Quebrada del Diablo (Azapa) - Image 1
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Quebrada del Diablo Azapa

4.3
·30 reviews·, Chile

A dramatic scenic drive through the Azapa Valley, offering stunning desert contrasts and historic charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Optimal visibility for views

CrowdLow
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Quebrada del Diablo (Azapa) - Image 1

Quebrada del Diablo Azapa

Best Time

Daylight hours

Optimal visibility for views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dramatic scenic drive through the Azapa Valley, offering stunning desert contrasts and historic charm. Reddit

4.3
(30 reviews)

"Very dangerous but just a proper and careful driving is enough and you will reach your destination. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive with Caution

Many sharp curves and high altitudes. Drive carefully and respect the road for a safe journey.

🏍️ Motorcycle Friendly Route

A great route for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking scenic rides and open roads.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Valley Views

Panoramic Valley Views

Lookout points along the route

Witness the breathtaking contrast between the lush Azapa Valley and the stark desert. A must-see for photographers and nature lovers.

Reddit
Azapa Valley Produce

Azapa Valley Produce

Along the route and in local markets

Experience the unique agricultural bounty of the Azapa Valley, famous for its olives and 'chasmas' (a type of fruit).

Reddit
Historic Poconchile Church

Historic Poconchile Church

Poconchile

Visit a church over 500 years old, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and colonial past.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Devil's Ravine

The Quebrada del Diablo Azapa is a scenic route, but requires careful driving due to sharp curves and varying altitudes. Respect the road and drive cautiously to enjoy the stunning views of the Azapa Valley and its contrast with the desert landscape. Reddit

Best Time for Scenic Drives

While the route is accessible year-round, consider visiting during daylight hours for optimal visibility and to fully appreciate the dramatic desert scenery. Local events or community gatherings might occur, so check local listings before your visit. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Optimal visibility for views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Potential for local events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La ciudad más fea de Chile 🇨🇱 #chile #arica #santiago #antofagasta
@maxjco
6K likes • 588.7K views

🚗 Drive with Caution

Many sharp curves and high altitudes. Drive carefully and respect the road for a safe journey. Reddit

🏍️ Motorcycle Friendly Route

A great route for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking scenic rides and open roads. Reddit

La quebrada del Diablo. #historiasdetacna #leyendasperuanas #relatosandinos
@elcronistadeltiempo
5.4K likes • 214.5K views
Para los picados que no cruzamos la frontera, Azapa, quebrada del diablo, Poconchile y su iglesia de mas de quinientos años #chileestuyo #chiledenorteasur #motorutaschile #arica #azapa #poconchile #raiderchile #bmw1250gs #bmw1250gsadventure
mauricio_palma_gonzalez
34 likes • 270 views

📸 Capture the Contrast

The views of the Azapa Valley against the desert are spectacular. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

📍 Check Local Events

Community events and festivals sometimes take place in the area. Instagram+1

DOS PERSONAS EXTRANJERAS ASALTAN A UNA PERSANA DE LA TERCERA EDAD EN SECTOR DEL VALLE DE LLUTA DONDE SALEN ARRANCANDO HASTA LLEGAR A LA QUEBRADA DEL DIABLO SECTOR AZAPA FUERON PERSEGUIDOS POR PERSONAL DE CARABINEROS Y VECINOS DEL SECTOR ESTO OCURRIO APROXIMADAMENTE A LAS 1:30 PM DEL DIA DE HOY AAL DARLE ALCANCE LE DIERON SU CARIÑITO. *#BECA_INFORMA* *#EAC_INFORMA*
beca15_arica
42 likes • 685 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive with Caution

Many sharp curves and high altitudes. Drive carefully and respect the road for a safe journey. Reddit

🏍️ Motorcycle Friendly Route

A great route for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking scenic rides and open roads. Reddit

📸 Capture the Contrast

The views of the Azapa Valley against the desert are spectacular. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

📍 Check Local Events

Community events and festivals sometimes take place in the area. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.3
(30 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the spectacular views of the Azapa Valley contrasting with the desert, making it a fantastic route for scenic drives, especially for motorcyclists. However, the road's sharp curves and high altitudes necessitate extreme caution while driving. Reddit

"The Devil's Ravine begins on Route 11CH, at the height of El Águila Hill. There is a road that connects the Azapa Valley with the Lluta Valley without artificial lighting. It offers a beautiful view of the valley, with a lookout point near the end of the climb. Drive with caution and respect. Many sharp curves and high altitudes."

Alvaro Rodrigo Escauriaza Sanchez

"Very dangerous but just a proper and careful driving is enough and you will reach your destination."

Dayan Perez

"good route for riding a motorcycle.."

