Abra Chapoco

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.

The road to the summit, located within the Andes mountain range, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. It lies on the road from Visviri to Tacora. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Open to all motorized vehicles, however, recommended for 4-wheel drive vehicles. Although there is not much climbing to do to the pass, there are a few extremely steep sections which make it harder work than it otherwise would be.
The road to the pass is called A-23. Near the summit, oxygen is in short supply, that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters. The road is totally free of traffic and offers views of Volcan Tacora and other mountains on the Chile-Peru border.
Pic: Carlos Javier Silva Currieco

 

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