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
extremePortezuelo Caballo Muerto
🇨🇱 Chile
Portezuelo Caballo Muerto? Buckle up, adventurers! This high-altitude pass, nestled way up at 4,410m (14,468ft) in Chile's Atacama Region within Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, is not for the faint of heart. The road's all gravel so you'll want a 4x4 for this one. The climb? Brutal. Seriously steep grades meet thin air that will test your lungs and your vehicle. And the weather? Wild! Expect extreme temperature swings from warm days to freezing nights. Wind is a constant companion, and even in summer, snowstorms can roll in unexpectedly. Winter here is just plain *cold*. Keep a close eye on the forecast before you go, this road can be closed due to snow at any time. Heavy mist can also roll in, so visibility can drop to near zero in an instant. If you've got any respiratory issues or heart problems, honestly, this might be one to skip. The oxygen levels at the summit are seriously low – think about 40% less than at sea level! Altitude sickness is a real risk, so be prepared. But if you're up for a challenge and reward of breathtaking scenery, Portezuelo Caballo Muerto awaits!
moderateAbra Acopunco
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Abra Acopunco! This stunner of a mountain pass sits way up high in the Cusco region of Peru, clocking in at a whopping 13,261 feet above sea level. The good news? You'll be cruising on smooth asphalt as you make your way between Challhuahuacho District and Santo Tomas. Get ready for some serious scenery—this isn't just a drive, it's an experience! Just keep your eyes on the road – mountain roads always deserve respect.
moderateWhere is Portezuelo del Cajón?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Ruta 27, leaving San Pedro de Atacama in Chile behind you, headed towards the wild landscapes of southwestern Bolivia. You're about to cross the Portezuelo del Cajón, also known as Hito Cajón, an international border that sits way up high at 4,480m (that's nearly 14,700 feet!). This isn't just any border crossing; it's an adventure. The whole stretch from San Pedro de Atacama to Quetena Chico is about 150 km (93 miles) of mixed terrain – expect both smooth paved sections and bumpy, unpaved bits. You're basically hugging the lower slopes of the Juriques volcano, so the scenery is out of this world. Think stunning Andean landscapes, especially as you get closer to Bolivia. On the Bolivian side, you’ll be smack-dab in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, with Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca nearby. It's a super popular route for travelers going between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama, so you’re bound to meet fellow adventurers. Now, heads up: the Bolivian Aduana (customs) is bizarrely located about 80 km from the actual border, in what feels like the middle of nowhere at over 5,000m! Getting there involves passing through a guarded barrier. The Chilean border post, on the other hand, is a good 40 km down the road, closer to San Pedro de Atacama. Before you set off, check the weather – high altitude can bring unpredictable conditions. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential storms as you climb. Enjoy the ride!
extremeRoad CH-21
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ruta CH-21 in northern Chile's Antofagasta Region! This high-altitude route is a real journey, taking you entirely above 2,300m. Starting in Calama, a super-dry city in the Atacama Desert (we're talking a measly 5mm of rain a year!), you'll begin on smooth asphalt before transitioning to gravel. For 199km, it's a mix of textures under your tires as you climb from Calama (2,300m) to Ollagüe, a frontier village at a cool 3,700m. The road tops out at 3,830m, so be prepared for thin air and stunning views! While generally open year-round, keep an eye on the weather. This region can throw some serious curveballs, with avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides possible. Ice patches can also be a hazard. With that said, in good weather, a high-clearance 2WD can handle this route at a slow and steady pace. Get ready for long, straight stretches across an unforgettable landscape!