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
hardWhere is Nevado del Ruiz volcano?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready for an adventure, and you've heard whispers of a road that climbs to the roof of the country, approaching the majestic Nevado del Ruiz volcano. This snow-capped giant, also known as La Mesa de Herveo or Kumanday, straddles the Caldas and Tolima departments. The drive kicks off from Carretera 50 and stretches for about 18.6 km. It starts off smooth with pavement, but don't get too comfy – it gets rougher as you climb. You'll hit Parador Turístico La Esperanza at 4,117m, where you can fuel up, grab a snack, and maybe even find the gate closed if the volcano is feeling grumpy. Beyond this point, it's a whole different ball game. The road turns to dirt, so a 4x4 with high clearance is your best bet. The goal? El Refugio hut at 4,804m. From there, the real adventure begins – a hike to the summit! Be warned, even in summer, the temperature can plummet, so pack accordingly! This active volcano is known to have nasty weather year-round and it is one of the highest roads in Colombia, so be prepared for a truly unforgettable experience, if you can get there.
moderateRuta Provincial 11
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, listen up, adventurers! If you find yourself in the Neuquén Province of southwestern Argentina, practically breathing the same air as Chile, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial 11. This epic loop is about 80.5km of pure, unadulterated gravel road magic. Picture this: you're cruising alongside shimmering lakes – Lago Moquehue, Lago Ñorquincó, and Lago Pulmarí – with views that'll make your jaw drop. Now, this isn't a super hardcore off-road experience. A 2WD vehicle with a bit of ground clearance should be fine if you take it easy. Expect long, dry stretches where you can cruise, but keep an eye out for washboarding, ruts, and dips. Basically, be smart, drive slow, and soak in the scenery. Trust me, it's worth it!
moderateIs the road to Cruz del Cóndor paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, high up in the Andes in the Department of Arequipa. You're headed to Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, a spot that sits at a whopping 3,794m (12,447ft)! This place is *the* place to be if you want to witness the legendary Andean Condor soaring through the sky. The drive itself? Mostly smooth sailing on paved roads (we're talking AR-109, baby!), but keep an eye out for some unpaved sections to keep things interesting. It's a 22km (13.67 miles) hop from Pinchollo to Cabanaconde, winding through incredible mountain scenery. Seriously, this is one of Peru's top spots for a reason. You're not just looking at a canyon (one of the deepest in the world, by the way), but also breathtaking views of the whole region. And, of course, the condors! Get there early (7-9am is prime time) to beat the crowds and get the best views of these magnificent birds. You'll find a cross marking the spot, and a small wall for safety. Hit it up between May and November for the best weather. Plus, you're near Oquepuño Pass and Patapampa Pass, some of the highest paved roads and passes in South America, so you can make a real adventure of it!
moderateWhere Is Los Nevados?
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, so Los Nevados is this super cute mountain village nestled way up high in the Venezuelan Andes, like way, way up there! We're talking proper altitude here. You'll find it chilling near the Sierra Nevada National Park, southwest of the cool city of Mérida. Getting there? That's half the adventure! Forget smooth asphalt, the 44.1 km (27.40 miles) road from Apartaderos is a wild ride! Picture this: a super skinny track clinging to the side of mountains, some serious drop-offs that will make your palms sweat (we're talking hundreds of meters down!), and views that will absolutely blow your mind. It’s considered one of the most exciting roads in the country for a reason! Get ready for an unforgettable scenic journey.