
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 the Wild Unpaved Road to Abra Culipampa in Apurimac
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Culipampa, a seriously high mountain pass nestled in the ApurÃmac region of Peru! We're talking a lung-busting 4,834 meters (that's 15,859 feet!) above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Located in southern Peru, the 98km (61-mile) stretch, also known as Carretera 111, winds its way north-south from Antabamba (Antapampa) towards the Arequipa border. Now, here's the kicker: it's entirely unpaved. Some sections are decent, but others are sandy, so a high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet. Keep in mind this is a mining road, so you'll be sharing the road with trucks. But hey, the views are worth it! Think stunning lakes and majestic volcanoes lining your path. Just be prepared to share the road with those hard-working mining trucks as you soak it all in.
hardThe road to Cotopaxi Refuge is not for timid drivers
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you’re itching for a high-altitude thrill ride in Ecuador, you HAVE to check out the road to Refugio José Rivas on Cotopaxi volcano! This epic spot sits at a staggering 4,639m (15,219ft), putting it way up there in the "highest roads in Ecuador" category. Located about 50 km (31 mi) south of Quito, nestled in the majestic Andes, the road to the "Refugio Cotopaxi," as the locals call it, is pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking a bumpy, gravel track that's been seriously roughed up by rain. Expect dust clouds in dry weather and a muddy slip-n-slide when it's wet. This road climbs to the parking lot for the refuge. Perched high on the northern slopes of Volcán Cotopaxi, Ecuador's second-highest volcano, inside Cotopaxi National Park, the views are absolutely unreal. On a clear day, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the volcano's iconic cone shape. This refuge sleeps 86 people, and you'll be in the shadow of an active volcano that’s erupted over 50 times since 1738! Be prepared for altitude sickness. Now, a word of warning: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The weather can be a real wildcard with wind and thunderstorms. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a 4WD with high clearance is a must. The thin air at this altitude can rob your engine of power, so make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ready for a challenge. Starting at OvejerÃa, the ascent is 8.2 km (5.09 miles) long with some serious inclines – we're talking gradients of up to 14% in places! Over this distance, you’ll climb 763 meters. Get ready for an unforgettable, if somewhat hair-raising, journey!
moderateWhy is it called Piedra del Molino?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, because Piedra del Molino in Salta, Argentina is a wild ride you won't soon forget! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a staggering 3,367m (11,046ft) above sea level. You'll find it snaking through the central-western part of the Salta province. Ever wonder about the name? "Piedra del Molino" translates to "Millstone," and legend has it that a huge granite grinding stone was abandoned here way back in 1927. Talk about a roadside attraction! This adventure lies within Los Cardones National Park, and the road itself, Ruta Provincial 33, is mostly paved. Don't let that fool you though – it's a winding beast also known as Cuesta del Obispo, a name that hints at the challenging path ahead. Stretching for 105 km (65 miles) between Payogasta and El Carril, this drive is not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, steep climbs, and some serious drop-offs that might have your stomach doing somersaults. But oh, is it worth it! Just before the summit, there's a breathtaking lookout point where you can see the snaking road and Quebrada del Escoipe spread out before you. The summit itself has a tiny chapel dedicated to St. Rafael, a perfect spot for a moment of reflection after that epic drive.
extremeThe Wild Road to Abra Huayraccasa
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra Huayraccasa! This epic mountain pass, also known as Wayra Q'asa, punches a hole through the Peruvian Andes at a whopping 4,971m (16,309ft). Forget those inflated claims you might see online – this is the REAL deal. Find it in the Huancavelica region of central Peru, accessible via the HV-115. This isn't your Sunday drive – the entire 63.2km (39.27 miles) stretch from the 28D road to Lircay is unpaved and seriously challenging. Give yourself 3-4 hours to conquer it, and be warned: rain and snow turn this into a beast. It's near Abra Chonta, so you know you're in high-altitude territory, where winter temps can plummet to -30°C! The road is mainly dirt, full of potholes, and winding hairpin turns, and sheer drops are constant companions. This one's for experienced drivers only, but the reward? Jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains that'll stay with you forever!