Driving the RN149 to Abra del Colorado in San Juan
Argentina, south-america
88.3 km
2,629 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventure seekers! Let me tell you about Abra del Colorado, a must-see mountain pass in Argentina's San Juan Province. Picture this: you're cruising along at 2,629m (8,625ft), surrounded by the raw beauty of the Andes. This isn't just any drive; it's a key route connecting the Iglesia and Calingasta valleys, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the towering Andean peaks.
The landscape here is something else – a dry, almost Martian terrain with reddish soil that gives the area its name, "Colorado." You'll be driving on Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149), a smooth, fully paved road that stretches for 88.3 km (54.86 miles) from Bella Vista towards the junction with the RP436, en route to Talacasto.
Now, a word of caution: you're in high mountain territory. Keep an eye out for sudden gusts of wind—the notorious Zonda can really test your driving skills!
Cyclists, take note! This pass is legendary, the ultimate stage of the Vuelta a San Juan. Even if you're not a pro, you'll feel like one as you tackle this climb. The gradients are forgiving, mostly around 5-6%, but it's the sheer length and the desert heat that'll challenge you. The final 15 kilometers are the stuff of legends, winding through a rocky canyon before you finally reach that high-altitude plateau. Trust me, the sense of accomplishment is unreal! For drivers and cyclists, this climb is an epic experience, a unique taste of the Argentinian Andes that you won't soon forget.
Where is it?
Driving the RN149 to Abra del Colorado in San Juan is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.6106, -65.2636
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 88.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,629 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -38.6106, -65.2636
Related Roads in south-america
extremeTravel guide to the top of Cerro Uturuncu
🇧🇴 Bolivia
# Cerro Uturuncu: Bolivia's Sky-High Adventure Ready for one of the most extreme driving experiences on the planet? Head to the Potosí Department in southwestern Bolivia, where a rough gravel road climbs to a jaw-dropping 6,008 meters (19,711 feet) above sea level. This is seriously high—we're talking one of the loftiest roads anywhere in the world. The road winds up Cerro Uturuncu (also called Uturunku or Uturunco), a stratovolcano nestled in San Pablo de Lípez Municipality. Back in the day, this mountain hosted a sulfur mine, and the original unpaved road connecting to it was carved out between 1948 and 1950. These days, the route is maintained sporadically by local guides mostly for adventurous tourists. Here's the reality check: you'll absolutely need a solid 4x4 vehicle. The lower sections are sandy and manageable, but don't expect a smooth cruise. The first five kilometers average about an 8% grade, which steepens dramatically—hitting over 10% between 5,100 and 5,600 meters—before finally easing off near the top. Depending on the season, you might encounter loose rocks or even snow. The biggest villain? Oxygen deprivation. Once you push past 5,000 meters, your engine starts gasping for air almost as much as you will. Most vehicles get stopped by a landslide around 5,700 meters, though reports vary on exactly how far you can actually drive. (One enterprising French cycling team reportedly managed to pedal and push their way to the actual summit—respect.) What you get in return? Absolutely stunning Altiplano landscapes: active volcanoes, vibrant lagoons, and endless mountain vistas that'll make every labored breath worth it.
hardDriving through the lethal Ocoña Cliffs
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Peruvian coast on the Acantilados de Ocoña – a cliff-hugging highway that's equal parts stunning and seriously thrilling. We're talking southern Peru, where the road weaves between the Caravelí and Camaná provinces. Imagine a paved ribbon carved into the hillsides, a constant zig-zag dance as it climbs and plunges along the cliffs. Officially, it's known as 1S (Carretera Panamericana Sur) but unofficially? It's an adventure. Clocking in at around 75 kilometers (46ish miles), this stretch connects Atico to Ocoña, and it's a non-stop ocean view extravaganza. Now, for the adrenaline junkies: this road has a rep for being one of the trickiest in the country. Think sheer drops of around 200 meters (650+ feet) in many spots, with zero guardrails to hold you back! Plus, you'll be navigating a series of tunnels. Throw in the region's love for earthquakes, landslides, and ever-present traffic, and you've got yourself a ride to remember.
extremeIs It Possible to Drive the Washed-Out Punta Olimpica Old Road in Peru?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Peru's Ancash region lies a hidden gem (or maybe a hidden dare): the Punta Olimpica Old Road. Forget smooth sailing – this is a white-knuckle ride along the edge of forever, with drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Starting south of the paved Punta Olimpica Pass, this unpaved path is more like a suggestion than a road these days. Washed out and boasting 21 hairpin turns, it's not for the faint of heart. Reaching a dizzying 4,939m (16,204ft) in the Cordillera Blanca, expect snow, crazy winds, and fog. Oh, and did I mention it's an avalanche zone? At just 5.9km (3.66 miles) long, don't let the short distance fool you. This route was replaced by the famous Punta Olimpica Tunnel back in 2013, and since then, it's been left to the elements. Translation? Boulders in the middle of the road and sections literally crumbling away. Cliff views? Unbelievable. Car? Forget it. Bike? If you're feeling brave. But honestly, hiking it might be the sanest (and safest) way to soak in the epic views. Just be prepared for a truly wild, unforgettable experience!
extremePortezuelo Sairécabur: Driving the 5,541m abandoned mining road in the Atacama
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're northeast of San Pedro de Atacama, right on the wild border between Chile and Bolivia. You're about to tackle Portezuelo Sairécabur, a seriously high mountain pass hitting a mind-blowing 5,541m (that's 18,179ft!). This isn't your Sunday drive; it's an abandoned mining road that's pure off-road madness, some of the most desolate, stunning scenery the Andes can throw at you. The adventure starts near Guatín, and the "road" is marked as B-221. Think volcanic rubble meets high-altitude desert. This place is REMOTE. You're on your own, so pack everything – especially water, because the local stuff can be dodgy with volcanic sulphur. Now, about the drive... forget smooth asphalt. We're talking loose gravel, deep sand, and sharp volcanic rock. Only a high-clearance 4x4 will cut it. It's a constant uphill battle, averaging a 7% grade, and the thin air robs your engine of power. You'll navigate 15 tight hairpin turns, where losing momentum in the loose sand is a real risk. The "road" can vanish under fresh snow or shifting sand in a heartbeat. At this altitude, the lack of oxygen is brutal. It's one of the highest points you can drive to in South America, so be acclimatized, or altitude sickness will hit hard. Even moving feels like a marathon, and the mental fog is real. Expect your engine to lose half its power. Low gear and patience are your best friends. And the weather? Wildcard! Sunny mornings can turn into snowstorms in minutes. It's always windy and freezing, even in summer. Summit temps rarely get above freezing and can plummet fast. Check the forecast, but pack for the worst: thermal gear, emergency blankets, and enough fuel to run the heater if you get stuck in a sudden storm. It's epic, challenging, and unforgettable.