
A gravel road to the Damas Pass border in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
N/A
3,081 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Paso de las Damas! This beast of a road straddles the border between Argentina (Mendoza province) and Chile (O'Higgins Region) high up in the Andes. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 3,081 meters (10,108 feet)!
This isn't your Sunday drive. The road's unpaved, and you'll be wrestling with steep inclines and plenty of loose rock. A high-clearance 4x4 is an absolute must. Oh, and did I mention the river crossings? Prepare for some potentially deep splashes!
The thin air at this altitude is no joke, so take it easy. But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Just remember, respect the mountain, and she'll reward you with an unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
A gravel road to the Damas Pass border in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.0820, -63.4003
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,081 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -39.0820, -63.4003
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Abra de Chorrillos?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Abra de Chorrillos! This high-altitude pass punches through the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northwest Argentina, topping out at a whopping 4,555 meters (14,944 feet)! Imagine yourself cruising along Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), mostly on unpaved roads, but totally doable in a regular car, *if* the weather's dry. You'll be tracing the path of an old, abandoned railway for much of the way, adding to the vintage vibe. Stretching nearly 58 kilometers (36 miles) from San Antonio de los Cobres to Olacapato, this route serves up some serious scenery. Think arid landscapes, shimmering salt flats, and the kind of wide-open spaces that make you feel truly small. The weather is a bit extreme, with daytime temps varying from 14°C to 21°C (57F to 70F). Nightime temperatures in midsummer go to 6°C (43F) and in midwinter to -8°C (18F). Expect the chance of rain exclusively in the summer. Prepare for a ride that's both challenging and breathtaking!
hardLaguna Milluni
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to Laguna Milluni, a stunning alpine lake chilling at a whopping 4,565 meters (that's nearly 15,000 feet!) high in the Bolivian Andes' Cordillera Real. The road to Milluni Grande, as it's also known, is a gravel track that winds its way up with several hairpin turns. Be warned, though – this climb is a beast! The air gets thin *real* fast up there, so be prepared to feel the altitude. Most people start feeling the effects at around 2,500-2,800 meters. Plus, at this altitude, the road can get snowed in anytime, so check conditions before you go. But trust me, the views of the lake and surrounding peaks are totally worth the challenge.
extremeAbra Tolconi
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Arequipa Region of Peru and craving a serious dose of altitude, you HAVE to check out Abra Tolconi. This mountain pass punches through the Andes at a staggering 4,860 meters (that's 15,945 feet!). The road? Well, let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, connecting Caylloma to Quiñota, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. But trust me, the views from the top are worth every jolt. We're talking panoramic vistas that stretch for miles! Now, a word of caution: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Pack plenty of water, snacks, extra fuel, a cozy jacket, and your trusty GPS and maps. You're climbing high and heading into remote territory! Be ready for potential challenges. Even a little rain can make things tricky, and avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are possibilities. Patches of ice can also make things interesting (read: dangerous). The good news is the climb itself is fairly gentle, so you won't be battling insane inclines. But be prepared!
extremeEl Angosto is one of the deadliest roads in the world
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for El Angosto de Villamontes – the Pilcomayo canyon road in Bolivia's Tarija Department! Tucked away near the Paraguayan border, this isn't your average Sunday drive. "Angosto" means "narrow," and trust me, they weren't kidding. Carved out during the Chaco War back in the 30s to supply troops, this 13.8 km (8.57 mile) stretch of Ruta 11 from Villamontes to Palos Blancos is seriously intense. Picture this: an unpaved, winding track hugging the edge of a massive 450-meter drop. No guardrails, nada. This road is so skinny that passing another vehicle can turn into a multi-kilometer reversing challenge. The views are breathtaking, but the road demands respect. Countless crosses serve as somber reminders of past tragedies. Drive slow, drive steady, and maybe say a little prayer. Fog loves to roll in, too, so visibility can be a real issue. Despite all the risks, it's a surprisingly busy route, packed with buses and trucks. Plus, you're driving right through oil country! Not for the faint of heart, or anyone with a fear of heights, El Angosto is an unforgettable experience.