Cerro Canasa

Cerro Canasa is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.304m (14,119ft) above the sea level, located in the Chilean Tarapacá Region, near the Bolivian border.

There are 2 roads to reach the summit. Both are gravel. The southern side (Chile) is a well developed gravel road called A-395. The northern side (Bolivia) is very rough. The summit is also known as Cerro Camasa or Cerro de Canesa. Do not take this drive if you have respiratory problems or any type of heart condition. Notorius lack of oxygen that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters. Extremely low oxygen for engine combustion. A major hazard of altitude is the sickness that can indiscriminately affect anyone regardless of age or fitness. The summit has about 40% less oxygen than at sea level, thus breathing is more difficult. Your pulse rate will increase and movement will be more laborious at the summit. The high elevation with its risk of altitude sickness, weather concerns, steep road grade, and overall inaccessibility make the pass dangerous and summit trips difficult.
Pic: Miguel Villar