Antiguo Puente de Pailón is a challenging bridge in Bolivia
Bolivia, south-america
1.4 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: You're in Bolivia, near the little town of Pailón, and you stumble upon what *was* one of the coolest bridges ever! I'm talking about the old Pailón bridge, a wooden wonder stretching almost a mile (1.4km) across the Río Grande. Built way back in the 1950s, it was this super rickety, single-lane affair where trains ALWAYS had the right-of-way. Can you imagine?! Sadly, it's been replaced by a shiny new bridge right next to it, so the old one is out of commission now. Still, what a sight it must have been!
Now, buckle up for a wild ride on El Angosto, deep in the Andes. This isn't your average scenic route; it's known as one of the world's most treacherous roads, heading towards the Salar de Ollague Pass. Get ready for some serious elevation and heart-stopping views – if you dare to look!
Where is it?
Antiguo Puente de Pailón is a challenging bridge in Bolivia is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -17.3950, -64.6490
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 1.4 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -17.3950, -64.6490
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow To Travel The Steep SC-370 Road To Serra do Corvo Branco
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Altos Corvo Branco in Santa Catarina, Brazil! This isn't just a road; it's an experience. Picture this: you're carving through the Serra do Corvo Branco (White Crow's Mountain), a stunning range in southern Brazil. SC-370, or Estrada da Serra do Corvo Branco, is mostly paved and stretches 67km (41 miles) from Braço do Norte to Urubici, linking the south of Santa Catarina to the Planalto Catarinense. Trust me, this is NOT a Sunday drive! Those final 1.6km are intense, with 30% inclines and five hairpin turns that'll test your skills. Expect countless turns, narrow stretches, and steep drops as you climb to 1,245m (4,084ft). The views? Unforgettable, with panoramic vistas around every corner. Just remember: low gears are your friend! Tight curves and viewpoints await at every bend, but watch out – rain or fog make this route seriously dicey. Leave the buses and big rigs at home for this one!
extremePuente Mal Paso: The Historic Icon of the Escoipe Gorge
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Northwest Argentina, Salta province to be exact, and BAM! You hit Puente Mal Paso, a seriously cool historic bridge. Think of it as the ultimate entrance to the legendary RP33, the road that winds its way up to Cuesta del Obispo and the dreamy Calchaquí Valleys. Trust me, this bridge is epic. Nestled in the Quebrada de Escoipe, this bridge is surrounded by dramatic reddish rock formations. It's located on Provincial Route 33 (RP33). While the fancy new road now swooshes right next to it, the original bridge is still standing proud, ready for its close-up. "Mal Paso" literally means "Bad Pass", and back in the day, it lived up to its name. Imagine horse-drawn carriages and mule teams trying to navigate this narrow gorge – river crossings were a nightmare, and the steep terrain made it super treacherous. These days, you won't actually drive *over* the old Puente Mal Paso when you're heading from Salta to Cachi. They built a wider road right alongside it for safety and smoother traffic. But the old bridge? Total photo op. The rugged structure against those red mountains? Insta-gold. Even though the modern road bypasses the bridge itself, the drive through the gorge is still a bit of an adventure. The road is paved, but it's narrow, with towering cliffs on one side and the Escoipe River on the other. And watch out during the summer months (December to March) – flash floods can still make "Mal Paso" live up to its reputation.
moderateA paved road to Pino Hachado Pass in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Paso Pino Hachado! This international border crossing between Argentina and Chile clocks in at a cool 6,190 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled in the southern Andes, connecting Llancacura, Chile, to Las Lajas, Argentina. The good news is, you’ll be cruising on smooth pavement the entire 43-mile stretch – that’s RN-22 on the Argentinian side and 181-CH when you're in Chile. Just remember, this route is only open from December to May, so plan your trip accordingly. And be sure to factor in time for customs and immigration on both sides of the border. Get ready for some seriously stunning mountain views!
moderateWhere is Caldera La Pacana?
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for a wild ride to Caldera La Pacana, a mind-blowing volcanic caldera chilling way up in the Chilean Andes. We're talking seriously high altitude here, so be prepared to be breathless – both from the views and the thin air! You'll find this gem nestled in the eastern reaches of the Atacama Desert, not far from the Salar de Aguas Calientes. Now, heads up: the road to the top is all dirt, baby! This ain't your Sunday drive. It’s a route that demands respect, surrounded by stark, remote beauty that'll make you feel like you're on another planet. Brace yourself for some tough conditions out there. The road stretches out for quite a distance, with the altitude climbing steadily. Expect some steep sections along the way. This road, located at one of the lowest passes of the Andes, is sensational!