A salt road to Isla Incahuasi in the middle of Salar de Uyuni
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
3,656 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising across the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, a mind-blowing, 10,500 square kilometer sea of salt in the Potosí Department, practically on the crest of the Andes at a whopping 3,656m (11,995ft) above sea level. It's like driving on a giant, untouched snowfield, except it's all salt!
You're heading to Isla Incahuasi, which translates to "house of the Inca" – a rocky island smack-dab in the middle of this surreal landscape. The "road" itself? Pure, unadulterated salt. Seriously, it's like driving on another planet.
Now, be warned, this isn't a luxury trip. Think basic refuges for accommodation and seriously chilly weather, especially at night. And remember, during the wet season when the salt flat floods, Isla Incahuasi becomes an actual island and is totally inaccessible. But trust me, the otherworldly scenery and the sheer scale of it all make it an adventure you'll never forget. It's harsh, it's basic, but it's absolutely worth it.
Where is it?
A salt road to Isla Incahuasi in the middle of Salar de Uyuni is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.6313, -61.5488
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,656 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -16.6313, -61.5488
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow long is the Death Road in Bolivia?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're in Bolivia, heart pounding, about to tackle the infamous "Death Road," or as the locals call it, *Camino de las Yungas*. This legendary dirt track stretches for about 36.4 km (22.61 miles) between La Paz and Coroico, snaking through the lush, jungly Yungas region. While a newer highway has taken some of the traffic, this route is still a wild ride. You'll climb over 3,151m (10,337ft), the road twisting along with insane canyon views that will make your stomach flip. Historically, this road earned its name for a reason. Sadly, an estimated 200-300 people perished on it each year. Numerous vehicles plunged over the edge, a drop of up to 1,000 meters, and roadside memorials serve as somber reminders. One especially tragic accident occurred in 1983, when a bus went over, killing more than 100. Now, get this: even though Bolivia drives on the right, on this road, you stick to the *left*! It's a quirky but crucial survival tactic – the driver on the left has a better view of the cliff edge. Vehicles heading *down* the road always yield to those going up, a dance of slow negotiation on a narrow, rocky path that's often shrouded in mist and cascading waterfalls. Over the years, countless vehicles have miscalculated and tumbled over the edge. It's a nerve-wracking experience to say the least! The road's narrow – barely wide enough for a single vehicle – and lacks guardrails, leaving you vulnerable to those massive drops. Add rain to the mix, and you've got a slippery, muddy mess. Fog can completely blind you. Despite the dangers, the Death Road has become a popular spot for adrenaline junkies. Since the 90's, thrill-seekers flock here, but it's important to remember that the road still demands respect; there have been accidents since it became a tourist destination. Meeting a truck on the road is a "who blinks first" scenario, forcing someone to reverse on loose dirt. If you decide to tackle it, stick to the outer edge (the left), and definitely avoid it after heavy rain. Also in the area, the Chulumani Road, is considered almost as dangerous and is full of tight hairpins. Oh, and before you go, some say that the D915 in Turkey is the new king of dangerous roads. It lacks tourist infrastructure, making it a raw and rugged mountain pass. Just something to consider if you're always up for a challenge!
extremeRoad Varvarco-Barrancas
🇦🇷 Argentina
Hey adventure junkies! Wanna tackle a real beast in Patagonia? Ruta Provincial 54 and Ruta Provincial 53 link Varvarco and Barrancas in Neuquén Province, Argentina, near the Chilean border, and it’s a wild 233 km gravel ride. Forget your sedan – this baby demands a 4x4! Seriously, the gravel's loose, especially on the edges. You'll be crisscrossing rivers like Rio La Crianza, Rio de Los Chenques, Rio Neuquen, Rio Barrancas, Río Buta Mallín, and Rio Colorado, so be ready to get wet. The scenery is stark, arid, and unbelievably beautiful in its desolation. Expect some serious climbs; this road is STEEP! You'll reach a dizzying 2,825m above sea level, near Laguna Cari Lauquen. This lake has a tragic history; a dam collapse in 1914 lowered the water level dramatically, and caused hundreds of deaths. So, while you're soaking in the views, remember the past. Get ready for an epic Patagonian adventure!
