Where is the Portezuelo de Guaitiquina pass?
Argentina, south-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure! The Portezuelo de Guaitiquina is a high-altitude border crossing between Chile and Argentina that's way less touristy than the Paso de Sico. We're talking raw, isolated beauty through the Andes' high-desert terrain, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province.
This route, spanning roughly from the B-357 junction in Chile to the Salta border, is a wild 4x4 ride. Think endless salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and huge horizons. It’s you, your rig, and the silence of the desert.
The road itself? Mostly unpaved. In Chile, it's known as RP37, but on the Argentine side, it’s just an unnamed track towards Catua. Expect some seriously steep climbs that will push your engine and cooling system to the limit in the thin air. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, so a high-clearance 4x4 is definitely your best friend here.
Hazards? Oh, there are a few. First, the altitude – a whopping 4,288 meters! Acclimatize beforehand, because altitude sickness is no joke. Second, and this is a big one, some areas around the border are still mined from back in the day. Stay. On. The. Road. Seriously. Don't wander off!
If you're planning to cross the border here, opening hours are typically 8 am to 6 pm, but they can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is harsh – think extreme cold, high winds, and potential snow or ice, especially in winter. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Help is a long way off, and you won't find cell service out here.
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
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