Where is the Colchane-Pisiga Pass?
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateAntiguo Puente de Pailón is a challenging bridge in Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, so picture this: You're in Bolivia, near the little town of Pailón, and you stumble upon what *was* one of the coolest bridges ever! I'm talking about the old Pailón bridge, a wooden wonder stretching almost a mile (1.4km) across the Río Grande. Built way back in the 1950s, it was this super rickety, single-lane affair where trains ALWAYS had the right-of-way. Can you imagine?! Sadly, it's been replaced by a shiny new bridge right next to it, so the old one is out of commission now. Still, what a sight it must have been! Now, buckle up for a wild ride on El Angosto, deep in the Andes. This isn't your average scenic route; it's known as one of the world's most treacherous roads, heading towards the Salar de Ollague Pass. Get ready for some serious elevation and heart-stopping views – if you dare to look!
hardPortezuelo El Choclo
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you in Chile's Atacama region: Portezuelo El Choclo. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 3,375 meters (that's over 11,000 feet!). The road, also known as Portezuelo de Chulluncallani, is a gravel track leading towards the Damas Pass border in the Andes. Word to the wise: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. The gravel can be pretty loose, especially on the edges, and after a rainstorm? Forget about it –muddy and slippery doesn't even begin to cover it. During bad weather, you might not even be able to get through with a 4x4. But if you're prepared for a challenge, the views are totally worth it! Plus, you’ll get to a high point of 3.660m above the sea level!
moderateWhere is Salar del Rincón?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: You're in Argentina, ready for an adventure. Specifically, the Salar del Rincón in the Salta province, a shimmering salt lake sitting way up high. We're talking serious altitude here, so be prepared for that thinner air! Now, getting there? You'll be cruising along the RN51 for quite a bit. Be warned, the road leading up to the lake is completely unpaved. Forget your sports car; you'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle for this trek. Think dramatic, rugged landscapes, vast open spaces, and that feeling of being utterly remote. Keep an eye out for wildlife and be prepared for ever-changing weather conditions. But trust me, the views of the brilliant white salt flats against the backdrop of the Andes are SO worth it! Just take it slow, stay alert, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
extremeAbra Tres Cruces
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, let’s talk about Abra Tres Cruces in the Peruvian province of Yauyos! This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a lung-busting 3,738 meters (12,263 feet). The road itself, known as LM-124, is a gravel track that’s narrow and seriously steep. Fair warning: at this altitude, snow can shut things down at any moment. Heavy mist is also common, making visibility a real issue. Plus, avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are always a risk, and icy patches can make things extra dicey. The lack of oxygen hits hard – altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters! But hang in there and you'll be rewarded with views you won't soon forget!