extremeWhere is the road to Cerro Juquel?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Located in the remote Potosí Department of southwestern Bolivia, is a high mountain peak reaching an elevation of above sea level. This peak is a landmark in the desolate Andean landscape, known for its technical access road that serves a communication tower at the summit and offers some of the most dramatic views of the surrounding salt flats and volcanic terrain. Road facts: Cerro Juquel Potosí Department, Bolivia Where is the road to Cerro Juquel? The road starts from the vicinity of the Hostal De Sal La Escondida , a typical salt-constructed lodging in the Altiplano. From there, the track strikes upward into the dry, rocky mountainside of the Potosí region. This is a land of extreme isolation where the geography is defined by volcanic minerals and thin air. The ascent is 9.01 km (5.60 miles) long , and as you climb, the ground becomes increasingly loose and technical. This is definitely not a place to explore if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Is the road to Cerro Juquel unpaved? Yes, the road to the summit is and consists of a narrow, rocky track that demands a 19 sharp hairpin turns that snake up the mountain’s flank. These switchbacks are tight and often have significant drop-offs, so stay away if you're scared of heights. The surface is composed of high-altitude gravel and volcanic soil which can lose its grip easily, especially on the ramps where the 9.5% gradient forces the engine to work at its limit while fighting for traction. How challenging is the climb to Cerro Juquel? The challenge of Cerro Juquel lies in the combination of steepness and altitude . Over the 9 km course, you will tackle an elevation gain of 856 meters , resulting in a relentless average gradient of 9.5% . At over 4,600 meters, your vehicle's engine will struggle with the lack of oxygen, potentially losing a significant portion of its power. Low-range gearing is essential to maintain a steady pace through the hairpins. The communication tower at the top serves as a final waypoint, but the true reward is the panoramic view of the desolate Potosí wilderness that few travelers ever get to see. What are the weather hazards at Cerro Juquel? The weather in the Bolivian southwest is harsh and unpredictable . Even in the dry season, high winds are a constant factor at the summit, which can make steering a high-profile vehicle tricky on the exposed hairpins. Temperature drops are rapid as soon as the sun goes down, often falling well below freezing. If you encounter any moisture, the volcanic dust can turn into a slippery paste, making the 9.5% grade a dangerous slide. Always check local conditions and ensure you are carrying recovery gear, extra fuel, and warm clothing before leaving the salt plains behind. How to drive to Laguna Casiri Hembra and Casiri Macho? Luribay winding road is an epic drive in Bolivia Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeCan you drive to Machu Picchu?
🇵🇪 Peru
So, you wanna hit up Machu Picchu? Buckle up, because the road there is an adventure in itself! We're talking about the Carretera a Machu Picchu, or as some call it, the Hiram Bingham Highway. This isn't your typical smooth ride, though. Imagine a totally unpaved, zigzagging road snaking its way up to the historic site. Only authorized vehicles are allowed, so hop on a bus in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). This little town, nestled at the foot of the mountain, is worth a visit, with hotels, restaurants, and natural hot springs (yep, that's where the name comes from!). The road climbs a solid 8.9km (5.53 miles) to Machu Picchu. Don't let the term "highway" fool you – it's more like a rollercoaster built into the side of a mountain. Expect a thrilling series of 14 hairpin turns that are super narrow and steep, with gradients hitting a maximum of 27%! Talk about a climb! It's definitely not for the faint of heart. Picture this: two buses meeting on one of these tight turns. One has to reverse uphill just to find a spot wide enough for them to squeeze past each other. You'll be gripping the armrest, but the views along the way are incredible. The road also crosses a bridge over the Vilcanota River. The Hiram Bingham Highway isn't just a road; it's an experience, a rite of passage before you even set foot in Machu Picchu. Get ready for a wild ride!