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
hardDriving the Challenging AN 104 Road to Chicarhuapunta
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to add Chicarhuapunta to your bucket list. This insane mountain pass tops out at a dizzying 14,071 feet in the Peruvian Andes – yeah, you're gonna feel that altitude! You'll find it deep in the Cordillera Blanca range, in the Ancash Region of western Peru. Now, let's be real: getting there is half the battle. Carretera 104 (or AN 104, if you're feeling official) is a beast. Think narrow roads, both paved and unpaved, with zero guardrails protecting you from some seriously scary drop-offs. We're talking over 300 turns, with around 100 of those being hairpin bends. Clutch those rosaries, people! The whole route stretches for 88 miles between Pueblo Libre and Huambacho, going from east to west. And did I mention steep? The climb from Tocash is a leg-burner – almost 2,000 meters of elevation gain over just 32.6km. That's an average gradient of nearly 6%, but be prepared for sections that hit a whopping 12%! But trust me, the views are worth it. The raw, untamed beauty of the Cordillera Blanca will take your breath away (if the altitude doesn't first!). Just take it slow, stay focused, and prepare for the drive of your life!
hardLaguna del Inca o del Portillo
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up into the Chilean Andes, near the Argentina border, on Ruta 60. This isn't just any drive; you're headed to Laguna del Inca (or del Portillo, if you prefer), a stunning lake shimmering at a cool 9,360 feet above sea level. The road itself? Paved, but hold on tight! It's a steep climb with hairpin turns galore that'll test your driving skills. Weather is a serious factor here. We're talking potential -30°C in winter, so definitely check conditions before you go. But trust me, the views are worth it. The stark mountain scenery reflecting in the lake's surface is something you won't soon forget!
extremeRoad 34H: Conquering Abra Sandia and Laguna Saytococha in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Road 34H, a wild ride through the Peruvian Andes! This 61-kilometer (38-mile) stretch connects Quiscupunco with the town of Sandia in the Puno Region, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll be hugging the mountainside as you conquer the Abra Sandia pass and gaze upon the serene Laguna Saytococha. Get ready for a dramatic change in scenery as you drop from the high Altiplano into the lush Amazon basin. The trickiest part? The section between Abra Sandia (also called Abra Apacheta) at a dizzying 4,495 meters and Laguna Saytococha at 4,459 meters. This is a remote area close to Bolivia, defined by steep cliffs, tight canyons, and rivers that love to mess with the road. While parts of Road 34H are paved, don't get too comfy! The asphalt is narrow and weathered, winding through a barren landscape where the mountains seem to want to reclaim the road. Watch out for floods, avalanches, and landslides that can turn the pavement into gravel and mud without warning. The road is incredibly narrow, and passing can be a real challenge. Imagine meeting a truck on a blind corner and having to reverse for kilometers along a cliff edge! High-clearance vehicles are essential, and driving in the rain or at night? Forget about it. The biggest challenge is the sheer exposure. The road clings to the mountainside with no guardrails, offering a breathtaking (or terrifying) view of the valleys far below. Heavy mist and sudden changes in visibility can make it hard to see the edge. And the hairpin turns? Prepare for dizziness! Plus, the steep descent will put your brakes to the test. At this altitude (nearly 4,500 meters), the lack of oxygen is real. Altitude sickness (soroche) is common, bringing nausea and dizziness. Don't eat a big meal before you go, or you might regret it. Beyond that, your driving skills need to be on point. Be ready to reverse on narrow shoulders and use low gears on those steep descents. Help is scarce here, so any mistake could have serious consequences. Pack emergency supplies, extra fuel, and tires that can handle both asphalt and rough gravel.
extremeRoad to the Junín Lakes: Driving to Alcacocha, Tarusmachay, and Oshgomachay
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic Andean adventure! Deep in the heart of Peru's Central Andes, near Junín, lies a mind-blowing route that winds past three ridiculously gorgeous glacial lakes: Alcacocha, Tarusmachay, and Oshgomachay. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a high-altitude test of you and your vehicle through the stark beauty of the Meseta de Bombón. Forget smooth pavement – this is a classic "trocha," a white gravel track carving through a vast, treeless plateau. Imagine endless ichu grass swaying in the fierce Andean winds, with distant peaks as your only companions. It’s raw, exposed, and unbelievably scenic. Starting just north of Junín, you peel off the civilized 3N Road and onto this 14.9 km stretch of pure adventure. Don’t let the average gradient of 2.85% fool you; the real challenge is the altitude. You’ll be climbing a cumulative 426 meters in seriously thin air! The route flows organically through the mountains. First, you'll hit Laguna Alcacocha (at a dizzying 4,366m). Then, it's upwards to the highest point by Laguna Tarusmachay (4,443m), before leveling out a bit near Laguna Oshgomachay (4,430m). The whole drive is a slow, steady climb where you'll definitely feel your engine straining above 4,000 meters. Expect mostly loose gravel and compacted earth under your tires. In dry weather, it's dusty but manageable. But remember, this is extreme high-altitude driving! Oxygen is scarce, and you'll likely feel the effects of altitude sickness if you haven't acclimatized in Junín or nearby towns. Safety first, especially during the rainy season (November to April). Snowfall and landslides can make things seriously dicey. There are absolutely no services, no gas stations, and hardly any other vehicles out here. A 4x4 with good tires is essential, as the gravel gets slick when wet, and those steep sections demand traction. Before you ditch the 3N highway, give your ride a thorough check-up. Thin air makes engines work overtime, so check those tires and cooling system! That "lack of oxygen" also affects your reflexes and judgment. If you get a headache or feel dizzy, stop or head down immediately. This route is your ticket to the authentic Peruvian puna, far from the tourist throngs, where your only company might be alpaca herds and the serene, frigid lagoons.