A treacherous border road to Salar de Ollague Pass in the Andes

Paso Salar de Ollagüe is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,695m (12,122ft) above sea level, located on the border of Chile and Bolivia.

Paso Salar de Ollagüe

Where is Paso Salar de Ollagüe?

The pass is situated in the Andes mountain range, within the Reserva Nacional Alto Loa, connecting the Antofagasta Region of Chile and the Potosi Department of Bolivia. The pass is open daily between 8:00 and 20:00.

Is Paso Salar de Ollagüe unpaved?

The road through the pass is entirely unpaved. On the Chilean side, the road is called CH-21, and on the Bolivian side, it is called Carretera 701. Both are unpaved and quite treacherous. It's usually open all year round.

How long is Paso Salar de Ollagüe?

The pass is 254km (157 miles) long, running from Calama (in northern Chile) to Maicota (in Bolivia). Due to the remoteness of the area, it’s recommended to hire a local driver.

 



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