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
hardWhere is Chungara Lake?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in the far north of Chile, practically knocking on Bolivia's door, smack-dab in the middle of Lauca National Park. You're headed to Lago Chungará, a shimmering jewel of a lake sitting way, way up at 14,820 feet! Seriously, this lake is one of the highest in South America. The road you'll be cruising on is Ruta 11, also known as Carretera Internacional CH11. It's a fully paved 15.5-mile stretch heading east from Putre, which is already one of the highest towns you'll ever see. Expect some company, especially from trucks rumbling along. Now, listen up: altitude is the name of the game here. We're talking thin air, so give your car a once-over before you go, especially if it's got a carburetor. And fuel? Fill 'er up in Arica because gas stations are ghosts along these roads. Pack extra if you're planning a longer trek. But trust me, the views are worth it! Keep your camera handy for those postcard-perfect shots of volcanoes mirroring in the lake. Just remember the weather up here can be wild, so be prepared and soak it all in!
moderateDriving the Wild Unpaved Road to Abra Culipampa in Apurimac
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Culipampa, a seriously high mountain pass nestled in the Apurímac region of Peru! We're talking a lung-busting 4,834 meters (that's 15,859 feet!) above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Located in southern Peru, the 98km (61-mile) stretch, also known as Carretera 111, winds its way north-south from Antabamba (Antapampa) towards the Arequipa border. Now, here's the kicker: it's entirely unpaved. Some sections are decent, but others are sandy, so a high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet. Keep in mind this is a mining road, so you'll be sharing the road with trucks. But hey, the views are worth it! Think stunning lakes and majestic volcanoes lining your path. Just be prepared to share the road with those hard-working mining trucks as you soak it all in.
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!
hardIs Garganta del Diablo paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Peru's got some seriously epic drives, and the Ushco Canyon road, snaking through the Yauyos province near Lima, is right up there. Locals call it "Garganta del Diablo" – Devil's Throat – and trust me, it lives up to the name! This stretch of the 24 Nacional Route is completely paved, which is a bonus, but don’t let that fool you. It’s *narrow*, like squeeze-through-the-rocks narrow. We're talking about a signed width of 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) with some rock overhangs as low as 3.4 meters (11.2 feet), so keep an eye on your vehicle’s height. Tackling this at night? Get ready for an adrenaline rush. The most intense part, the actual Devil's Throat, clocks in at 10.8 km (6.71 miles). It's a jaw-dropping drive along the canyon floor, and the towering rock formations are incredible. Now, about those unlit tunnels… They're a one-car-at-a-time situation. Proceed with major caution, and maybe say a little prayer you don’t meet another vehicle coming the other way. Reversing skills are a MUST. Since it is not a one-way road, head on collisions are common. Whoever has more space is responsible for backing up. Despite the nail-biting moments, the views are unreal. You're driving through a super deep, winding canyon that's as beautiful as it is intimidating. Definitely one for the bucket list, but maybe not if you're a nervous driver!