Cuesta de la Chilca
Argentina, south-america
14.5 km
1.175 m
extreme
Year-round
Guys, Ruta Provincial 48 in Catamarca Province, Argentina, is insane. They call it Cuesta de la Chilca, and it’s a totally improbable dirt road clinging to a cliff edge. Think twenty-seven hairpin turns stacked practically on top of each other as you claw your way up!
Seriously, this narrow path is not for the faint of heart. Got vertigo? Stay home. Afraid of landslides? Nope. Expect traffic, rain, and fog pretty much all the time. The mist can get so thick you can barely see, so drive carefully. And maybe skip the big lunch – all those twists and turns at high altitude might make you queasy. Oh, and did I mention there are zero guardrails protecting you from drops of hundreds of meters? Yeah, fun times!
Cuesta de la Chilca is only 14.5 km, but packs a serious punch. You start at 1,175m above sea level and end up at 1,875m, gaining 700 meters in elevation. That's an average grade of 4.82%, but with sections hitting 10%! The gravel surface is often loose, so watch your tires.
Because you’re climbing thousands of feet through remote areas, come prepared. This track can get super muddy and slippery after rain, and even 4x4s might not make it through. If there’s a storm, the road might be completely impassable. Basically, it’s epic... if you're up for it!
Where is it?
Cuesta de la Chilca is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -36.9236, -61.6946
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 14.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.175 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -36.9236, -61.6946
Related Roads in south-america
moderateAn Andean mountain road to Pehuenche Pass
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Pehuenche is calling your name. This high-altitude beauty straddles the border between Argentina (Mendoza Province) and Chile (Maule Region) at a cool 8,389 feet above sea level. We're talking a fully paved road trip (thanks to the 2018 upgrade!) stretching 104 miles between Las Loicas, Argentina, and San Clemente, Chile. Just hop on Ruta Nacional 145 (Argentina) or CH 115 (Chile) and get ready for some serious scenery. Factor in about 2.5 to 3.5 hours of pure driving bliss (without stops, of course!). Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – they love hanging out in the high country. And hold on tight, because this route isn't shy about its steepness, with gradients hitting a max of 11% in places! Nestled deep in the Andes, Paso Pehuenche is typically open from December to March, weather permitting. So, pack your bags, check those dates, and prepare for an unforgettable ride!
extremeAn epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Anta Q'asa, a high-altitude stunner in the Peruvian Andes! This pass straddles the border between the Junín and Lima regions, so you're getting a two-for-one scenic experience. Clocking in at a lung-busting 4,881m (16,013ft), Anta Q'asa—also called Antaccasa or Antajasa—is not for the faint of heart. The JU-116, a gravel road, winds its way over the pass and can get pretty busy. Expect some sandy sections and hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Keep an eye out for those sneaky loose-gravel patches, and if it's been raining, prepare for some serious mud! The unpaved sections can become impassable, trust me. The climb is a beast, and the air is THIN. Altitude sickness is a real thing up here, so listen to your body. Oh, and did I mention the unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards? Yeah, those can make things... interesting. Once you hit the Carretera Central, be ready for heavy traffic – it’s known to be a bit wild! Located between Marcapomacocha (27km away) and Casapalca (16km away), this route is best left to experienced off-roaders. If unpaved mountain roads and heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for an epic challenge with incredible views, Abra Anta Q'asa is calling your name!
hardA memorable road trip to Abra Laguna Morijon
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Laguna Morijon! This Bolivian beauty sits way up high in the Sur Lípez Province, clocking in at a staggering 4,901 meters (that's 16,079 feet for you metric-phobes!). It's nestled in the Potosi Department, in Bolivia's southwest corner, and ranks among the country's highest roads. Let's be real, the road is rough. We're talking totally unpaved, with a surface that's seen better days. Expect narrow squeezes, hairpin turns galore, and some seriously steep climbs that will test your vehicle (and your nerves!). The whole shebang stretches for about 86 km (or 53 miles) running roughly north-south, linking San Antonio de Lípez to Quetena Chico. The scenery will absolutely blow your mind. Just take it slow and steady!
moderateWhere is Abra Tres Cruces?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, so you're heading to Bolivia? Let me tell you about Abra Tres Cruces. This mountain pass punches through the western edge of Bolivia, right in the Cordillera Occidental mountains. We're talking serious altitude here — it's sky-high! The road itself stretches about from south to north. The ascent from is usually pretty gentle, nothing too crazy. However, once you get into the heart of it, be warned! A lot of it is unpaved, and those sections can get a bit hairy with steeper climbs and roads that can be seriously rough in bad weather. But forget the bumps for a second and look around! The scenery up here is absolutely breathtaking. You'll be driving through some of the most incredible landscapes Bolivia has to offer. Just take your time, keep your eyes on the road (especially on those unpaved bits!), and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.