Portillo and Laguna del Inca

Why it's worth the trip

Because it is high mountain reachable on a paved road, and because the contrast between lagoon and rock walls is unlike anything else near Santiago.

Landscape

Climbing the route that crosses into Argentina, after a run of hairpins, Laguna del Inca appears: a long sheet of water at over 2,800 metres, with the mountain walls dropping straight to its shore. Beside it sits Portillo, one of the oldest ski centres on the continent, with a yellow hotel you can pick out from far away. You can come without skiing at all: the point is the scale of the landscape, the colour of the water and the afternoon light on the rock.

• Mountain
• Water

What the trip could look like

A long mountain day, leaving early and checking the state of the road before setting off.

An idea of how the day would go.

Worth knowing

• It is an international mountain route: expect possible checks, time restrictions or weather closures.
• In winter chains or suitable tyres may be required, and the pass can close without warning.
• Access to the lagoon shore may be restricted depending on the sector and the season.
• You gain altitude fast; take it slowly and drink water.