A hairpinned crazy road to Paso de Lara

A hairpinned crazy road to Paso de Lara

Argentina, south-america

Length

100 km

Elevation

3,625 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Paso de Lara in the Tucuman province of northwest Argentina, a seriously stunning mountain pass that tops out at a breathtaking 3,625 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!).

You'll find this bad boy nestled in the Parque Provincial Cumbres Calchaquíes, and let me tell you, the views are worth the journey. Speaking of journey, be warned: the road (RP 311 and RP 312/RP352, if you're mapping it) is entirely unpaved. Built in 2014, it’s a 100 km (62 miles) rollercoaster from Colalao del Valle to San Pedro de Colalao.

Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just suggested; after a bit of rain, it's essential. This track is narrow, and I mean *narrow*, with some terrifyingly beautiful drop-offs. This road has even featured in the Dakar Rally, which should tell you something! Be prepared for potential road collapses, landslides, and rockslides, especially after heavy rain. And pro tip: don't even *think* about tackling this route solo.

Starting from Colalao del Valle, the climb is about 43 km with an average gradient of 4.2%. If you are coming from San Pedro de Colalao, get ready for a 51 km grind at a 5.6% gradient. Basically, get ready for a steep climb with some seriously stunning scenery to make up for it!

Where is it?

A hairpinned crazy road to Paso de Lara is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -37.8376, -66.0362

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
100 km
Max Elevation
3,625 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-37.8376, -66.0362

Related Roads in south-america

Laguna Saladahard

Laguna Salada

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Bolivia's Sur Lípez Province, nestled within the otherworldly Salvador Dalí Desert, lies Laguna Salada. This isn't your average scenic overlook - we're talking a high-altitude salt lake experience at a whopping 4,407 meters (that's 14,458 feet!). The road in? Think gravel and sand, baby. This track can get seriously muddy and slick after a good rain, turning your drive into a proper challenge. If a storm rolls through, be warned: even a 4x4 might not save you. But oh, the views! Seriously, the wild landscape and the shimmering lake are absolutely worth the effort, making this a must-do for any off-the-beaten-path enthusiast. Just be prepared for an *adventure*.

Where is Abra Negro Bueno?easy

Where is Abra Negro Bueno?

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Negro Bueno! This high-altitude pass punches a hole high in the central Peruvian Andes, teetering somewhere way up there. You’ll find it straddling the Junín and Lima regions—basically the middle of nowhere in the best way possible. Now, about the road... it's part of a bigger route, but don't expect a Sunday drive. We're talking a minefield of potholes that could swallow a small car whole (seriously, night driving? Forget about it). This leg of the journey stretches for a bit, weaving its way through hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. But hey, with scenery like this, who's complaining? Just take it slow, watch out for those axle-breakers, and get ready for some seriously stunning views. Trust me, the bragging rights alone are worth the bumpy ride!

Where is Salar de Uyuni?moderate

Where is Salar de Uyuni?

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Ever dreamt of driving across a seemingly endless expanse of blinding white? Then buckle up and head to Salar de Uyuni in southwest Bolivia! This place is seriously unreal. Imagine a 10,500 square kilometer salt flat, the biggest on the planet, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains. It’s like driving on a frozen ocean...except it's salt! Your destination? Isla Incahuasi, or "house of the Inca." This island is smack-dab in the middle of the salt flat. The "road" to get there? Well, it's pure, unadulterated salt. It's a bumpy ride, but trust me, the views are worth every jostle. Keep in mind that this isn't your typical road trip. We're talking basic conditions and cold weather. Accommodation is in simple refuges. But the otherworldly scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just a heads-up: when the rainy season hits and the salt flat floods, Isla Incahuasi becomes off-limits. So, plan accordingly and prepare for an adventure you won't soon forget!

Faro Cabo Blancomoderate

Faro Cabo Blanco

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna visit Argentina's oldest lighthouse? Head to Santa Cruz Province and the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve! You'll be cruising down Ruta Provincial 91, a 33.3 km "ripio" (gravel) road that kicks off from Ruta Provincial 14 and leads straight to the iconic Cabo Blanco lighthouse. Word to the wise: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart! The weather here is seriously unpredictable, thanks to the semi-arid climate and crazy winds. Trust me, stick to that 60km/hour speed limit – a cracked windshield or flat tire will totally harsh your vibe. The gravel can get super loose, especially on the sides, and things get muddy and slippery after it rains. The lighthouse itself sits on a rocky headland at the end of Route 91, towering 67 meters (220 ft) high. The good news? The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife in their natural habitat. While a high-clearance 2WD can technically handle the dry, straight stretches at low speeds, I highly recommend renting a 4x4. It'll make the ride way more comfortable and minimize your chances of getting stuck!