Driving the most spectacular roads of Chile

From the whispering dunes of the Atacama to the icy embrace of Patagonian glaciers, Chile paints a mesmerizing canvas for road trip enthusiasts. Starting on Ruta 5, the Panamerican Highway unfurls the slender tapestry of Chile's dramatic geography. But beyond this iconic route lies the intrigue of Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, snaking through majestic mountain passes, and the challenging terrain leading to the Ojos del Salado stratovolcano, the world’s highest active volcano.

Dive deeper into the heart of the Atacama with Route 27, a ribbon of road where salt flats stretch to infinity and night skies boast a celestial brilliance unmatched anywhere else. The southern allure of the Carretera Austral beckons next, a captivating route winding through lush forests, shimmering fjords, and the untamed beauty of Patagonia. And for those craving more, the Paso del Planchón offers yet another testament to Chile’s road trip wonders.

In Chile, roads aren't just stretches of tarmac; they are narrators. Narrators of tales where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with breathtaking terrains, and where the dance of land and sea is as timeless as the wind. So, gear up, rev that engine, and embark on a Chilean odyssey where every bend, every ascent, and every horizon tells a story.

Volcán Apagado is a volcano at an elevation of 5.343m (17,529ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Chile (Región de Antofagasta) and Bolivia (Potosi Department).

Refugio Atacama is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 5.256m (17,244ft) above the sea level, located in the Atacama Region of Chile, near the Argentinian border.

Portezuelo Paranal is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.832m (15,853ft) above the sea level located in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, near the Argentinian border. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Cerro Azufrera de los Cuyanos is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.553m (18,218ft) above the sea level, located in the Atacama Region of Chile, near the Argentinian border. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Lagoon Casiri is a high mountain lagoon at an elevation of 4.856m (15,931ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Chile and Bolivia.

Chile Route 23 (Ruta 23 CH) is a very scenic road located on an arid high plateau in the Andes mountains in the northern portion of Chile.

Paso la Chapetona is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.654m (11,988ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Argentina and Chile. The road is less used due its difficulty.

Abra Chapoco is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.400m (14,435ft) above the sea level, located in Parinacota Province, Arica and Parinacota Region, in Chile.

Portezuelo El Choclo is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.375m (11,072ft) above the sea level, located in the Atacama region of Chile.

Portezuelo Caballo Muerto is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.410m (14,468ft) above the sea level, located in the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park in the Atacama Region of Chile.

Portezuelo de Chulluncallani is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.492m (14,737ft) above the sea level, located in the Arica y Parinacota Region, in Chile, near the Bolivian border.

Cerros de Anocarire is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.845m (15,895ft) above the sea level, located in the Arica and Parinacota Region, Chile.

Cerro Carasilla is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.047m (16,558ft) above the sea level, located in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, near the Bolivian border.

Paso de las Damas is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.081m (10,108ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Chile and Argentina, in the Andes mountains.

Abra Mina Maricunga is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.567m (14,983ft) above the sea level, located in the Atacama Region of Chile.

Cerro Tecar is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.088m (16,692ft) above the sea level, located in the Antofagasta region, in northern Chile’s Atacama Desert. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Mina Centinela is a high mountain copper mine located in the Atacama Region of Chile. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Volcán Putana is a stratovolcano located in the Antofagasta region of Chile. A former mine access road climbs up to 5.779m (18,959ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest roads on Earth.

The transportation of goods by road still lacks heavy electric vehicles that meet certain operational needs. As a result, companies in the sector and drivers continue to await the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology and electric battery systems as solutions to the specific requirements of professional transportation. However, the industry is also considering other options, as demonstrated by the Swiss solar truck that has achieved an impressive feat by conquering the highest active volcano on Earth, located in Chile.

Portezuelo de Chaxas is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,494m (14,744ft) above sea level, located on the border of Chile and Bolivia.

Cerro Umurata, also known simply as Umurata, is a volcano situated on the border of Bolivia and Chile. A 4x4 mining trail ascends to an altitude of 5,542 meters (18,182 feet) above sea level near the summit, offering breathtaking views of the Andean highlands. It’s one of the highest roads of South America.

Portezuelo de Salín is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,015m (13,172ft) above sea level, located on the Argentinian-Chilean border.

Vicuña is a volcano at an elevation of 5.495m (18,028ft) above sea level, straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Paso Coipitas is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.221m (13,848ft) above sea level, located on the border of Argentina and Chile.

Cerro La Gitana is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4,696m (15,406ft) above sea level, located in the Coquimbo Region of Peru. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Abra de La Deidad is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.907m (16,099ft) above sea level, located in the Coquimbo Region of Chile. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Cerro El Potro is a mountain peak at an elevation of 5.472m (17,952ft) above sea level, straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Marancales Sur is a volcano at an elevation of 5.421m (17,785ft) above sea level, straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Cerro Vidal Gormaz is a mountain peak at an elevation of 4.988m (16,364ft) above sea level, located in the Atacama Region of Chile. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.