How long is Rodovia Oswaldo Cruz?
Brazil, south-america
91 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Rodovia Oswaldo Cruz, a twisty, turny rollercoaster of a road in São Paulo, Brazil. We're talking about 91 kilometers (56 miles) of pure driving adventure, linking Taubaté in the Paraíba Valley with the coastal paradise of Ubatuba.
Nestled in the southeastern part of Brazil, smack-dab in the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, this baby was finished in 1976 and is also known as SP-125. But don't let the name fool you. This isn't just a Sunday drive. Think super steep sections (hello, first gear!), hairpin turns that’ll make your palms sweat, and views that’ll knock your socks off. Make sure your car is in tip-top shape, brakes are sharp, and tires have great grip. You'll need it!
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 91 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is the road to Cerro Tuc Tuc located?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cerro Tuc Tuc is a high mountain pass reaching an elevation of 4,624m (15,170ft) above sea level, located in the Santa Victoria Department of Salta, Argentina. This remote track, also known as Cerro Tuc Tuca, is one of the highest roads in the country and offers a raw driving experience near the border with Jujuy. Road facts: Cerro Tuc Tuc Salta Province, Argentina 18.66 km (11.6 miles) Unpaved (Gravel/Dirt) High (Altitude & Narrow pass) Where is the road to Cerro Tuc Tuc located? The pass is situated to the west of the iconic in northern Argentina. The road, locally known as , winds through a dramatic landscape of colorful mountains and eroded rock walls typical of the high Andean plateau. Is the road to Cerro Tuc Tuc paved? No, the road through the pass is entirely unpaved. It consists of a narrow dirt and gravel track that requires a high-clearance vehicle. Driving this road is technical, as the path is often too narrow for two regular cars to pass each other easily, especially in areas with dangerous drop-offs. How long is the ascent to Cerro Tuc Tuc? Santa Cruz de Aguilar , the road to the summit is 18.66 km (11.6 miles) long . The route involves a steady climb with an elevation gain of 624 meters. While the average gradient is a moderate 3.34%, the high altitude makes the drive demanding for any engine. Is a 4x4 vehicle required for Cerro Tuc Tuc? Yes, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially after it rains. The surface can become slippery and the steep hills require excellent traction. This is a remote area where help is far away, so being equipped with a proper off-road vehicle is essential for a safe journey. What are the driving conditions at Cerro Tuc Tuc? The weather at 4,624 meters is often extreme and changes rapidly. Drivers must be prepared for the notorious absence of oxygen and the risk of altitude sickness (AMS). The combination of steep hills, narrow passages, and changing weather makes driving to the summit a challenge that requires total focus. What can you see from the summit of Cerro Tuc Tuc? The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Salta and Jujuy highlands. The surrounding colorful mountains create a unique visual experience, making it a favorite spot for overlanders looking for the most isolated and scenic roads in northern Argentina. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson A wild 4x4 road to Coipitas Pass in the Andes Road Trip Guide: Conquering Abra Campana Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeCerro Chajnantor, an awe-inspiring route in the Atacama desert
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Chile's Atacama Desert awaits Cerro Chajnantor, clocking in at a staggering 18,487 feet. We're talking serious altitude here, making it one of South America's highest roads! Forget smooth asphalt; this is a raw, unpaved challenge best tackled with a 4x4 beast. The landscape is seriously otherworldly, but also seriously dry and unforgiving. The prize? A 20-foot telescope perched at the summit, making it the highest astronomical site on the planet! Built back in '06, this climb isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). If you've got respiratory issues or heart problems, sit this one out. The air is THIN, and the road is STEEP. Seriously, most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you even get close to the top. Expect your engine to struggle too! The paved road is your starting point for this 8.6-mile ascent. The climb gains a whopping 2,769 feet, averaging a 6% gradient. Brace yourself for an unforgettable ride — and maybe bring some oxygen!
moderateA wild mining road to Vicuña volcano in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a beast of a road? I'm talking about the route up Volcán Vicuña, teetering on the Argentina-Chile border at a staggering 18,028 feet! Seriously, this has gotta be one of the highest roads in this part of the world. You'll find this bad boy nestled high in the Andes, smack-dab between Argentina's San Juan Province and Chile's Atacama Region. Fair warning: the road to the top is completely unpaved, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended—it's essential! Word on the street is that this is actually a mining road, so you know it’s gonna be rough and ready. Think rugged landscapes, maybe even a glimpse of copper and gold riches! Just a heads-up: the climate here is classic high-Andes – expect it to be bone-chillingly cold and super windy. And because you're practically touching the sky, this road is only accessible during the summer months (December to April). The rest of the year, it's buried under a mountain of snow. So, if you’re planning a trip, time it right!
extremeLaguna Pallarcocha: Driving the remote AR-107 to 4,740m in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! Ever heard of Laguna Pallarcocha (aka Laguna de Payarcocha)? This crazy-high lake is tucked away in the Peruvian Andes, specifically in the Condesuyos Province of Arequipa. We're talking serious altitude: 4,740m (15,550ft)! Getting there? A true test of grit. The road itself is a 52 km (32.3 mile) stretch from Arma to Pampacolca, running north-south, and designated AR-107 and AR-105. It carves right through the Cordillera Ampato's slopes, showcasing volcanic rocks, tough puna plants, and vast, empty plateaus. Think remote villages in the Arequipa highlands, far from civilization. Forget smooth tarmac – this is gravel and dirt all the way! It's basically carved into the mountainside and shows all the wear and tear from the harsh climate: erosion, "washboards"… you name it. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a MUST. Seriously, leave your sedan at home. The road hugs the ridges, so you'll be dodging rocks and ruts, especially after the rainy season. Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots. Don't even think about this road in bad weather. Snow or heavy rain can turn that gravel into a slippery mess in seconds. High winds are practically a given, bringing dust storms that can kill visibility. Winter? Expect snowdrifts and freezing temps (think below -15°C!). And don't forget altitude sickness (soroche)! At this height, you'll be fighting brain fog and your engine will be gasping for air. The real kicker is the isolation. 52 kilometers of pure exposure, no services, no cell service, and hardly any other vehicles. You need total focus to handle the tight turns and bumpy surface. Reaching the lake? It's a serene experience, with the water mirroring the stark volcanic peaks. Just remember the golden rule: what goes up must come down! Pack enough fuel for the round trip, and bring emergency oxygen and warm gear. The weather at Pallarcocha can flip from sunny to blizzard in a heartbeat!