Highest roads of Argentina
Argentina, south-america
4,000 km
4,694 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, Argentina, you wild thing! This country's the second biggest in South America and it's showing off with the Andes Mountains carving out its entire western edge. Think colossal peaks, including Aconcagua (basically the rooftop of the Americas!) and get ready for some serious high-altitude driving!
We're talking rugged, unpaved roads that were mostly carved out for mining or sneaking across the border to Chile. These routes climb sky-high, sometimes topping out above 4,700 meters (that's 15,400 ft for those of you not using the metric system!). Buckle up for a mix of tough mountain passes and trails that'll leave you breathless (literally, thanks to the altitude).
Think places like the Abra de Vacas Heladas (sounds chilly!) and the famous Paso de San Francisco. Picture yourself tackling the crazy narrow road to Iruya in Salta Province, or conquering the epic Cuesta del Lipán to Abra de Potrerillos in Jujuy. Argentina's high roads aren't just drives, they're full-blown adventures!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 4,000 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,694 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateScaling the Skies: The Journey Up Putana Volcano- Among Earth's Highest Roads on Earth
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, picture this: You're in the Antofagasta region of Chile, right on the border with Bolivia, about to tackle a road that climbs a freakin' volcano! We're talking Volcán Putana, also known as Jorqencal or Machuca, a stratovolcano that's got some serious attitude. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This former mine access road snakes its way up to a mind-blowing 5,779 meters (18,959 feet)! Yeah, you're practically touching the sky up there. It used to be bustling with trucks hauling sulfur, because this volcano is loaded with it. You can even see the fumaroles puffing away from miles off. Word on the street is, this road might not be passable anymore, but even the attempt would be epic! Just imagine the views...the stark beauty of northern Chile... the sheer bragging rights of conquering one of the highest roads on the planet. This is a climb you won't soon forget!
hardHow to drive the hairpin turns to Collpani?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collpani in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This ain't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: a tiny village nestled high in the Andes, accessible by a road that redefines "twisty." We're talking 52 hairpin turns packed into just 10.4 kilometers! Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out. Or at least pack some ginger ale. You'll be climbing 819 meters, going from 3,075 m to a lung-busting 3,894 m above sea level. That's an average gradient of nearly 8%, with sections hitting a wild 15%. The entire road is unpaved and super narrow. The scenery? Absolutely stunning, but you'll be too busy wrestling the steering wheel to fully appreciate it. This route is an adventure, to say the least! Just remember to take it slow, enjoy the ride, and maybe don't eat a huge meal beforehand. You've been warned!
extremeHow long is South Yungas Road?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for the South Yungas Road in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a totally unpaved, 25km (15-mile) stretch of pure adrenaline, nestled in the Sud Yungas region. Think you've mastered hairpin turns? This road laughs in the face of your measly switchbacks! Over 50 of them are packed into this route as it climbs to 1,869m (6,131ft). South of the infamous "Death Road," this one's just as wild. Expect seriously tight squeezes, a ton of traffic, and some seriously exposed edges – we're talking 600-meter (1,830-foot) drops! Oh, and did I mention the creek crossing? A few insider tips: uphill traffic ALWAYS has the right of way. And if there's room to pass, switch positions in the road so you can judge how close you are to the edge. Also, for the love of adventure, check the weather before you go! Rain can make this already crazy road even more treacherous. Get ready for views that will take your breath away...if the road doesn't first!
hardConquering the Amazon: The Thrilling Drive on the BR-319 Mud Road of Brazil
🇧🇷 Brazil
Get ready for an epic adventure on BR-319, the wild Brazilian highway that slices through the heart of the Amazon from Manaus to Porto Velho! This 857km (532 miles) stretch is not for the faint of heart. Think deep mud that can make it completely impassable during the rainy season, turning your journey into a real test of resilience. This rugged route connects Manaus, the bustling capital of Amazonas where the Negro and Solimões rivers meet, with Porto Velho, the capital of Rondônia nestled in the upper Amazon basin. You'll rumble through small cities like Humaitá and Manicoré, witnessing a side of Brazil few get to see. Built in the '70s to open up the rainforest, BR-319 fell into disrepair pretty quickly. Expect a mix of asphalt, gravel, and sand, but brace yourself for crater-sized potholes, broken pavement, and a serious lack of guardrails. It's a true off-road experience! The debate continues about fully restoring the highway, with concerns about increased deforestation in this precious region. For now, most cargo goes by boat, leaving this challenging road to the truly adventurous, who camp out under the stars along the way.