Dare to drive the dangerous road to Abra del Condor
Argentina, south-america
47.4 km
3,942 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra del Cóndor in Argentina is calling your name! We're talking a staggering 3,942 meters (12,933 feet) above sea level, perched right on the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in the wild northwest.
This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about Ruta Provincial 133 and 13, AKA Carretera de Iruya, a mostly unpaved path stretching nearly 48 kilometers (30 miles) from the RN9, just north of Humahuaca, all the way to the charming village of Iruya. Get ready for a wild ride, because this road throws everything at you: endless twists and turns, hairpin curves that'll make your head spin, and seriously steep drops where you'll be hugging the mountainside. Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording rivers?
But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Imagine yourself surrounded by mind-blowing mountain landscapes, quaint, secluded villages, and off-road trails begging to be explored. You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of valleys dotted with cultivated terraces, all framed by vibrant, multi-colored mountains and bizarrely eroded rock formations.
Keep an eye on the weather, though! It's usually pretty dry, but summer storms can turn this road into a muddy mess. Your best bet? Plan your trip for June through October. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Where is it?
Dare to drive the dangerous road to Abra del Condor is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -37.4430, -65.9393
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 47.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,942 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -37.4430, -65.9393
Related Roads in south-america
moderateHow to drive through San Juan Pass in the Andes?
🇨🇱 Chile
Hey adventure junkies! Ever dreamed of conquering a truly wild road? Then pack your bags for Paso de San Juan in Chile's Atacama region! This beast of a pass climbs to a whopping 3,607m (11,833ft) in the Andes, carving through the Chilean Altiplano's crazy landscapes. Think volcanic rock, stark plains, and maybe a few grazing llamas thrown in for good measure. The "road" – Camino entre Río Grande y Machuca – is a 13.6 km stretch of pure, unadulterated grit. Forget smooth asphalt; you're dealing with razor-sharp volcanic rock and bone-rattling corrugated dirt. Seriously, bring at least TWO full-size spare tires; you'll need them! Starting near Río Grande, you'll climb 794 meters over 8.45 miles to reach Machuca, following the Grande River. A 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST, especially if it's been raining or you're near those tricky salt flats and seasonal rivers. Oh, and did I mention you're in the Andes? Altitude sickness is a real possibility, so take it slow and acclimatize. Prepare for relentless sun (sunglasses are your best friend!), dust devils whipped up by crazy winds, and make sure you bring enough water to keep you hydrated. It's an insane drive but the views? Totally worth it.
moderateWhere does Ruta 3 Tierra del Fuego start and end?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ultimate road trip on Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego! This epic 395km (245-mile) stretch is supposedly the southernmost paved road on the planet, winding its way through the breathtaking Tierra del Fuego Province of Argentina. Your adventure kicks off at Cabo Espíritu Santo, right on the Chilean border, and cruises all the way to Ushuaia, that cool little town they call the "End of the World." But wait, there's more! The road keeps going into Tierra del Fuego National Park, wrapping up at Bahía Lapataia where you'll find a sign marking the very end of the line. Now, let's talk road conditions. The path through the national park starts a bit rough and narrow, but don't worry, it gets better, turning into a fully paved road. Heads up, though—some spots can be a little rough around the edges due to maintenance issues, and you'll likely share the road with big trucks and heavy machinery. For a smooth ride, keep that gas tank full—especially in remote areas where gas stations might be MIA. You'll hit some police checkpoints at the border, so have your documents handy. Plan plenty of pit stops to soak it all in and book your stays ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months. You can drive Ruta 3 year-round, as they keep the snow cleared. That said, try to avoid April through September when the weather can get gnarly and closures are more common. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and watch out for those Patagonian winds—passing trucks can be your best friend as temporary wind shields.
extremeLaguna Tototral
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, so you're heading to Peru? Forget the tourist traps and get ready for Laguna Tototral, a stunning high-altitude lake chilling way up at 14,245 feet! This ain't no Sunday drive though. Route 120 to get there? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, super-narrow sections, and mud that'll swallow your tires whole if it's been raining. Seriously, 4x4 is your BFF here. And be warned: this road's notorious for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, plus sneaky patches of ice that can appear out of nowhere. The climb is BRUTAL. We're talking seriously steep and the air gets thin, fast. Most people start feeling the altitude sickness kick in well before you even reach the lake. But, trust me, the views? Absolutely worth the lung-busting trek. Just take it slow, stay hydrated, and prepare to be amazed.
moderateWhere is Paso Chungara-Tambo Quemado?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Paso Chungara-Tambo Quemado, an epic international mountain pass straddling the border of Chile and Bolivia, way up at a lung-busting 15,377 feet! You'll find this Andean beauty connecting Region XV in Chile with the Oruro Department in Bolivia. Think of it as a major artery linking La Paz to its closest port, Arica, in northern Chile. The road itself, Ruta Nacional 4 (in Bolivia) and Carretera Internacional CH 11 (in Chile), is a workhorse, so expect to share the road with plenty of trucks. Good news is, it's generally open year-round. This transitable road stretches for 97.5 miles (157 km), starting from Curahuara de Carangas, Bolivia, and winding its way to Putre, Chile. Get ready for stunning views and an unforgettable high-altitude experience!