How to Drive the Unpaved Road to Cerro Peña Orko Between Bolivia and Argentina?

How to Drive the Unpaved Road to Cerro Peña Orko Between Bolivia and Argentina?

Argentina, south-america

Length

20 km

Elevation

4,435 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the ride of a lifetime! Cerro Peña Orko, perched way up at 14,550 feet, straddles the border between wild Bolivia and stunning Argentina.

This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a completely unpaved, 12-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated adventure. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's practically mandatory. Expect hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and sections so narrow you might find yourself backing up to make the bend!

Starting near Abra de Santa Cruz in Argentina and winding north to Ruta Nacional 28 near Huayllajara in Bolivia, this pass is a visual feast, even if you’re gripping the steering wheel for dear life. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road…if you dare!

Where is it?

How to Drive the Unpaved Road to Cerro Peña Orko Between Bolivia and Argentina? is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -43.0139, -62.6996

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
20 km
Max Elevation
4,435 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-43.0139, -62.6996

Related Roads in south-america

How Long is the Road from Pusac to Uchumarca?extreme

How Long is the Road from Pusac to Uchumarca?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Púsac-Uchumarca road in the Bolívar Province of northern Peru! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Starting in Púsac at 1,434m above sea level, you'll climb to a dizzying 3,684m as you approach Uchumarca. This 34.1 km (21.18 miles) unpaved road is carved into the side of a seriously steep mountain. Translation: narrow, winding, and exposed – think hundreds of meters straight down with zero guardrails. Hope you're not afraid of heights! The real test is "Cuesta de Uchumarca," a heart-pounding 4.9 km (3 miles) stretch boasting 16 hairpin turns! You'll gain 454m in elevation with gradients hitting up to 15%. But hey, the views are absolutely epic. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before you go; you don't want to be tackling this beast in bad conditions!

Where is Llano Chajnantor?hard

Where is Llano Chajnantor?

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, in the heart of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. You're heading towards the Llano Chajnantor plateau, way up in the Andes Mountains. This place is seriously remote, about 40 km east of San Pedro de Atacama, and the landscape is straight out of a sci-fi movie – so much so, they've even filmed Mars scenes here! The air is thin, almost lunar. This high-altitude spot, reaching a whopping 5,042 meters (16,541 feet), is home to ALMA, the world's largest astronomical observatory. Why here? Because the extreme dryness and clear skies are perfect for peering into the universe. Now, about getting there: the unpaved road stretches for 14.3 km (8.88 miles) from Ruta 27, winding its way up to the plateau. But here's the catch – this isn't your average road trip. The altitude is no joke. If you have respiratory issues or heart problems, seriously reconsider this one. And kids under 16? They're not allowed. Plus, only ALMA-certified vehicles and drivers with a special license can make the drive. While you may not be able to drive up there yourself, the views from the area will make your jaw drop.

Pacoorcco Passextreme

Pacoorcco Pass

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Paso Pacoorcco in the Peruvian Andes is a wild ride! We're talking serious altitude here: 15,610 feet (4,758m), to be exact, nestled way up in the Moquegua Region. The road, also known as P'aqu Urqu or Carretera 104, is a gravel beast and seriously steep. Word to the wise: check the weather before you go! This area is known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards that can turn this epic drive into a white-knuckle nightmare. The climb is brutal, trust me. The air gets thin, real thin – expect to feel the altitude. You'll be pushing your limits as you grind your way to the top. But hey, you can't beat the scenery here, its remoteness, or the bragging rights. Just remember to take it slow and steady!

Abra Llamaorgo: Driving one of the highest mountain passes in Peruextreme

Abra Llamaorgo: Driving one of the highest mountain passes in Peru

🇵🇪 Peru

Abra Llamaorgo is an extreme mountain pass reaching an elevation of 4,700m (15,419ft) above sea level, located in the Department of Huancavelica, Peru. This high-altitude route is a true test for any driver, offering raw Andean scenery and challenging gradients in one of the most remote regions of the country. The ascent starts from the city of Huancavelica. The road to the summit is 22.7 km long, involving a significant elevation gain of 995 meters. The drive is famous for its 20 hairpin turns that snake up the steep mountain slopes, providing constant views of the surrounding peaks. The road is totally unpaved but generally well-maintained. While it consists mainly of gravel and dirt, its condition often allows a standard passenger vehicle to reach the summit during periods of good weather, provided the driver proceeds slowly and with caution. The road is extremely steep, with some sections exceeding a 24% gradient. Due to the extreme altitude, weather conditions can change in minutes. Even a single rainfall can make the surface challenging. The area is prone to heavy snowfalls, landslides, and avalanches, with frequent patches of ice making the track dangerous at any time of year. Because of its remote location and altitude of 4,700 meters, it is vital to be fully prepared. Drivers should carry extra fuel, water, food, and warm clothing. A reliable GPS and physical maps are highly recommended, as mobile signal is virtually non-existent in this part of the Andes. The best time for driving is during the dry season (typically from May to September). During the rainy season, the risk of road blockages due to mud or ice increases significantly. Regardless of the season, the high elevation means the air is thin, which can affect both engine power and the driver's physical well-being. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map 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 here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.