A wild road to Cerro Rico, the silver mountain that eats men
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
4,760 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cerro Rico, the "Rich Mountain" of Bolivia! This iconic, cone-shaped peak, also called Cerro Potosí, sits way up high in the Andes, clocking in at a staggering 15,616 feet above sea level.
Okay, a bit of history: this mountain is legendary for its massive silver deposits that fueled the Spanish Empire back in the day. Imagine, the world's largest industrial complex in the 16th century! Today, it's still mined for zinc, tin, tungsten, lead, copper, and even a little silver.
Now, getting to the top is where the adventure really kicks in. The road is completely unpaved, twisting and turning with hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. And hold on tight, because some sections are incredibly steep, with gradients reaching a maximum of 15%! Be warned, though, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Due to extensive mining over centuries, the mountain is unstable and riddled with tunnels, making it a potentially hazardous climb. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep your eyes on the road – you'll need them!
Where is it?
A wild road to Cerro Rico, the silver mountain that eats men is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -17.2088, -63.6606
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,760 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -17.2088, -63.6606
Related Roads in south-america
extremeLaguna de Choclococha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Route 28D in Peru, headed towards Laguna de Choclococha. This isn't just any lake; it's perched way up at 4,529 meters (that's a staggering 14,858 feet!), so you know the views are going to be epic. The road itself? Asphalted, thankfully. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a breeze. Being so high up in the Castrovirreyna province means you need to be ready for anything. We're talking sudden snow closures, thick, spooky mists that roll in without warning, and the occasional avalanche or landslide throwing a wrench in your plans. Plus, ice patches are common, so drive smart! And let's not forget the altitude! The climb is seriously steep, and the air gets thin quickly. Most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you even reach the lake. Just be prepared for a bit of a struggle as your body adjusts to the lack of oxygen. But trust me, those panoramic views are totally worth it!
hardDriving the defiant Ruta Provincial A in the Province of Tierra del Fuego
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the very bottom of Argentina, in Tierra del Fuego, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial A. This isn't your average highway cruise. We're talking 91km (56 miles) of pure, unadulterated 'ripio' – that's gravel to us gringos. It's generally in good shape, but trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. It'll make things way comfier and keep you out of trouble, especially on those narrow sections. Just remember that the last 22km are closed off by a barrier at the Irigoyen River. Seriously, this place is REMOTE. Think way, way off the grid. Pack everything you need because you won't find a Starbucks out here. The reward? Insane views and a chance to spot massive marine creatures doing their thing. Just be prepared for anything weather-wise – this semi-arid zone throws curveballs, and the wind can be intense! The route begins at Ruta Nacional 3 and is a proper bucket-list experience.
hardCerro Tololo
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Cerro Tololo, a mountain pass that punches through the foothills of the Andes in Chile's Coquimbo Region. We're talking serious altitude here – 2,207 meters (7,241 feet) above sea level! The road's a bit of a mix. Think well-maintained gravel most of the way, but the final stretch to the top? That's smooth asphalt, and it's a steep climb! Trust me, your engine will know it's working. The reward? An incredible view, and a chance to check out the super cool NOAO telescopes perched at the summit.
hardWhat’s the world’s highest ski resort?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Ruta Chacaltaya in Bolivia! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 9.6 km (5.96 miles) unpaved climb starting near Ingenio, hauling you up 635 meters to a staggering 5,260m (17,257ft) above sea level. Yeah, you'll need a 4x4 – and maybe a bit of courage because this baby gets steep, like up to 14% steep! The road's narrow, a little rough, and those drop-offs? Let's just say they add some "spice" to the journey. What awaits you at the top? The remains of what was once the world's highest ski resort. Snow's gone now thanks to climate change, but the views are unreal. Seriously, the panoramas of Huayna Potosi, Mururata, and Illimani are incredible, not to mention the sprawling views of La Paz and El Alto. If you squint hard enough, you might even catch a glimpse of Lake Titicaca in the distance. And if you're feeling extra energetic, hike another 100 meters to the actual summit. Plus, for the science nerds, there's a gamma-ray research lab up there! Is it worth the white-knuckle drive? Absolutely!