How long is Trampolín del Diablo in Colombia?
Colombia, south-america
74.8 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Southern Colombia, Putumayo Department, and you're staring down the barrel of the "Trampolín del Diablo" – Devil's Trampoline, or "Adiós mi vida" (Bye bye my life), if you're feeling dramatic. This road from Mocoa to San Francisco is not for the faint of heart.
Built way back in 1930, this roughly 75 km (46.47 miles) stretch is carved into the Andean mountains. Think unpaved, think seriously narrow, and think steep drops with zero guardrails. We're talking a single lane of gravel clinging to the side of the mountain!
Locals built it to transport soldiers, but now, it’s a wild ride through the Valley of Sibundoy. It’ll probably take you 3-4 hours, assuming you don't stop (but you will, to catch your breath!).
It's beautiful, don’t get me wrong. Lush forested mountainsides, solitude, and views that'll make your jaw drop. But with blind corners, hairpin turns, and the constant threat of landslides, it demands your full attention. They say the landslides are the real killer, ready to sweep you over the edge. It’s a notorious road where hundreds have met their end, marked by roadside crosses and ominous warning signs.
Be prepared for cloudy and misty conditions – that's pretty much the default setting. It’s a challenging ride with very light traffic, but if you're up for an adventure and respect the road, the Devil’s Trampoline is an unforgettable experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Colombia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 74.8 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhy is Termas Valle de Colina famous?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, itching for an adventure, and someone whispers about natural hot springs nestled high in the Andes. That's Termas Valle de Colina, sitting pretty at 2,500 meters! Getting there is half the fun. You'll cruise from Santiago for about 76 kilometers (almost 50 miles!) towards Argentina, following Camino Al Volcán (Ruta G-25). The road hugs a river, snaking its way deeper and deeper into the mountains. It's paved at first, but don't get too comfy. The last 10 kilometers are rocky, unpaved, and begging for a 4x4. Seriously, leave the sedan at home. Expect some steep sections! Once you arrive, it's a short 3-kilometer hike to a killer viewpoint of the San José Volcano. But the real reward? Nine natural thermal pools, terraced down the mountainside, with water temps hitting up to 50°C. Imagine soaking in those mineral-rich waters with snow-capped peaks all around – bliss! Word to the wise: check the weather. Even in summer, it can get chilly up there, especially at night. The weather can change fast, from sunny skies to misty rain, or even snow. In winter, the road's usually closed, so plan accordingly. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience!
extremeAn epic road to Abra Mina Maricunga in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Chile's Atacama Region and craving an epic mountain experience, you HAVE to tackle Abra Mina Maricunga. We're talking a sky-high pass sitting pretty at 4,567 meters (almost 15,000 feet!). The road, C-353, is all-dirt goodness winding through the Andes. The good news? You don't need a monster truck to conquer it—any car can make the journey. Just be prepared for a hefty climb with seriously thin air. Trust me, you'll feel it! Starting near La Guardia, the road stretches for about 61 kilometers (38 miles) of pure, unadulterated mountain scenery. This is a steep one, folks. Keep in mind that you're battling altitude and potentially wild weather, but the views? Totally worth the huffing and puffing!
extremeHow to get to the Casiri lagoons by car?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Laguna Casiri Hembra and Laguna Casiri Macho are a pair of stunning high-altitude mountain lagoons located in the Arica and Parinacota Region of Chile. Situated near the Bolivian border, the road to these lakes is one of the highest driving routes in the country, surrounded by a dramatic landscape of volcanoes. Road facts: Casiri Lagoons General Lagos, Chile (near Bolivia) 16.1 km (10 miles) from Caquena Rocky Gravel / Unpaved How to get to the Casiri lagoons by car? The drive begins in the remote village of . From the village, the road stretches for , climbing steadily toward the high plateau. The route involves an elevation gain of 540 meters, ending at the shores of the lakes: Casiri Hembra (4,825m) Casiri Macho (4,856m) What are the road conditions in this volcanic area? The surface is entirely unpaved, consisting of gravel and loose volcanic rocks . The track is described as "tippy" and bumpy, with several steep sections that require technical driving. Due to the loose surface and the high gradients, a is strictly required. This is a trail designed for experienced off-roaders; avoid this route if unpaved mountain tracks are not your strong point. Weather and altitude hazards At nearly 4,900 meters above sea level, the effects of altitude (hypoxia) are noticeable for both drivers and engines. The road is usually impassable during the winter months due to snow. Additionally, sudden summer thunderstorms can rapidly transform the dry gravel into a muddy trap, making the road dangerous or completely impassable in minutes. A landscape of volcanoes and algae gardens The journey is well worth the effort for the stunning surrounding landscape of volcanoes and sharp rocky peaks. is particularly unique for its underwater algae garden visible in the southern area. Despite the harsh conditions, mosquitoes are abundant along the edges of the lagoons, which are framed by ancient volcanic rock formations. Driving safety and preparation Given the extreme isolation near the Bolivian border, travelers must be fully self-sufficient. Ensure your vehicle is in top mechanical condition and carry extra supplies. The road is narrow and winding, with sharp curves that demand constant focus, especially when navigating the rocky embankments at such extreme elevations. Pic: Marcelo Toro Zavala An epic road to Paso Salar Capina in the Andes Cerro Juquel: Driving the steep 9.5% climb in Potosí, Bolivia 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 Juquel: Driving the steep 9.5% climb in Potosí, Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Deep in the Potosí Department of southwestern Bolivia lies Cerro Juquel, a mountain peak soaring to 4,612m (15,131ft). This landmark pierces the desolate Andean landscape, offering access to a communication tower via a seriously dramatic, technical road. The views? Absolutely insane – think salt flats stretching forever and stark volcanic terrain. Your adventure kicks off near Hostal De Sal La Escondida, that cool salt hotel you'll find in the Altiplano. From there, the track claws its way up the dry, rocky mountainside of the Potosí region. It’s a land of pure isolation, sculpted by volcanic minerals and super thin air. The climb is 9.01 km (5.60 miles) long, and as you gain altitude, the ground gets looser and more technical. This is not for the faint of heart (or the 2WD). Yep, the road to the summit is 100% unpaved. It's a narrow, rocky track demanding a 4x4 beast. The trail is super steep, featuring 19 hairpin turns that will have you gripping the wheel. These switchbacks are tight and often have significant drop-offs, so maybe skip this one if you're scared of heights. The surface is high-altitude gravel and volcanic soil, which can get slippery, especially on those ramps where the 9.5% gradient makes your engine scream. The real challenge of Cerro Juquel is that brutal combo of steepness and altitude. Over those 9 km, you'll gain 856 meters in elevation, resulting in an average gradient of 9.5%. Up at 4,600+ meters, your engine will struggle with the lack of oxygen, seriously impacting power. Low-range gearing is a must to keep things smooth through those hairpins. The communication tower at the top is your final destination, but the real reward is that mind-blowing panorama of the desolate Potosí wilderness – a view few travelers ever witness. Weather here is harsh and unpredictable. Even in the dry season, high winds are a constant, making steering tricky on the exposed hairpins. Temperatures plummet the moment the sun dips, often well below freezing. If you encounter any moisture, the volcanic dust transforms into a super-slippery paste, turning that 9.5% grade into a dangerous slide. Always check local conditions and pack recovery gear, extra fuel, and warm layers before ditching the salt plains.