Crossing the old and precarious Puente Negro
Colombia, south-america
20.7 km
91 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Santander, Colombia, heading from El Conchal to Barcelona. Forget smooth highways, you're in for an *adventure*! This "road," a 20.7km (12.86 miles) stretch running west to east, features the infamous Puente Negro—the Black Bridge. This isn't your average overpass, friends. We're talking a narrow, rickety wooden bridge, a relic of the old Tren de Bucaramanga railway (think 1870s!), suspended high above the Lebrija River. We're talking a gut-wrenching 300ft drop!
Now, officially, this thing is closed to *everything*: cars, bikes, horses, even feet. But reality bites, and locals (and adventurous travelers!) still risk it, navigating the narrow path, because, well, sometimes you gotta get from point A to point B. Just a heads-up, don't bring anything too heavy. And maybe say a little prayer before you go. The scenery, though? Absolutely breathtaking.
Where is it?
Crossing the old and precarious Puente Negro is located in Colombia (south-america). Coordinates: 3.5515, -73.4004
Road Details
- Country
- Colombia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 20.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 91 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 3.5515, -73.4004
Related Roads in south-america
hardTravel guide to the top of Abra del Infiernillo
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra del Infiernillo, a mountain pass that'll steal your breath (literally, it's high!). We're talking about the highest point in Tucumán, Argentina, clocking in at a cool 3,056 meters (10,026 feet). Find this gem nestled in the Calchaquí Valleys of northwestern Argentina, in Tucumán province. It's basically the VIP entrance to the Cumbres Calchaquíes Provincial Park. Up top at Infiernillo, you'll find a buzzing scene: a communication tower, a quirky restaurant with llamas (yes, llamas!), a spacious parking lot, and the Mirador El Infiernillo, a viewpoint that’s straight-up postcard material. Pro tip: pack layers! Expect wind, clouds, and maybe a sprinkle of rain. Now, the road – RP307 – is a wild ride. Mostly paved, but it's seen better days, so watch out for potholes and gravel. Think narrow sections, hairpin turns galore, and enough twists to make you dizzy (in a good way, of course!). This epic 53.4 km (33-mile) stretch runs north-south, linking Amaicha del Valle (near Tafí del Valle) to the town of Tafí del Valle. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
hard32 hairpin turns to the summit of Pampa Huilacollo
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a truly epic plateau in the Peruvian Andes? Then Pampa Huilacollo is calling your name! Nestled way up high in the Moquegua Region, this beauty sits at a whopping 4,625 meters (that's 15,173 feet!) above sea level. Forget smooth sailing, though. The R-42 road is all dirt, all the way to the top. Seriously, you NEED a 4x4 for this one; it's steep! Starting from the quaint town of Muylaque (already at a decent 3,180 meters), you'll tackle 12.6 kilometers of winding, unpaved heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). Get ready for a serious workout on the steering wheel because you'll be navigating 32 hairpin turns as you climb 1,445 meters. The road averages out to an 11.46% gradient, so hold on tight! The scenery? Unforgettable. The challenge? Immense. Are you ready?
hardHow to drive the challenging 4x4 road to Quiscapampa in the Andes?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled one of the highest roads in Peru, and it's a beast – Quiscapampa, clocking in at a whopping 17,555 feet! You’ll find this bad boy chilling in the Castilla Province, specifically in the Chachas District. We're talking remote Arequipa Region, deep in the southern part of Peru. Now, let’s be clear: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, so 4x4 is a MUST. It’s actually a mining road still in use for the Paula Mine. The 14-mile (23km) route winds its way from Anchaca to Chuañuma, near the Marhuas volcano, offering insane views of the Andes’ Chila range. Just prepare yourself for some seriously extreme cold temps!
extremeHow to drive the challenging Ruta Nacional 25 in the Andes?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Route 25 in Bolivia is calling your name! This insane drive punches right through the Andes, staying way up high above 2,500 meters the whole time. Think of it as Death Road's wilder, less-famous cousin. You'll be cruising from the Andes all the way to the edge of the Amazon, linking Cochabamba (the "City of Eternal Spring") at 2,560m up to Unduavi in La Paz, even higher at 3,327m. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive; we're talking 460 km (285 miles) of mostly unpaved road, complete with crazy narrow sections and river crossings. Imagine endless twists, turns, constant ups and downs—you'll need your A-game driving skills. Seriously, don't even think about tackling this at night or when you can't see clearly unless you know the road like the back of your hand. Rain can wash things out in a heartbeat, and landslides are a real possibility. Get ready for hairpin turns galore, and don't expect much traffic out there. And a word to the wise: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe skip the big meal before you go.