Driving across the Encuentro River bridge
Argentina, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Crossing the Andes doesn't always mean crazy altitudes! Paso Internacional Río Encuentro is a unique little border crossing defined by a simple 30-meter bridge over the Encuentro River. This cutie connects Argentina's Chubut Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region, linking the towns of Corcovado and Palena. Think of it as a secret Patagonian shortcut!
The instant you cross that bridge, BAM! The road changes! You're going from classic Argentinian gravel tracks straight onto smooth Chilean pavement. It's mostly light vehicles and locals cruising this route – think Patagonian road trip vibes.
Okay, here's the deal: in Argentina (Chubut), you're bumping along on gravel: RP44 / RN259. Then, 30 meters later, you're on Chile's Ruta Internacional CH-235, which is gloriously paved!
Heads up: this border crossing is only for light vehicles; no heavy trucks allowed. You'll find the usual border crew on the Chilean side and the Argentinian Gendarmería keeping things smooth on their end.
This border is a total winner if you're looking for a more manageable crossing, especially in winter. As long as the Argentinian gravel is clear, you're golden! Plus, the scenery is incredible – a peaceful river marking the spot where two amazing countries meet.
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA challenging unpaved road to Abra Falda Cienaga
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Falda Cienaga in Argentina's Catamarca Province! This baby tops out at a whopping 4,436 meters (14,553 feet), so get ready for some thin air. Also known as Abra Puntas Gordas, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking Ruta Provincial 43 (RP43), and "unpaved" is the name of the game. Seriously, you'll NEED a 4x4 for this one. Heights not your thing? Maybe grab a travel magazine instead. The stretch from Salar del Hombre Muerto to Antofagasta is rough, with plenty of sand and washboard sections to keep you on your toes. Perched high in the northwest, some sections are being upgraded with asphalt. Word on the street is the south side descent is smoother sailing. Get ready for some insane scenery!
extremeAlto de la Cueva
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Alto de la Cueva in the Boyacá region of Colombia! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a climb to 3,855 meters (12,647 feet) inside El Cocuy National Natural Park! The "road" – and I use that term loosely – is actually Carretera El Cocuy – Guicán, a gravel and rock rollercoaster. Think bumpy, tippy, and a true test for your off-roading skills. If you're not comfortable on unpaved mountain tracks, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is practically mandatory, and a fear of heights? Leave it at home. The air gets thin up here (seriously!), and the steepness is no joke. Altitude sickness is a real concern – most feel it above 2,500-2,800 meters, so pace yourself. The views, though? Absolutely unreal. Just be prepared for your engine to feel the lack of oxygen too!
extremeHow dangerous is the road through Mantaro River Canyon?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving an adventure that'll test your mettle (and maybe your sanity), you HAVE to check out the Cañon del Río Mantaro in Peru's Huancavelica region. This canyon is absolutely breathtaking, but fair warning: the road through it is NOT for the faint of heart. We're talking seriously narrow stretches hugging cliffs with unprotected 200-meter drops straight into the roaring river below. Yeah, you read that right – no guardrails! This road, known as 3S, is mostly paved, but the sketchiest sections are gravel. Trust me, this isn't just a scenic drive; it's an adrenaline-pumping experience where words and pictures simply can't capture the intensity. The route stretches for 147 km (92 miles), winding its way from Izcuchaca (at a lofty 2,939 meters above sea level) down to Huanta (at a slightly lower 2,628 meters). You'll be tracing the Mantaro River, the Amazon's most distant source. So, if you're up for a challenge and a serious dose of stunning scenery, this road trip is calling your name! Just remember to pack your courage.
extremeCan you drive to Machu Picchu?
🇵🇪 Peru
So, you wanna hit up Machu Picchu? Buckle up, because the road there is an adventure in itself! We're talking about the Carretera a Machu Picchu, or as some call it, the Hiram Bingham Highway. This isn't your typical smooth ride, though. Imagine a totally unpaved, zigzagging road snaking its way up to the historic site. Only authorized vehicles are allowed, so hop on a bus in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). This little town, nestled at the foot of the mountain, is worth a visit, with hotels, restaurants, and natural hot springs (yep, that's where the name comes from!). The road climbs a solid 8.9km (5.53 miles) to Machu Picchu. Don't let the term "highway" fool you – it's more like a rollercoaster built into the side of a mountain. Expect a thrilling series of 14 hairpin turns that are super narrow and steep, with gradients hitting a maximum of 27%! Talk about a climb! It's definitely not for the faint of heart. Picture this: two buses meeting on one of these tight turns. One has to reverse uphill just to find a spot wide enough for them to squeeze past each other. You'll be gripping the armrest, but the views along the way are incredible. The road also crosses a bridge over the Vilcanota River. The Hiram Bingham Highway isn't just a road; it's an experience, a rite of passage before you even set foot in Machu Picchu. Get ready for a wild ride!