Javier R

What People Like

Spectacular valley views
Great for motorcycles
Unique desert contrast

What People Dislike

Sharp curves
High altitudes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Quebrada del Diablo Azapa is accessible via Route 11CH, connecting the Azapa Valley with the Lluta Valley. It's a scenic drive, but be prepared for sharp curves and varying altitudes. Reddit

While it's a road, it's recommended to drive with caution. It's particularly popular with motorcycles. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy driving or riding through the ravine to take in the views. There are lookout points to stop and appreciate the scenery. Reddit

The road has many sharp curves and can have high altitudes. Driving with caution and respect is essential. Reddit

Yes, the route connects the Azapa Valley with the Lluta Valley, offering a scenic passage between the two. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific entrance fee mentioned for driving through the Quebrada del Diablo Azapa, as it's a public route. Reddit

The route is generally accessible during daylight hours for safe driving and to enjoy the views. Reddit

No advance booking is required as it is a scenic drive route. Reddit

The primary recommendation is to drive with caution due to the road's nature. Reddit

It's not recommended to visit at night due to the sharp curves and lack of artificial lighting, which can make driving dangerous. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic contrast between the green Azapa Valley and the surrounding desert offers stunning photographic potential. Lookout points provide excellent vantage points. Reddit

Daylight hours are best for capturing the vibrant colors and landscape details. Golden hour might offer particularly dramatic lighting. Reddit

Yes, there are lookout points along the route that offer beautiful vistas of the valley. Reddit

Landscape photography is very popular, capturing the unique geological features and agricultural scenery. Reddit

No special permits are typically required for personal photography along the public route. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The primary activity is driving or riding through the scenic route, stopping at lookout points to admire the views and the contrast between the valley and desert. Reddit

While the route itself is a drive, the surrounding terrain might offer opportunities for exploration, but specific marked trails are not widely advertised. Reddit

The area is part of the historic Azapa Valley, known for its ancient cultures and agricultural heritage, including the nearby Poconchile church. Instagram

Yes, the road has many sharp curves and high altitudes, so driving with extreme caution is paramount. Reddit

Yes, there are lookout points where you can stop to take photos and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Quebrada del Diablo Azapa is primarily a scenic drive, families can enjoy the visual contrast between the lush valley and the desert. Ensure children are securely fastened and that drivers are extra cautious due to the sharp turns. Reddit Stopping at lookout points offers opportunities for kids to stretch their legs and take in the expansive views. Consider packing snacks and water, as amenities might be limited along the route. Reddit

🏍️ Motorcycle Enthusiasts

The Quebrada del Diablo Azapa is frequently cited as a fantastic route for motorcycle riders. Reddit The winding roads and dramatic scenery make for an exhilarating ride. Ensure your motorcycle is in good condition and that you are comfortable with mountain roads. Reddit Riders often appreciate the open feel and the stunning photographic opportunities along the way. Reddit

📸 Photographers

This route is a dream for landscape photographers. The stark contrast between the verdant Azapa Valley and the surrounding desert provides unique visual opportunities. Reddit Plan your visit during daylight hours, ideally during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, for the most dramatic lighting. Reddit Lookout points offer excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic shots. Don't miss the chance to photograph the historic Poconchile Church for a touch of heritage. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Driving and Safety in the Ravine

The Quebrada del Diablo Azapa is a road that connects the Azapa Valley with the Lluta Valley, offering a scenic, albeit challenging, drive. It's characterized by numerous sharp curves and significant changes in altitude, requiring drivers to be highly attentive. Reddit Many travelers, particularly motorcyclists, find this route exhilarating, but it's crucial to maintain a safe speed and be aware of your surroundings. There is no artificial lighting along the route, making nighttime travel strongly discouraged and potentially dangerous. Reddit

Local advice emphasizes driving with caution and respect for the road conditions. Reddit While the route offers stunning views, it's important to prioritize safety over speed. The contrast between the fertile Azapa Valley and the arid desert landscape is a major draw, providing spectacular photographic opportunities from designated lookout points. Reddit

Community discussions highlight that while the road can be 'very dangerous,' proper and careful driving is sufficient to navigate it safely and reach your destination. Reddit This route is not just about the drive; it's an experience that immerses you in the unique geography of northern Chile.

The Azapa Valley's Agricultural Heritage

The Quebrada del Diablo Azapa is situated within the broader Azapa Valley, an area renowned for its unique agricultural productivity in an otherwise arid desert region. The valley is particularly famous for its olives, which are cultivated and processed here, offering a distinct local flavor. Reddit Beyond olives, the valley also produces other fruits and vegetables, often referred to by locals as 'chasmas,' contributing to the region's distinct produce. Reddit

This agricultural richness stands in stark contrast to the surrounding desert, creating a visually striking landscape. Visitors can often see these agricultural activities as they traverse the Quebrada del Diablo. The presence of these fertile lands is a testament to ancient irrigation techniques and the resilience of agriculture in challenging environments. Reddit

Exploring the Azapa Valley, including the areas around the Quebrada del Diablo, offers a chance to appreciate this unique blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity. You might even find opportunities to sample or purchase local produce, adding a culinary dimension to your visit.

Historical Echoes in the Landscape

The region surrounding Quebrada del Diablo Azapa is steeped in history, with remnants of past civilizations and colonial influences. A notable historical site nearby is the Iglesia de Poconchile, a church that dates back over 500 years. Instagram This ancient structure offers a tangible link to the area's colonial past and the early development of settlements in the Azapa Valley. Instagram

The very name 'Quebrada del Diablo' (Devil's Ravine) hints at local legends and folklore, adding a layer of mystique to the landscape. TikTok While the specific origins of the name might be rooted in local tales, it evokes a sense of the dramatic and perhaps untamed nature of the terrain. TikTok

For those interested in history and culture, a visit to this area provides more than just scenic views; it's an opportunity to connect with the deep historical narrative of northern Chile, from ancient inhabitants to colonial times.

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