole shebang stretches for about 167 kilometers (104 miles) from Las Loicas, Argentina, to San Clemente, Chile. Plan for a solid 2.5 to 3.5 hours of driving time if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially as you climb higher. And speaking of climbing, get ready for some seriously steep sections – some ramps hit an 11% gradient!
Keep in mind, this pass is a seasonal star. Usually, it's open from December to March, but Mother Nature calls the shots, so check conditions before you go. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. You're deep in the Andes, surrounded by dramatic peaks and landscapes. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 167 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,557 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
extremePacoorcco Pass
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Paso Pacoorcco in the Peruvian Andes is a wild ride! We're talking serious altitude here: 15,610 feet (4,758m), to be exact, nestled way up in the Moquegua Region. The road, also known as P'aqu Urqu or Carretera 104, is a gravel beast and seriously steep. Word to the wise: check the weather before you go! This area is known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards that can turn this epic drive into a white-knuckle nightmare. The climb is brutal, trust me. The air gets thin, real thin – expect to feel the altitude. You'll be pushing your limits as you grind your way to the top. But hey, you can't beat the scenery here, its remoteness, or the bragging rights. Just remember to take it slow and steady!
hardWhere is San Francisco Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Paso de San Francisco! This high-altitude gem straddles the border between Argentina and Chile, clocking in at a breathtaking 4,760m (15,616ft). We're talking serious altitude here! Nestled deep in the Andes, it connects Argentina's Catamarca province with Chile's Atacama Region, winding through a landscape of towering volcanoes, jagged peaks, shimmering salt flats, and serene lagoons. The Argentinian side (Route N 60) is a fully paved 201 km (125 miles) run from Fiambala, a winding climb that'll test your driving skills. Over in Chile, Route CH-31 offers a smooth 280 km (174 miles) paved journey from Copiapó, taking you past the stunning Maricunga salt flat in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and the otherworldly Laguna Verde. Keep your eyes peeled – the scenery is absolutely epic!
hardOjos del Salado is one of the highest accessible points by car on Earth
🇨🇱 Chile
# Ojos del Salado: The World's Highest Volcano Road Standing at a jaw-dropping 6,891 meters (22,608 feet), Ojos del Salado is the world's highest volcano and sits right on the Argentina-Chile border. It's not just impressive for its elevation—it's also one of the most accessible ultra-high peaks you can actually drive to, making it a magnet for adventure seekers and record-breakers alike. Nestled in the Andes, roughly 600 kilometers north of Aconcagua, this massive stratovolcano connects Chile's Atacama Region with Argentina's Catamarca Province. The volcano sits just south of the Atacama Desert, creating an otherworldly landscape where snow clings to the peak only during winter months. The rest of the year? Bone-dry conditions dominate. ## A Playground for Record-Seekers Ojos del Salado has become legendary for altitude records. In 2007, a heavily modified 1986 Suzuki Samurai driven by Chileans Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales Moya reached 6,688 meters, smashing the previous vehicle record. That modified little beast had supercharger upgrades, reinforced axles, and custom suspension—necessary equipment for such an insane climb. Since then, the records keep coming. A Mercedes truck hit 6,675 meters, a solar-powered e-vehicle reached 6,500 meters in 2024, and motorcycles have pushed higher too. In 2015, Chilean rider Gianfranco Bianchi set the motorbike record at 6,472 meters on a Suzuki RMZ 450. Even cyclists have joined the party—Guido Kunze pedaled an astonishing 6,233 meters in 2013, covering over 342 kilometers from the Pacific coast in just over 37 hours. ## The Real Challenge Don't let the "accessible by vehicle" part fool you—this is genuinely brutal. The terrain throws everything at you: steep climbs, massive boulders, snow, glaciers, and deep volcanic sand. Most roads don't combine all these obstacles in a single journey, but Ojos del Salado does it gleefully. Add in hurricane-force winds, temperatures plummeting to minus 30°C (minus 22°F), and the relentless effects of extreme altitude, and you've got a recipe for serious danger. Medical help? Forget it—you're looking at a day or more for evacuation, and helicopter rescue is virtually impossible in these conditions. This is one of South America's most unforgiving roads, and it demands respect.
extremeHow to drive the challenging Carretera 104 from Jauja to San Ramon?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Carretera 104 in Peru's Junín Region! This wild ride connects Jauja and San Ramón, snaking along the eastern Andes. It's the ultimate shortcut between the highlands and the Chanchamayo Province. Forget pavement, this 123 km (76-mile) stretch is pure, unadulterated dirt road. Get ready for crazy steep inclines, hairpin turns galore, and an oxygen-thin summit at 4,428m (14,527ft) near Laguna Corazon. Trust me, your engine will feel it! Heads up: you'll be mesmerized by lagoons and waterfalls, but there are zero guardrails. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential, especially when it rains. This area is notorious for landslides. But the views! As you descend over 3,600 meters towards San Ramón, prepare for a tropical transformation. Humidity skyrockets, the landscape explodes with green, and fog hangs thick in the air. And watch out – some waterfalls actually cascade *onto* the road! The final descent can be super slick due to the mud. Get ready for an epic (and slightly hairy) adventure!