Jama Pass is an Andean road from Chile to Argentina
Paso de Jama is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.283m (14,051ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Chile and Argentina.
Where is Jama Pass?
Set high in the Andes, the pass links the city of Jujuy in Argentina with San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. It is the northernmost road border crossing between both countries. This pass has close access to the landmark that links Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina, and about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from its border in Chile, after passing through sectors of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, is the town San Pedro de Atacama. It is used by truck traffic between northern Argentina and Paraguay and the ports of northern Chile.
Is Jama Pass open?
This pass is permanently enabled for all types of vehicles. It is open throughout the year, although occasionally closed by snow. Daytime temperatures will reach up to 30 °C, while at night temperatures will tend to drop very low, even below freezing point in winter. There are often also b winds in the area. Remember that you will be crossing the Andes, travelling through a semi desert area with few people and will be travelling at an average height of 3000 m.a.s.l. Take along warm clothing to wear when necessary. To avoid feeling ill do not eat in excess before you go up into the high mountains.
Is Jama Pass paved?
The road to the summit is fully paved. It’s called Route 27 (CH-27) in Chile and National Route 52 in Argentina. On the Chilean side, the road tops out at 4.832m (15,853ft), 100 km west of the border by Portezuelo Paranal. Most of the road from San Salvador de Jujuy to Jama, including the occasional down slopes, is uphill. The pass is located 349 kilometres from San Salvador de Jujuy. After crossing the pass there is still a trip of 160 kilometres till the Chilean town of San Pedro de Atacama. This last part is on a very firm road and downhill.
When was built the road to Jama Pass?
The road was opened on 6 December 1991, and was paved throughout since the year of 2005.