Where is Portezuelo de Chapiquiña?

Where is Portezuelo de Chapiquiña?

Chile, south-america

Length

47.1 km

Elevation

4,453 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Portezuelo de Chapiquiña! This high-altitude pass in Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region is a stunner, clocking in at a whopping 14,609 feet above sea level within the gorgeous Parque Nacional Lauca.

The main road stretches for about 29 miles. But for the truly adventurous, a gravel side road beckons westward, climbing even higher to 15,616 feet! Expect some steep sections on that spur. And once you're at the top, you'll be greeted by plenty of *apachetas* – those cool rock piles left by travelers. Be warned though, it's one of the highest roads around, so the air is thin! Keep your eyes peeled for incredible views, but also be mindful of the unpaved sections and potential hazards.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Chile
Continent
south-america
Length
47.1 km
Max Elevation
4,453 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in south-america

Laguna de Lejiahard

Laguna de Lejia

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Laguna de Legia, a stunning alpine lake chilling way up in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile! We're talking seriously high altitude here, like 4,350 meters (14,271 feet) above sea level. The road to get there, B-357, is a gravel track, but usually kept in decent shape. You *can* probably make it in a 2WD with good clearance if you take it slow and steady. Expect some long, straight stretches. Be warned, though: this road can turn into a muddy slip-n-slide real fast if it rains. After a storm, you might not get through even with 4x4. But oh man, the views are worth it!

A stunning coastal road from Caldera to Huascohard

A stunning coastal road from Caldera to Huasco

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the coast of Chile's Atacama Region, windows down, salty air whipping through your hair. This isn't just any drive; it's the road from Caldera to Huasco, one of the most incredible coastal routes Chile has to offer! Recently paved and known as Ruta C-10 (made up of segments C-324, C-302, C-326, and C-470), this 184 km (114 mile) stretch winds its way north-south from the port city of Caldera to Huasco. The climate is mostly warm and bone-dry thanks to its location on the edge of the Atacama Desert, but the cool sea breeze keeps things manageable. Keep your eyes peeled though! Flash floods can be a real issue sometimes, and sandstorms can occasionally blow through, adding an extra layer of adventure. But trust me, the incredible desert landscapes meeting the Pacific Ocean are worth any minor inconvenience. This is one road trip you won't forget!

How long is Ruta 3N?extreme

How long is Ruta 3N?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Carretera 3-N in Ancash, Peru! This road is a total beast, and not for the faint of heart. We're talking serious pucker-factor with drops that plunge a dizzying 1,000m straight down. Hidden in northern Peru, the road is mostly dirt, and the real fun starts with a 22km stretch leading to the tiny town of La Pampa. "Challenging" doesn't even begin to cover it. Imagine navigating hairpin after hairpin, each one seemingly carved by hand out of the mountainside. Seriously, these turns are tight! Forget about two cars passing easily; it's a game of chicken with the Andes. Expect to share the road with plenty of trucks, too. Add in some rain or snow, and you might find yourself stuck. The road is rough—think washboard surfaces and plenty of rocks.

San Antonio de Lipezhard

San Antonio de Lipez

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Wanna visit a real-life ghost town? Head to San Antonio de Lipez in southwestern Bolivia! Nestled way up in the Andes Mountains, in the Cordillera de Lípez, this abandoned mining town sits at a staggering 15,610 feet above sea level. Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Bolivia. Getting there is an adventure in itself. The road is gravel, and let's just say it's not exactly smooth sailing. We're talking steep sections and a rough surface. Make sure your vehicle is ready for it! You're in a remote area, so pack extra water, food, fuel, a warm jacket, and reliable GPS. And definitely avoid this route in bad weather. The scenery is stunning, but the altitude is no joke. The air gets thin up there, so be prepared for possible altitude sickness. Legend has it that the town is haunted because miners made a deal with the devil that went sour. Whether you believe the stories or not, exploring this eerie, abandoned place is an unforgettable experience. Just be ready to pull over for oncoming traffic, and keep your eyes peeled for ghosts!