Tejos Refuge is one of the highest roads of South America
Refugio Tejos is a high mountain hut at an elevation of 5,800m (19,000ft) above sea level, located in Chile. It's one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
Where is Tejos Refuge?
Located in the Copiapó Province, within the Chilean region of Atacama, close to the Argentinian border, it’s said to be the world's highest mountain hut. It's a key stop on the route to Ojos del Salado, the Andes' highest peak and Earth's tallest volcano.
How is Tejos Refuge?
The L-shaped hut provides limited accommodations, with six beds and a gear room. Left behind by a Chilean mining company, it serves as a tribute to a helicopter pilot who died here.
Is the road to Tejos Refuge unpaved?
The road to Refugio Tejos is entirely unpaved and known for its treacherous terrain, demanding skill and courage to navigate. Only 4x4 vehicles driven by expert drivers venture here. It’s one of the highest roads of South America.
What's the weather like in Tejos Refuge?
Set high in the Andes, Refugio Tejos experiences harsh and unpredictable weather, with sudden snowstorms and temperature drops even in summer.
How challenging is the road to Refugio Tejos?
The road leading to Refugio Tejos is one of the highest roads of Chile. This road is extremely dangerous. The steep cliffs, hundreds of meters high, can unsettle even experienced travelers. The valleys below appear distant, and peering over the edge can cause dizziness. It's best to avoid this route in windy conditions due to the risks posed by the sheer drops.
Pic: By sergejf (Refugio Tejos) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons