
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
extremeDon Mario and Punta Pumacocha: The grueling 42km 4x4 crossing in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a wild ride through the Peruvian Andes! We're talking about a 42km stretch between Lima and Junin that'll test your off-roading mettle. Forget leisurely drives; this is a high-altitude mining route, and you'll be flirting with the 5,000-meter mark as you conquer Don Mario Pass and Punta Pumacocha. Starting near Huancapallca and winding east toward the JU-110 Road, this isn't your average scenic detour. We're talking jagged peaks, desolate plateaus, and valleys bursting with minerals. The road itself? Think rugged, unpaved, and ready to throw surprises at you. First up, Don Mario Pass (4,739m). The climb out of the mine area is steep, often muddy, and slick – traction is your new best friend. Once you hit the plateau, the gradient eases, but the altitude? Not so forgiving! Your engine will be screaming for air, and you might feel a bit lightheaded yourself. But the real fun begins as you ascend to Punta Pumacocha (4,990m). The last few kilometers are seriously hardcore. Imagine a gravel road, a relentless 10.5% average gradient, and that delicious lack of oxygen. Low range is your only friend here. Oh, and if you're scared of heights, prepare for a serious mental game. The drops are vertical, and the track is narrow. Of course, Mother Nature loves to keep things interesting. The weather is brutally unpredictable, and a single rainfall can turn the road into a mud bath. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides? Just part of the experience. And don't even think about tackling this in winter without being ready for ice. Finally, altitude sickness (soroche) is a real risk. So pack your extra fuel, oxygen, emergency thermal gear, and your A-game, because you're going to need it!
hardHow to get by car to Termas Valle de Colina natural pools?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled high in the Chilean Andes, just outside of Santiago, lies the Termas Valle de Colina – a series of nine natural hot spring pools perched at a cool 8,200 feet. We're talking seriously stunning views of snow-dusted peaks while you soak in mineral-rich water that can reach a balmy 122°F! You might also hear it called Baños Colina or Termas Lo Valdes. Now, getting there is part of the fun. You’ll cruise along Camino Al Volcán (Ruta G-25), a 47-mile journey from Santiago heading towards Argentina. Think winding roads alongside a rushing river, slowly climbing into the mountains. The pavement ends at Baños Morales, and the final 6 miles get a little wild – think rocky, unpaved terrain. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one; leave the sedan at home. The road is steep in sections, so be prepared for some thrilling climbs. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a 2-mile hike at the end of the road to the San José Volcano viewpoint. Word to the wise: this road is NOT your friend in bad weather. Even in summer, things can get chilly, especially at night, and the weather can swing from sunshine to mist in a heartbeat. Winter? Forget about it. The road's usually snowed in. But if you time it right, this trip is an absolute MUST for any road trip enthusiast!
moderateAbra Turpo
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I just tackled Abra Turpo, a sky-high mountain pass way up in the Huancavelica Province of Peru, and let me tell you, it's breathtaking... literally! We're talking 4,798 meters (15,741 feet) above sea level. The road, known as Carretera 110, winds between Turpo and Acobambilla and it's mostly gravel. You won't find much traffic, and the slopes are pretty manageable. Think of it as a fantastic off-road experience if you know what you're doing. Definitely need a 4x4 for this one, and if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing a lot of them. And if it's been raining, expect a muddy challenge. Oh, and get this: for a solid 25 kilometers of the way towards Huayunca, you're basically floating above 4,900 meters! The views? Absolutely insane. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeMirador de Carhuayno
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You HAVE to check out Mirador de Carhuayno, a natural viewpoint perched way up high in the Huancaya District of Peru. We're talking 3,695 meters (that's over 12,000 feet!) above sea level. Getting there is half the fun, if "fun" means a seriously intense drive. You'll be tackling Ruta 120 (Camino a Vilca), a gravel road that's about as wide as your grandma's hallway. Seriously, two cars passing each other? Forget about it. It's steep, it's gnarly, and it demands your FULL attention. This road is NOT messing around. Think dramatic drop-offs, hairpin curves, and stunning (but distracting!) scenery. We're talking sheer cliffs plummeting hundreds of meters with absolutely zero guardrails to save you. This road has earned its fearsome reputation, so bring your A-game and maybe an extra pair of pants. Definitely not recommended for newbie drivers or anyone with a fear of heights! But oh man, the views… the views are SO worth it. Just drive carefully and prepare for an adrenaline rush!