From Pampas Green to Andean Blue: Crossing the Roof of the World via Paso de Jama

Picking up my truck at the Port of Montevideo felt like the true starting gun for this South American adventure. But the first leg wasn\’t about drama; it was about patience, distance, and green—so much green.

For hundreds of miles, the journey through Uruguay and Argentina was defined by the pampa. It’s an almost featureless expanse, an ocean of grass where the fence lines are longer than any road, and the vast herds of cattle are the true monarchs. It was a meditative drive, where days blended into long, flat stretches, preparing the mind for the vertical shock to come.

The Tilt: Reaching the Andes

The world truly tilted once we reached Jujuy. Suddenly, the smooth, flat horizon was replaced by colossal, multi-colored mountain walls. We’d reached the start of the Andes. My base for the night was Tilcara (2600 m), a beautiful pre-Andean town and home to the essential last gas station before the real climbing began.

The next morning, I was determined to get an early start to avoid the congestion of the trucker crowd on Ruta 52. This was the main event.

The climb was relentless and breathtaking. In about an hour, the truck chewed through the altitude, pushing us past the thin air barrier and up toward 4500 m. The landscape shifted from scrubland to an alien world of ochre mountains and stark white salares (salt flats). We passed through high-altitude settlements like Susques, places that feel like they defy gravity and civilization.

The Roof of the World

After about two and a half hours of climbing, we arrived at the massive, isolated border station of Paso de Jama. Once the customs check was complete, I crossed over into Chile and onto the legendary Ruta 27.

The Chilean side was even more demanding, immediately taking the elevation up to nearly 5000 m. The air was thin, the winds were high, and the only other inhabitants were the stoic Andean foxes, hunting for whatever tough life the altiplano offered. It truly felt like driving on the roof of the world.

The descent was spectacular. By early afternoon, the high desert plateau dropped into the red, arid expanse of the Atacama Desert. I passed the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, a magnet for travelers, and finally pulled into Calama, concluding a dramatic, single-day transition from the Argentine lowlands to the highest navigable passes in the Andes. What a drive!

Paso de Jama Crossing Youtube

Description: Youtube

Join me for the most dramatic single-day drive of my South American truck trip! We start on the vast, cattle-dotted pampas of Uruguay and Argentina, but the landscape changes violently when we hit the Andes in Jujuy. Follow along as I leave Tilcara (2600m) and climb Ruta 52, crossing stunning salares (salt flats) and passing through high-altitude towns like Susques. The final ascent takes us over Paso de Jama and onto Chile’s Ruta 27, where we peak near 5000m in high winds, surrounded by Andean foxes. See the full transition from green lowlands to the arid, Martian beauty of the Atacama Desert on the way to Calama. Hit like and subscribe for more overlanding adventures!

Nestled in the heart of southern Peru, the charming town of Lucumba offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of the region. With its picturesque surroundings and a captivating story intertwined with its beautiful church, Lucumba is a destination that should not be overlooked.

A Historical Overview of Lucumba

Lucumba is a small town located in the Tacna Region of Peru, known for its warm climate, friendly locals, and breathtaking scenery. Although it may not be as famous as other Peruvian destinations, such as Cusco or Machu Picchu, Lucumba boasts a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. The town is surrounded by lush valleys and rolling hills, making it an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The Heart of Lucumba: The Church of San Juan Bautista

At the center of Lucumba lies the Church of San Juan Bautista, a beautiful colonial-era church that serves as the focal point of the town. The church, constructed in the 17th century, showcases stunning architecture that reflects the Spanish influence on Peru\’s religious structures.

Architectural Wonders

The Church of San Juan Bautista is characterized by its intricate stonework, vibrant frescoes, and a stunning wooden altar that captures the essence of colonial artistry. The church\’s exterior features a charming facade adorned with decorative elements that tell stories of faith and devotion. Visitors are often mesmerized by the beautiful bell tower that stands tall against the backdrop of the Andean mountains.

A Place of Spiritual Significance

Not only is the church an architectural marvel, but it also holds immense spiritual significance for the local community. The residents of Lucumba gather here for various religious celebrations, including traditional festivals that

Baños Termales de Calientes en Miculla, Miculla Museum, suspension bridge, valley views

Since ancient times, thermal baths have been appreciated for their healing properties. In Tacna, in southern Peru, there are a variety of thermal baths that offer a unique and relaxing experience. These destinations are not only excellent options to rest and de-stress, but they also help improve physical and mental health. In this article we will present you some of the best thermal baths in Tacna so you can plan your next visit and enjoy its benefits.

Hot Thermal Baths-Pachia

Can you imagine a place where you can soak in hot springs and improve your health? That place is located in the Tacna region and is called Calientes Baños Termales! According to locals, the water has medicinal properties to treat neuroarthritis and skin diseases.

Also, the history of this place is interesting. Formerly known as \”Huntu Uma\” meaning \”hot water\” by the indigenous Aymaras, today it is known in Spanish as \”Calientes\”. The temperature of the hot springs reaches 39.8 degrees and the altitude is about 1,350 meters. There are no coastal garoos here to ruin your experience and the air you breathe is pure and fresh. So why not take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing bath and the medicinal benefits of hot springs in a natural and tranquil environment?

How to get?

If you don\’t want to drive, you can also take a taxi or bus from Tacna\’s Plaza de Armas. The Calientes-Pachia Thermal Baths are located on the banks of the Capulina River, just 22.8 kilometers from the city of Tacna. Once on Highway 40, continue east until you reach the intersection with the highway to Pachia. From there follow the signs and take the detour to the thermal baths, at 1,400 meters above sea level. The road is in good condition and easy to navigate. The location is a kind of ravine along whose banks the Caplina River flows.

