Driving the defiant Ruta Provincial A in the Province of Tierra del Fuego
Argentina, south-america
91 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the very bottom of Argentina, in Tierra del Fuego, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial A.
This isn't your average highway cruise. We're talking 91km (56 miles) of pure, unadulterated 'ripio' – that's gravel to us gringos. It's generally in good shape, but trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. It'll make things way comfier and keep you out of trouble, especially on those narrow sections. Just remember that the last 22km are closed off by a barrier at the Irigoyen River.
Seriously, this place is REMOTE. Think way, way off the grid. Pack everything you need because you won't find a Starbucks out here. The reward? Insane views and a chance to spot massive marine creatures doing their thing. Just be prepared for anything weather-wise – this semi-arid zone throws curveballs, and the wind can be intense! The route begins at Ruta Nacional 3 and is a proper bucket-list experience.
Where is it?
Driving the defiant Ruta Provincial A in the Province of Tierra del Fuego is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.2706, -60.3458
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 91 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -38.2706, -60.3458
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is Paso Sanchez?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Paso Sanchez in Bolivia's La Paz Department, nestled high in the Apolobamba mountain range, near the Peruvian border and within the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. This isn't your Sunday drive. Forget pavement; this is a raw, unadulterated dirt road experience, clocking in at roughly [insert length] from Ruta Nacional 16, near Villa Gral Pérez to Cueara. Think tight turns, hairpin switchbacks clinging to the mountainside, and seriously steep inclines that will test your mettle (and your vehicle). Speaking of vehicles, you'll need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. We're talking serious off-road conditions here. But the reward? Unparalleled views from over [insert elevation] above sea level. Just be prepared for a challenging journey – this remote route demands respect and a sense of adventure. You will be near the Curiquinca Volcano, so you know the scenery will be epic.
extremeCerro Aspero, a thrilling (scary) off road experience
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cerro Aspero in Argentina's Córdoba province is calling your name! Nestled in the Pampeanas Range, this high mountain pass tops out at 1,964m (6,443ft), and getting there is no joke. Forget pavement – this road is all about rugged, rocky terrain that demands a 4x4 with serious clearance. Seriously, they say it's one of the toughest trails in the whole country! Get ready for a wild ride because this isn't your average Sunday drive. Starting from the abandoned Pueblo Escondido tungsten mine, the road climbs 3km (1.86 miles) up to the summit. And hold on tight, because you'll be tackling some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 16%! Plus, a short section with 18 hairpin turns, known as Los Caracoles, will keep you on your toes. Over this distance the elevation gain is 309 meters. Just a heads-up: the winters here are brutal, so always check the weather before you go. But if you're craving an adrenaline-pumping adventure with breathtaking views, Cerro Aspero is where it's at!
hardValle Nevado chairlift
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, thrill-seekers, picture this: You're in the Chilean Andes, heading up to the Valle Nevado chairlift at a whopping 3,306 meters (that's over 10,800 feet!). The road starts out paved as you climb into Valle Nevado, Chile's biggest ski resort. But hold on tight, because the last 2.4 kilometers are a super-steep gravel track winding up the El Plomo foothills. Seriously, you're gonna need a 4x4 for this leg of the journey. The views? Absolutely epic.
extremePuente Mal Paso: The Historic Icon of the Escoipe Gorge
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Northwest Argentina, Salta province to be exact, and BAM! You hit Puente Mal Paso, a seriously cool historic bridge. Think of it as the ultimate entrance to the legendary RP33, the road that winds its way up to Cuesta del Obispo and the dreamy Calchaquí Valleys. Trust me, this bridge is epic. Nestled in the Quebrada de Escoipe, this bridge is surrounded by dramatic reddish rock formations. It's located on Provincial Route 33 (RP33). While the fancy new road now swooshes right next to it, the original bridge is still standing proud, ready for its close-up. "Mal Paso" literally means "Bad Pass", and back in the day, it lived up to its name. Imagine horse-drawn carriages and mule teams trying to navigate this narrow gorge – river crossings were a nightmare, and the steep terrain made it super treacherous. These days, you won't actually drive *over* the old Puente Mal Paso when you're heading from Salta to Cachi. They built a wider road right alongside it for safety and smoother traffic. But the old bridge? Total photo op. The rugged structure against those red mountains? Insta-gold. Even though the modern road bypasses the bridge itself, the drive through the gorge is still a bit of an adventure. The road is paved, but it's narrow, with towering cliffs on one side and the Escoipe River on the other. And watch out during the summer months (December to March) – flash floods can still make "Mal Paso" live up to its reputation.