Driving the wild Cuesta del Lipán to Abra de Potrerillos in Jujuy
Argentina, south-america
65 km
4,192 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Argentina, in the province of Jujuy, ready to tackle the incredible Abra de Potrerillos! This mountain pass is a beast, sitting way up at 4,192 meters (13,753 feet).
The whole thing is part of National Route 52, connecting Purmamarca to Santuario de Tres Pozos via Salinas Grandes, stretching about 80 kilometers (almost 50 miles). The road is totally paved, thankfully.
The real star here is the Cuesta del Lipán, or Lipan Slope. Get ready for some serious switchbacks as you climb about 2,000 meters in just 17 kilometers from Purmamarca! There's a viewpoint near the top where you can really appreciate the engineering marvel that this road is.
Keep in mind the elevation! You might find yourself a little breathless, so take it easy. The scenery is epic, so be sure to soak it all in as you wind your way up and down.
Where is it?
Driving the wild Cuesta del Lipán to Abra de Potrerillos in Jujuy is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.2259, -65.7320
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 65 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,192 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.2259, -65.7320
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow to Get to Paron Lagoon in Ancash by Car
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, near the town of Caraz, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Laguna Parón, a stunning turquoise lake tucked away in Huascarán National Park, one of the biggest in the Cordillera Blanca. The road? Oh, it's an experience. We're talking nearly 30 kilometers of unpaved, winding, gravel road that’ll get your heart pumping. Get ready for over 100 hairpin turns as you climb from Caraz up to a staggering 4,200 meters (that's almost 14,000 feet!). The average incline is about 7.5%, but don't let that fool you. You'll be driving through a dramatic canyon with granite walls that soar a kilometer above you. The views are insane – think steep, almost vertical drops alongside a narrow valley. And the hairpins? They just keep coming, each one offering an even more spectacular (and slightly terrifying) glimpse of the surrounding peaks. Speaking of peaks, keep your camera ready! You'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of Artesonraju (yep, the Paramount logo mountain!), Chacraraju, Pisco, and Huandoy. Trust me, you'll want to stop every few minutes for photos. This isn't just a drive; it's a visual feast of the Peruvian Andes.
moderateWhere is Uspallata Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: a high-altitude adventure in the heart of Argentina, specifically Mendoza Province, where the Uspallata Pass awaits! We're talking serious elevation here. This isn't just a Sunday drive, folks. Also known as Camino Cristo Redentor, this road is nestled near the breathtaking Paso Internacional de los Libertadores and serves mostly as a tourist route to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. So, how long will this epic journey take? Be prepared for a trek –it's a drive with some serious gradients, ready to put your driving skills to the ultimate test! And a heads-up: if you're not a fan of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. Now, for the million-dollar question: when can you tackle this beast? This pass is a fair-weather friend, which means summer is your golden window, when the snow is gone. But keep an eye on the forecast; conditions can change rapidly, and heavy snowfall can shut things down without warning. So, while the scenery is absolutely stunning, remember to respect the mountains and drive smart!
extremeDeath Road in Bolivia is the world's most famous gravel track
🇧🇴 Bolivia
# The Legendary Death Road: Bolivia's Most Infamous Mountain Pass Want to talk about nerve-wracking? The Carretera de los Yungas—aka the "Death Road"—is probably the most notorious stretch of pavement (well, dirt) on the planet. This 36.4km (22.61 miles) gravel track snakes between La Paz and Coroico through Bolivia's lush Yungas region, and honestly, it lives up to its terrifying reputation. Here's the thing: while it still holds legendary status, the Death Road has technically lost its "World's Most Dangerous" title thanks to a shiny new highway nearby that's stolen most of the traffic. But don't let that fool you—this route is still absolutely wild. The narrow 3-meter-wide path climbs through jungle-covered mountains to 3,151m (10,337ft), with nauseatingly deep canyons plummeting up to 1,000 meters below. If heights make you queasy, seriously, skip this one. Back in the day, this road was a genuine nightmare. An estimated 200-300 people died here annually, with dozens of vehicles going over the edge each year. The statistics are haunting—that July 1983 bus accident killed over 100 passengers alone. Those macabre white crosses scattered along the route? They're memorials to the many who didn't make it. Here's a wild safety feature: unlike the rest of Bolivia, traffic drives on the left. The reason? Drivers get a better view of the cliff edge, so they can actually see if their tires are about to kiss the abyss. Descending vehicles don't have the right of way and must hug the outer edge, making it a tense negotiation when you meet an oncoming truck. The road is brutal in every sense. At just 3 meters wide with zero guardrails, it gets even trickier when rain turns everything into mud, or when dust clouds and year-round fog reduce visibility to nearly nothing. Add in waterfalls cascading onto the surface and you've got a recipe for disaster. These days, about 25,000 thrill-seeking cyclists and tourists tackle the Death Road annually. Since 1998, at least 20 have died doing it. The nearby South Yungas Road (Chulumani Road) is nearly as treacherous, with its own 600-meter drops and relentless hairpins. While the Death Road still dominates the danger conversation, some extreme drivers now point to Turkey's D915 as the ultimate test. With 29 hairpins and no tourist infrastructure, it's raw, unforgiving mountain driving at its finest.
hardHow to get by car to Cumbre Chuchu in the Andes?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cumbre Chuchu in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a sky-high mountain pass hitting a whopping 15,265 feet (4,653m). Locals also call the summit Ch’uch’u Apachita or Abra Chuchu. You'll find this beast in the Larecaja Province, tucked into western Bolivia. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a pure, unadulterated dirt road experience. Get ready for a serious workout – think endless twists, hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, plus narrow stretches and some seriously steep climbs. Trust me, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. This epic 18-mile (30km) stretch kicks off from Sorata and winds its way north of the main Cordillera Real range in the Andes. The scenery is breathtaking, but keep your eyes on the road!