Where is Tacora Volcano?

Where is Tacora Volcano?

Chile, south-america

Length

18.6 km

Elevation

5,590 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile, practically spitting distance from Peru, lies the mighty Volcan Tacora. This northernmost volcano of Chile isn't just a pretty face; it's an active one, simmering with fumaroles and hints of past eruptions.

Now, the real kicker? A crazy mining road claws its way up this beast, all the way to a staggering 5.590m (18,339ft)! Yeah, you read that right—it's one of the highest drives you can find in South America.

Forget smooth asphalt; this is a rugged, unpaved climb, a true test for you and your 4x4. Picture this: 18.6 km (11.55 miles) from Chislluma packed with endless hairpin turns, stomach-dropping cliffs, and an average gradient of 7.02%. It's not for the faint of heart, but the views? Absolutely insane! You'll find sulfur mines dotting the landscape between Tacora and Chupiquiña, and you might even spot some hot springs bubbling on the eastern side. Get ready for an Andean adventure you won't soon forget.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Chile
Continent
south-america
Length
18.6 km
Max Elevation
5,590 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in south-america

How to Get by Car to Salar del Rincón in Los Andes?moderate

How to Get by Car to Salar del Rincón in Los Andes?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Salar del Rincón, a hidden gem of a salt lake way up in the Argentinian Andes. We're talking serious altitude here – 4,015m (13,172ft)! You'll find this stunner in Salta Province, practically spitting distance from Chile. Now, getting there is half the fun. The road, Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), is all dirt, baby! It's about 40km (24.85 miles) of bumpy goodness starting near Paso de Sico. Trust me, you're gonna want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Word on the street is this lake is loaded with lithium, which is cool, but the real treasure is the scenery. Get ready for some seriously epic views!

La Pampa-Sihuas (Road 12A)extreme

La Pampa-Sihuas (Road 12A)

🇵🇪 Peru

Daredevils, listen up! Deep in central Peru, snaking through the magnificent Huascarán National Park, lies Carretera 12A – a gravel track that's more rollercoaster than road. Forget guardrails; you're playing chicken with gravity here, with sheer drops of hundreds of meters just inches from your tires. Vertigo sufferers, seriously, sit this one out. This epic 91.5 km route connects Sihuas (at a cool 2,725m above sea level) to La Pampa (dipping down to 1,796m), and it's a wild ride. Prepare for hairpin after hairpin as you climb to a dizzying 4,200m. It’s a true test of skill and nerves, and you’ll be sharing the road with lumbering log trucks, so stay sharp! The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Think mind-blowing mountain vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. But don't get too distracted – this narrow, exposed trail demands respect. Landslides and avalanches are a real threat, and one wrong move sends you tumbling. Oh, and a windy day? Hard pass. If you crave adventure and have nerves of steel, your wheels will be treated to views unlike anything else on Earth! Just be sure you know how to reverse.

Road trip guide: Conquering Las Pailas peakhard

Road trip guide: Conquering Las Pailas peak

🌍 Venezuela

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Pico Las Pailas! Deep in Venezuela's Sierra de La Culata range, nestled within the stunning La Culata National Park, lies what some say is the highest road in the country. We're talking a lung-busting 4,579 meters (15,022 feet) above sea level! This isn't your Sunday drive. The road, also called Mucutisís, is totally unpaved, so a trusty 4x4 is an absolute must. Prepare for a narrow, steep climb that will put your driving skills to the test. The scenery is breathtaking, but be warned: snowfall can happen between June and September, adding another layer of challenge. Get ready for an unforgettable Andean adventure!

A wild road to Laguna Uchucchacua in the Andesmoderate

A wild road to Laguna Uchucchacua in the Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Laguna Uchucchacua! This hidden gem sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the province of Oyón – we're talking a staggering 14,402 feet (4,390m) above sea level. The road to get there? It's a 27-mile (43.5 km) unpaved stretch of pure, rugged beauty, known as LM-18. Think of it as a scenic rollercoaster that winds its way from Oyón eastward, eventually linking up with the PA-100. Fair warning: This isn't a Sunday drive. Expect countless twists and turns as you climb higher and higher. And remember, you're in serious mountain territory, so the air gets pretty thin. But trust me, the views are SO worth it!