Driving the road to Cerro Estrella in the Andes is not a piece of cake
Argentina, south-america
N/A
5,389 m
extreme
Year-round
Cerro Estrella, aka Lastarria, sits right on the border between Argentina and Chile, clocking in at a dizzying 17,680 feet! This isn't just a high road, it's *one of the highest* in this part of the world.
Up here you’ll find the remains of Mina La Julia, an old sulfur mine and its ghost town counterpart, Mina La Casualidad – a seriously eerie but cool sight to see. Just remember: the mine was abandoned decades ago.
The road itself? Think rugged. This is a totally unpaved, old mining road that demands a 4x4. Get ready for some steep climbs too. You'll be hitting a max gradient of 13% in places!
Heads up: this drive isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). The extreme altitude means less oxygen, which can trigger altitude sickness in *anyone*, not just those with pre-existing conditions. The air is super thin, and even simple tasks become exhausting. Combined with the steep inclines, unpredictable weather, and the sheer remoteness of the location, you need to be extra careful.
Oh, and one more thing: winter pretty much shuts this road down. Even in summer, expect strong winds, surprise snow, and freezing temperatures. Heavy fog can also roll in, making visibility a nightmare. It’s epic scenery, but be prepared for some intense conditions up there in the Andes!
Where is it?
Driving the road to Cerro Estrella in the Andes is not a piece of cake is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -40.1678, -60.7434
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,389 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -40.1678, -60.7434
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