
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
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