The Calientes spa is managed by the Municipality of the District of Pachía.

What are the health benefits of thermal baths?

The benefits of these waters are due to their chemical content, rich in substances such as sulfur, calcium, iodine, potassium, lithium, bicarbonate, iron, oxygen and silicon, the temperature ranges between 36ºC and 39ºC.

This oasis has excellent tourist infrastructure so you can enjoy an incredible experience. If you want to stay a few days, there is accommodation for you. In addition, there is a restaurant where you can taste delicious typical food from the region, as well as fast food restaurants such as tamales, corn with cheese, humitas, trout and more.

The hot springs have a small pool and eight separate pools where visitors can enjoy the medicinal properties of the hot springs. Don\’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful place and relax in the warm waters!

Thermal baths are not only a pleasure for the senses but also offer many health benefits. Since ancient times, people have used hot springs to relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and reduce stress. One of the most important benefits of thermal baths is their ability to relieve muscle and joint pain. Hot springs contain minerals such as sulfate, calcium and magnesium, which have been shown to be effective in reducing joint inflammation and pain.

Additionally, soaking in hot springs can also help improve blood circulation. The heat from hot water dilates blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the body\’s tissues. Another important benefit of thermal baths is their ability to relieve stress and anxiety. Soaking in hot water can help relax muscles and reduce tension in the body.

Do you want to enjoy these benefits? Well, we invite you to explore our itineraries and prices so that you can visit these wonderful destinations as soon as possible.

For those interested in learning about the local history and culture, the Miculla Museum is a must-visit. The museum offers a glimpse into the ancient history of the area, with exhibits showcasing petroglyphs that act as a window into the past. The museum is affordable to get into, and the exhibits are informative and engaging. Visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the customs and traditions of the people who have lived in the area for centuries. The museum is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and history.

Another attraction worth visiting in Miculla is the suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the valley below. The bridge is a fun and adventurous way to take in the natural beauty of the area, and it is an ideal spot for taking photos. The scenery is breathtaking, with mountain and river views that are sure to impress. Visitors can also stop for snacks along the way and enjoy a picnic while taking in the views. Crossing the suspension bridge is a unique experience that is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Miculla.

is a Chilean National Monument and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated as Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works.Visitors to Humberstone are advised to make an early morning start to avoid the intense heat of the desert. The sun is unforgiving in this part of the world, so it\’s essential to bring along solar cream to protect your skin. As you explore the abandoned streets of Humberstone, you\’ll want to make sure your camera battery is fully charged, so you can take lots of photos.

Thetown was once a thriving saltpeter mining community, with a population of over 3,500 people in 1940. However, after the invention of synthetic fertilizers in the 1960s, the demand for saltpeter declined, and the town was eventually abandoned. Walking through Humberstone is like taking a step back in time. The town appears frozen in the early to mid-20thcentury, with many of the buildings and structures still standing and preserved. The abandoned houses, church, theater, and other buildings still contain remnants of the past,providing a haunting glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived and worked here.

Despite being deserted for decades, Humberstone retains a sense of eerie beauty and attracts tourists from all over the world. The deserted streets and buildings are a testament to the harsh living conditions that the miners and their families endured in this remote and inhospitable region. The saltpeter mines were notorious for their dangerous and grueling working conditions, and the workers were often paid very little for their efforts. Walking through Humberstone, visitors can see the remnants of the town\’s once-thriving economy. The old factories and machinery serve as reminders of the hard work that went into extracting saltpeter from the barren desert landscape.

The town\’s layout, complete with rows of identical houses and community buildings, provides insight into the daily lives of the miners and their families. Despite its eerie reputation, Humberstone is a fascinating place to visit. The town\’s history is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Walking among the abandoned buildings and streets, it\’seasy to imagine the hardships that the residents of Humberstone had to endure. The saltpeter mines were a vital part of the Chilean economy and provided jobsfor thousands of workers.

To begin our journey, we departed Iquique early in the morning to avoid the sun\’s intense heat. We reached Humberstone at around 9 pm, just as the museum was opening. This expansive museum spans over 15 acres, but there are no eateries or drink stands onsite. It is important to wear protective headgear as the sun can be quite harsh. Humberstone is an ideal place to lose oneself and provides ample photo opportunities. The housing complex is filled with poignant memories, and the garages contain tools and trucks from a bygone era. As we embarked on our walking tour of the Humberstone mining town, we were mesmerized by the relicts from the past that surrounded us. The place had a fascinating allure, and we were excited to capture the memories through our photo shots.

As we wandered through the housing complex, we could see the remnants of a once-bustling community. The houses were small and basic, but the community had managed to build a school, a hospital, and even a theater. It was a glimpse into the lives of the workers who had lived and toiled in the mines, hoping to provide for their families. We could imagine the sounds of children playing in theThe town was once a bustling center for nitrate mining, and the relics of old machinery still stood tall, reminding us of the once-thriving industry. As we walked through the housing complex, we couldn\’t help but feel a sense of melancholy as we thought about the people who used to live there.

We also explored the melteres and locomotive shops, which were once the lifeline of the town. The machinery and equipment were still present, and we could almost hear the sounds of the workers who once toiled there. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about the town\’s history and the role it played in the country\’s economy. As we listened to our guide\’s stories, which made us feel as if we had stepped back in time andwe realized the hardships the miners and their families faced and the sacrifices they made-