
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 Sadly, it's been replaced by a shiny new bridge right next to it, so the old one is out of commission now.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
extremeRoad 38
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Carretera 38 in Peru! This wild ride snakes through the Andes, straddling the Tacna and Puno regions near the Bolivian border. We're talking serious altitude here – you'll be cruising entirely above 3,200m! Forget smooth asphalt, this 74km stretch is a mix of gravel and sand, and when it rains? Impassable. No guardrails to be found, just jaw-dropping drops as you hug the mountainside inside the Vilacota Maure Regional Conservation Area. You'll connect the town of Tarata (3,120m) to Challapalca (4,277m). Speaking of Challapalca, this route is the main artery to its infamous prison, known for its harsh conditions. But the real challenge is the road itself: oxygen is thin, and the steepness is relentless. Prepare for altitude sickness! And those hairpin turns? Over 50 of them! This whole area is known as the "Siberia of Peru" for a reason: it is wild, desolate, and incredibly beautiful.
hardWhere is Abra de la Santa Cruz and what is the road name?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Abra de la Santa Cruz is calling your name! Deep in the Andes of Northern Argentina, this high-altitude pass straddles the line between Jujuy and Salta provinces, offering views that will absolutely blow your mind. You'll find yourself at a staggering 4,597 meters (that's over 15,000 feet!), so be prepared for some serious altitude. We're talking Ruta Provincial 13A – about 46 kilometers (28 miles) of pure, unadulterated mountain road in Salta Province. Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The whole stretch is challenging, twisting and turning as it conquers the Andes. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically essential. Expect loose gravel, rocky patches, and an overall rugged experience. Important tip: Altitude sickness (Soroche) is a very real thing up here, so take it seriously. Also, you are out there. Services are few and far between, so pack extra water, fuel, and a solid medical kit. And always, always check the weather – those mountain conditions can change on a dime. Basically, Abra de la Santa Cruz is a high-altitude trek offering views of the Andes mountains, but make sure you are prepared.
extremeWhat is the route from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta?
🇵🇪 Peru
The road connecting Yungay Pampa and Mirasanta is a challenging mountain drive located in the Huaylas Province, within the Ancash Region of Peru. Situated inside the Huascaran National Park, this unpaved route offers breathtaking views and a technical driving experience through the heart of the Andes. Road facts: Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta Huaylas Province, Peru What is the route from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta? The road runs in a south-north direction, covering a total distance of . It serves as a vital but rugged link in the Ancash Region, climbing through steep terrain where the landscape changes rapidly as you gain altitude within the Huascaran National Park. Is the road to Mirasanta paved? No, the entire road is unpaved, consisting mostly of gravel and dirt. The track is notorious for its narrow sections, often scarcely wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other. In many parts, there are significant drop-offs of hundreds of meters without any guardrails, requiring total focus from the driver. How many hairpin turns are on the road? The ascent is highly technical, featuring more than 20 sharp hairpin turns . These switchbacks are necessary to overcome the steep slopes of the Peruvian Andes, making it a demanding drive that tests both steering precision and vehicle reliability. What is the elevation gain on this drive? Starting from Yungay Pampa, the road climbs steadily to reach an elevation of above sea level. This involves a total elevation gain of over the 22.2 km course, resulting in several very steep sections that are common in high-altitude mountain passes. Is a 4x4 vehicle required for the Yungay Pampa road? A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for this journey. The combination of loose gravel, steep gradients, and narrow passages makes it unsuitable for standard cars. Additionally, the area is known for its unpredictable weather, which can quickly turn the unpaved surface into a slippery and hazardous track. What should drivers consider before starting? Due to the narrowness of the road, drivers must be experienced in mountain driving and comfortable with reversing on winding paths if they encounter oncoming traffic. It is essential to check vehicle conditions before departure, as the route passes through remote areas with no immediate facilities or assistance. Punta Caudalosa Chica 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.
hardMirador Via Principal
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Ecuadorian Andes, heading towards a spot called Mirador Via Principal Parque Nacional Cajas. This isn't your average scenic overlook – we're talking a staggering 3,807 meters (12,490 feet) above sea level! You'll be on the Vía Colectora Cuenca-Puerto Inca (E582), which connects Guayaquil with Cuenca. The road itself is concrete and in decent condition, but get ready for a climb! It's seriously steep with plenty of hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Keep in mind, the weather here is no joke. Fog, rain, and mist are common, and it can get pretty chilly. The afternoons especially tend to get rainy in Cajas, so plan accordingly. But trust me, if you catch it on a clear day, the views are totally worth it!