
A delightful yet challenging road to Páramo el Zumbador
Venezuela, south-america
22.6 km
2,571 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Venezuelan Andes, headed to Páramo el Zumbador, a super charming little village perched way up at 2,571m (8,435ft) in the state of Táchira.
The road? It's part of Carretera Trasandina/Troncal7/Route 7, and let me tell you, it's an adventure. Think paved, but narrow, with some seriously steep sections and more twists and turns than you can count! It's not for the faint of heart, but the reward is so worth it.
Páramo El Zumbador is a total gem, a must-see. This 22.6 km (14.04 miles) stretch of road linking Mesa de Aura and El Cobre is pure eye candy, with killer viewpoints that show off the stunning scenery. Trust me, you'll want to stop often for photos. Just a heads-up: it gets chilly up there, even when the sun's blazing, thanks to the strong winds. Layer up and get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Venezuela
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 22.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,571 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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