
Driving the defiant Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino in Salta
Argentina, south-america
105 km
3,367 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, smack-dab in the middle of Salta province, ready to tackle the incredible Piedra del Molino Pass. Get ready for an adventure because this baby tops out at a breathtaking 3,367 meters (11,046 feet)!
The summit's got a cool story, named for a massive grinding stone that supposedly broke in half way up here back in '27. It was meant for a valley, but fate (and gravity) had other plans!
You'll find this stunner nestled in Los Cardones National Park. Most of the route is paved but don't get complacent – it's a wild, winding ride on Ruta Provincial 33, famously known as Cuesta del Obispo, in honor of Bishop Julián Cortazar.
Clocking in at 105 km (65 miles) from Payogasta to El Carril, this road is not for the faint of heart (or stomach!). Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and some jaw-dropping drop-offs.
But trust me, it's worth it! Just before you hit the summit, there's an amazing lookout point. You'll get panoramic views of those crazy hairpin turns and the Quebrada del Escoipe. And at the top? A sweet little chapel dedicated to St. Rafael. Road trip gold!
Where is it?
Driving the defiant Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino in Salta is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -36.5669, -65.0392
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 105 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,367 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -36.5669, -65.0392
Related Roads in south-america
hardCerro Camellos
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're hunting for a wild ride in Chile's Tarapacá Region, Cerro Camellos is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 4,431 meters (14,537 feet) — talk about thin air! Nestled deep in the Andes, the road up is definitely not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, bumps galore, and enough tippy sections to keep you on your toes. Winter? Forget about it, this road's a no-go. Experienced off-roaders, this is your playground! But be warned: if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, steer clear. You'll need a serious 4x4, and a healthy dose of courage, because this trail is STEEP. Oh, and did I mention the heights? Yeah, they're pretty intense. Plus, rain turns this road into a muddy, slippery mess, so pick your weather wisely. Get ready for some incredible views and a truly unforgettable adventure!
hardTrans-Amazonian Highway runs through the Amazon forest in Brazil
🇧🇷 Brazil
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Trans-Amazonian Highway (BR-230) in Brazil! This beast of a road plunges deep into the heart of the Amazon, winding through mud and jungles for a staggering 4,260 km (2,647 miles). Starting from the coastal vibes of João Pessoa in the northeast, it cuts a path all the way to the Peruvian border. Be prepared for a mix of smooth sailing on paved sections and a wild ride on unpaved stretches. You'll cruise through the states of Paraíba, Ceará, Piaui, Maranhão, Tocantins, Pará, and Amazonas, some of the most sparsely populated regions in Brazil. Think long stretches of road with just jungle and tiny villages. Keep in mind, the last 1,000 kilometers or so are still unpaved, turning into a challenging, bumpy obstacle course during the rainy season (October to March). Expect pits and holes that will put your vehicle's suspension to the ultimate test! The scenery, however, is absolutely breathtaking. Just be aware that heavy rains can cause inundation, so check local conditions before you go. This journey is not for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable experience for the adventurous soul!
hardHere's How to Have the Ultimate Road Trip to Abra del Gigante
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra del Gigante, a seriously epic mountain pass clinging to the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northern Argentina! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a wild, unpaved track that climbs to a staggering 4,485m (14,714ft). Think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and more switchbacks than you can count. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. The 37km (23-mile) route stretches from Varas in Jujuy, heading north towards Volcán Higueras in Salta. Prepare for views that will blow your mind, alongside the adrenaline rush of tackling a truly challenging road. This one’s for the memory books!
hardWhere is Ruta Nacional 25?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Ruta Nacional 25 in Bolivia is a wild ride! This high-altitude beauty snakes its way across the country's western spine, south of the famous Salar de Uyuni. Think seriously epic mountain landscapes. What's cool is that RN25 connects the sleepy town of Colquechaca (the highest town in Bolivia, no less!) to the vibrant "City of Eternal Spring," Sucre. Starting near Sucre, you'll climb to a lung-busting altitude before dropping down to Colquechaca. Spanning around, this isn't your Sunday drive. Expect sections that are more like goat paths than roads, and be prepared to ford a river or two! The whole route is a rollercoaster of steep climbs, white-knuckle descents, and hairpin curves that demand your undivided attention. Seriously, think twice about tackling this one at night or in bad weather if you're not experienced. Rain can wash out sections faster than you can say "landslide!" Plus, prepare for non-stop switchbacks and solitude – traffic can be sparse. And if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale – those twists and turns are not for the faint of stomach!