
Is Chicamocha Canyon worth it?
Colombia, south-america
41 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready for an adventure, and someone mentions the Chicamocha Canyon. Trust me, you HAVE to go!
This massive canyon, nestled between Boyacá and Santander departments in the Andes, is mind-blowing. They say it's the second biggest in the world, plunging down over 6,500 feet.
Now, the road cutting through it – Ruta Nacional 45A – is fully paved, so no need to worry about off-roading. You can cruise from Los Curos to Aratoca along this 25-mile stretch. Don't get too comfy, though! This toll road is a rollercoaster with crazy steep sections and hairpin turns galore.
But trust me, the views are worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road! This canyon and the surrounding Chicamocha National Park are a total feast for the eyes. Get ready for some unforgettable photo ops.
Road Details
- Country
- Colombia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 41 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeDriving the infamous road from Autisha to Chaclla
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Lima Region of Peru and fancy a drive you won't forget, check out the Autisha-Chaclla road. This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road; it's a proper mountain adventure between Autisha and Chaclla, and let's just say it's earned a reputation. Think gravel tracks, seriously tight hairpin turns, and edges that drop off hundreds of meters. Seriously, keep your eyes on the road! It's about 14 km of pure adrenaline, not for the faint-hearted (or those prone to vertigo). Pictures don't capture the sheer drop and the wildness of it all. Nestled high in the Andes, the scenery is breathtaking, but the road demands respect. Landslides are a possibility, so be aware of your surroundings. Starting at 2,320 meters above sea level in Autisha, you'll climb a whopping 1,161 meters for an average gradient of 8.35%. This baby is STEEP! One slip and... well, let's just say you don't want to think about it. So, if you're up for a challenge and some seriously epic views, this Peruvian road might just be your next adventure!
hardRuta Provincial 2
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Ruta Provincial 2 in Argentina's Valdes Peninsula, right on the Atlantic coast. This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a 139km adventure! The road starts with some nice asphalt, but quickly turns into "ripio," which is basically gravel. It connects the Ruta Nacional 3 to the tiny town of Punta Delgada on the Golfo Nuevo. Now, weather here is WILD. Valdes Peninsula is semi-arid, so things change fast, and the wind can be intense. That's why they recommend sticking to 60km/hour. Trust me, a cracked windshield or flat tire will ruin your wildlife spotting! Speaking of which, this route is all about the scenery. You'll have the chance to spot massive marine animals in their natural habitat. It’s usually maintained so a normal car *could* do it if you’re careful and the weather is good. That said, for max comfort and fewer worries, seriously consider renting a 4x4. The gravel can get loose, especially on the edges, and muddy after rain. Basically, come prepared for an adventure!
hardChollay-Punta Colorada Road
🇨🇱 Chile
Get ready for a breathtaking Chilean adventure on the Chollay-Punta Colorada road! Seriously, this drive is gorgeous. Think stunning mountain vistas and hairpin turns galore – we're talking over 30 of them winding through the Andes. Clocking in at 209km, this route links Chollay in the Atacama Region to Punta Colorada in the Coquimbo Region, hugging the Argentinian border. The good news is the road was recently asphalted, so the surface is smooth. The challenge? You're climbing high, really high. The highest point hits 3,573m (11,722ft), so be prepared for thin air. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, so take it easy! Extreme weather can also play a role, so keep an eye on the forecast. But trust me, the scenery is worth it!
hardDare to drive the dangerous road to Abra del Condor
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra del Cóndor in Argentina is calling your name! We're talking a staggering 3,942 meters (12,933 feet) above sea level, perched right on the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in the wild northwest. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about Ruta Provincial 133 and 13, AKA Carretera de Iruya, a mostly unpaved path stretching nearly 48 kilometers (30 miles) from the RN9, just north of Humahuaca, all the way to the charming village of Iruya. Get ready for a wild ride, because this road throws everything at you: endless twists and turns, hairpin curves that'll make your head spin, and seriously steep drops where you'll be hugging the mountainside. Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording rivers? But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Imagine yourself surrounded by mind-blowing mountain landscapes, quaint, secluded villages, and off-road trails begging to be explored. You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of valleys dotted with cultivated terraces, all framed by vibrant, multi-colored mountains and bizarrely eroded rock formations. Keep an eye on the weather, though! It's usually pretty dry, but summer storms can turn this road into a muddy mess. Your best bet? Plan your trip for June through October. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!