Driving the stunning Camino Minero Veladero

Driving the stunning Camino Minero Veladero

Argentina, south-america

Length

181 km

Elevation

4,850 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
181 km
Max Elevation
4,850 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-39.0525, -58.4738

Related Roads in south-america

How long is Y290 road in the Chilean Patagonia?hard

How long is Y290 road in the Chilean Patagonia?

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: you're in Chilean Patagonia, near the Argentinian border, cruising along the Y290, also known as Camino Milodon Porteño or Carretera Cueva del Milodon. This road is a total gem, straddling the Torres de Paine and Última Esperanza provinces. The Y290 stretches for about 70.3 km (43.68 miles), connecting the smooth, paved Route CH-9 to the rugged, unpaved Y-150. Set aside about 1.5 to 2 hours of pure driving time if you aren't planning on stopping. Most of the road is paved, so you don’t need a special car in dry conditions. Be prepared because you're heading into some remote areas! This drive delivers seriously stunning views. Keep in mind it has some crazy steep parts, climbing up to 255m (836ft) above sea level near Mirador Grey. If you're thinking of going in the winter, pack your tire chains due to the unpredictable weather. The sweet spot to drive this road is between December and February—Patagonian summer—winters get pretty extreme!

Abra Paves: An Awe-Inspiring Road through Extremely Remote Areashard

Abra Paves: An Awe-Inspiring Road through Extremely Remote Areas

🇦🇷 Argentina

Hey adventure seekers! If you're craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience, let me tell you about Abra Paves. This high-altitude pass in Jujuy, Argentina, tops out at a lung-busting 4,239 meters (13,907 feet)! You'll find this wild crossing south of the Cuesta del Lipán–Abra Potrerillos, deep in the northern part of the country. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, a rugged track of loose rocks that demands a 4x4. The real challenge isn't the steepness (though there are some 10% grades near the top!), but the extreme altitude, harsh climate, and sheer isolation of the Puna region. Be prepared to battle: * **Thin Air:** Seriously, the oxygen is scarce up here. Take it slow to avoid altitude sickness! * **Crazy Weather:** The Puna throws unpredictable weather changes and fierce winds your way. Hold onto that steering wheel! * **Middle-of-Nowhere Vibes:** We're talking seriously remote. No cell service, no emergency services nearby. Breakdown? You're on your own. That 4x4 isn't just for fun – it's your lifeline! The adventure starts from Ruta Provincial 52 (RP52), with a 13.57 km (8.43 mi) climb, gaining 388 meters in elevation. Averaging around 2.85%, it's steady, but those altitude and terrain factors make it a proper test.

Alto de Mifafi: this road is not for timid driversmoderate

Alto de Mifafi: this road is not for timid drivers

🌍 Venezuela

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in Venezuela's Mérida State and craving a serious off-road experience, you HAVE to tackle the Alto de Mifafi. Nestled in the stunning Sierra de La Culata range, within La Culata National Park, this baby tops out at a whopping 4,414 meters (14,481 feet)! Forget smooth tarmac; this is a bumpy, unpaved ride from Casa de Gabierno on the Transandina highway towards Mucumpis. Seriously, leave your sports car at home. You absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. Think incredible Andean scenery, wild terrain, and bragging rights for days. Just be prepared – this isn't your Sunday afternoon drive. Pack accordingly, check the weather, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. The views from the top are totally worth it! This road is also known as Pico los Caracoles and Pico Los Nevados.

What is the route from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta?extreme

What is the route from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta?

🇵🇪 Peru

The road connecting Yungay Pampa and Mirasanta is a challenging mountain drive located in the Huaylas Province, within the Ancash Region of Peru. Situated inside the Huascaran National Park, this unpaved route offers breathtaking views and a technical driving experience through the heart of the Andes. Road facts: Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta Huaylas Province, Peru What is the route from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta? The road runs in a south-north direction, covering a total distance of . It serves as a vital but rugged link in the Ancash Region, climbing through steep terrain where the landscape changes rapidly as you gain altitude within the Huascaran National Park. Is the road to Mirasanta paved? No, the entire road is unpaved, consisting mostly of gravel and dirt. The track is notorious for its narrow sections, often scarcely wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other. In many parts, there are significant drop-offs of hundreds of meters without any guardrails, requiring total focus from the driver. How many hairpin turns are on the road? The ascent is highly technical, featuring more than 20 sharp hairpin turns . These switchbacks are necessary to overcome the steep slopes of the Peruvian Andes, making it a demanding drive that tests both steering precision and vehicle reliability. What is the elevation gain on this drive? Starting from Yungay Pampa, the road climbs steadily to reach an elevation of above sea level. This involves a total elevation gain of over the 22.2 km course, resulting in several very steep sections that are common in high-altitude mountain passes. Is a 4x4 vehicle required for the Yungay Pampa road? A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for this journey. The combination of loose gravel, steep gradients, and narrow passages makes it unsuitable for standard cars. Additionally, the area is known for its unpredictable weather, which can quickly turn the unpaved surface into a slippery and hazardous track. What should drivers consider before starting? Due to the narrowness of the road, drivers must be experienced in mountain driving and comfortable with reversing on winding paths if they encounter oncoming traffic. It is essential to check vehicle conditions before departure, as the route passes through remote areas with no immediate facilities or assistance. Punta Caudalosa Chica Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.