
Driving the stunning Camino Minero Veladero
Argentina, south-america
181 km
4,850 m
hard
Year-round
Craving an epic adventure in Argentina? Look no further than Camino Minero Veladero, a mind-blowing route through the San Juan Province Andes! Starting near Rodeo, this unpaved, but well-maintained road winds 181 km (112 miles) to the Veladero gold and silver mine, practically on the Chilean border.
Hold on tight for 624 turns and some seriously steep sections – we're talking up to 13% gradients! This road isn't for the faint of heart, with elevations soaring to a staggering 4,878 m (16,003ft) above sea level at Portezuelo de Conconta.
Keep in mind that Mother Nature can be a bit wild here. Daytime temps can plummet to -20°C, and winter nights can reach a bone-chilling -50°C. Add winds up to 120 km/h, and you've got a true test of endurance! Best to tackle this one during daylight hours, as night driving is definitely not recommended. Plus, it's usually closed to private vehicles in the winter. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking!
Where is it?
Driving the stunning Camino Minero Veladero is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.0525, -58.4738
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 181 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,850 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.0525, -58.4738
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