
Cerro Blanco
Argentina, south-america
96.3 km
5,161 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cerro Blanco in the wild Argentinian Andes! We're talking about a whopping 4,174 meters (13,694 feet) above sea level in the Catamarca Province.
The road in? Pure sand, baby! This isn't a Sunday drive; you NEED a 4x4. You'll kick things off from Ruta Provincial 43 and grind it out for 96.3 km. Cerro Blanco sits pretty on the Robledo caldera's southern edge, surrounded by cool pumice deposits.
Heads up: this track gets seriously muddy and slick after rain. Like, "maybe impassable even with 4x4" kind of slick. And since you're out in the boonies, be prepped for anything. Expect a high desert climate, scorching sun, and super dry conditions. But the views? Totally worth it.
Where is it?
Cerro Blanco is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -36.4154, -65.9571
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 96.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,161 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -36.4154, -65.9571
Related Roads in south-america
moderateDriving through the straight Ruta Provincial 26 in La Pampa
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Argentina's La Pampa province, ready to tackle Ruta Provincial 26 (RP26). This isn't just any road trip; it's a straight-shot adventure! This unpaved beauty stretches for 139km (86 miles) through the central part of the country, and get this: you won't hit a single turn for a whopping 133km (82 miles)! Yep, it's one of the longest straight roads on the planet. RP26 runs east-west, connecting Veinticinco de Mayo to El Once, offering a handy shortcut between Ruta Provincial 34 and Ruta Provincial 107. The road surface is unpaved, but usually well-maintained. Get ready for some wide-open Pampas scenery, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. This is pure Argentinian adventure at its finest!
moderateRoad 110
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Carretera 110 in northern Peru is calling your name! This isn't just a drive; it's a white-knuckle, heart-pumping, OMG-the-views-are-insane kind of experience. Clocking in at 39 kilometers, this gravel road connects the cozy town of Tingo (at 1,950 meters) with the vibrant city of Chachapoyas (at 2,235 meters). Think switchbacks, hairpin turns, and constant elevation changes. Up, down, left, right – it never stops! Speaking of elevation, hold onto your hats, because this route features some serious drop-offs. If you've got passengers who are afraid of heights, maybe give them a heads-up (or Dramamine!). One wrong move could have some serious consequences, so stay focused and drive smart. But hey, the breathtaking scenery is totally worth it!
hardHow to Get to Chiquian by Car?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, so you're headed to Chiquián, a cool little mountain town way up in the Peruvian Andes! We're talking serious altitude here, like 11,187 feet above sea level! You'll find it nestled in the Ancash Region, practically the heart of western Peru. Getting there is part of the adventure. The road, called Carretera a Chiquián, is paved, which is good news, but hold on tight because it's a wild ride! Think twelve hairpin turns twisting up the mountainside, some sections are seriously steep, with gradients hitting 9%. You'll climb to a breathtaking 13,959 feet at the highest point. Keep your eyes peeled for rock slides though, they're a real possibility. The whole trip from the 3N road to Chiquián is only about 10.4 miles, but in that short distance, you'll climb almost 2,800 feet! That’s an average gradient of just over 5%. The views alone are worth the white-knuckle driving!
extremeDriving to Casiri Hembra and Macho: High-altitude lagoons in the Chilean Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Want an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Head to the Arica and Parinacota Region of Chile, near the Bolivian border, and discover Laguna Casiri Hembra and Laguna Casiri Macho! This is one of the highest drives in Chile, snaking through a dramatic volcanic landscape. Your journey starts in the tiny village of Caquena. From there, the unpaved track stretches for about 16 km, steadily climbing toward the high plateau. Get ready to gain some serious altitude – we're talking about a 540-meter climb! You'll end up at the shores of the lakes: Laguna Casiri Hembra (4,825m) and Laguna Casiri Macho (4,856m). Now, let's talk road conditions. Forget smooth asphalt! This is a bumpy, gravelly, volcanic rock affair. Expect a "tippy" ride with some seriously steep bits thrown in. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! If you're not a seasoned off-roader, this might be one to skip. At nearly 4,900 meters, the altitude will definitely make itself known – to both you and your engine! Snow usually makes the road impassable in winter. And those summer thunderstorms? They can turn the dry gravel into a muddy nightmare in minutes, making the road dangerous or even impossible to navigate. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think stunning volcanoes, jagged rocky peaks, and Laguna Casiri Macho's unique underwater algae garden. Even with the harsh conditions, you'll find plenty of mosquitoes along the lagoon edges, framed by ancient volcanic rock. This is a remote spot, so come prepared! Make sure your vehicle is in top shape, pack extra supplies, and be ready to be self-sufficient. The road is narrow and winding, with sharp turns that demand your full attention – especially when navigating those rocky embankments at such a high elevation.