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
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🇵🇪 Peru
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extremeThe wild road to the summit of Abra Quenco
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Quenco in the Arequipa Region of Peru! This ain't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about a gravel road that claws its way up to a staggering 5,020m (16,469ft), making it one of Peru's highest roads. Located within the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve, this pass isn't just high, it's a wild ride! Expect sandy patches, tight hairpin turns that'll test your nerves, and some seriously steep inclines that'll leave you breathless (literally, thanks to the altitude!). Watch out for those sneaky loose-gravel sections! Word to the wise: rain turns this road into a beast. Even a little drizzle can make things tricky, and heavy downpours can render the unpaved sections impassable. The oxygen is thin, the climb is relentless, and the views? Absolutely epic! Just beyond the pass, the road briefly touches 5,101m (16,735ft). Keep an eye out for the occasional mine vehicle. The road leading up to this epic point is known as Carretera C-105. Heads up for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Driving in those conditions is for experienced adventurers only!
hardCerro Blanco
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cerro Blanco in the wild Argentinian Andes! We're talking about a whopping 4,174 meters (13,694 feet) above sea level in the Catamarca Province. The road in? Pure sand, baby! This isn't a Sunday drive; you NEED a 4x4. You'll kick things off from Ruta Provincial 43 and grind it out for 96.3 km. Cerro Blanco sits pretty on the Robledo caldera's southern edge, surrounded by cool pumice deposits. Heads up: this track gets seriously muddy and slick after rain. Like, "maybe impassable even with 4x4" kind of slick. And since you're out in the boonies, be prepped for anything. Expect a high desert climate, scorching sun, and super dry conditions. But the views? Totally worth it.
hardThe road to Abra Loncopata in Arequipa is pure adventure
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Loncopata in the Arequipa region of Peru is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) above sea level – that's high! Nestled in the Reserva Cotahuasi, this unpaved beauty, also known as AR-105, stretches for 128 km (almost 80 miles) of pure, unadulterated, north-to-south Peruvian bliss, connecting Road 111 to Puica. Prepare for some serious steepness! We’re talking gradients hitting 20% – your vehicle (and your lungs!) will definitely feel it. And the best part? You'll likely have this epic road all to yourself. Just be sure to pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, a warm jacket (altitude, remember!), and reliable GPS and maps are essential. Oh, and did I mention the scenery? Get ready for views that'll blow your mind! Seriously, this is a journey you won't soon forget.