
Is Ruta Provincial 73 in Jujuy unpaved?
Argentina, south-america
92.8 km
4,617 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the far northwest of Argentina and you're craving a serious off-road challenge, Ruta Provincial 73 is calling your name.
Spanning Jujuy and Salta provinces, this 93km (58 miles) stretch from Humahuaca to Santa Ana isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking *completely* unpaved, lunar-landscape-level rough terrain. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory.
Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll be cruising entirely above 3,000 meters, topping out at a staggering 4,617m (15,147ft) at Abra Azul. That's thin air, folks, so acclimatize and take it easy to avoid altitude sickness. Along the way, you'll conquer Abra del Viento (4,614m), Abra del Zenta (4,595m) and Abra Colorada (4,493m).
Keep an eye out for avalanches, snow, and landslides—they can happen anytime. But if you're prepared for it, this road promises unbelievable scenery and bragging rights for days!
Where is it?
Is Ruta Provincial 73 in Jujuy unpaved? is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -23.1914, -65.0546
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 92.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,617 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -23.1914, -65.0546
Related Roads in south-america
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Quebrada del Peñon
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Quebrada del Peñon! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a staggering 12,440 feet in Chile's Atacama Desert. The landscape is insane, nestled within the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park. Now, about the road itself: it's called C-601, and it's a gravel and sand track. Think rugged and remote! Be warned – this baby can get seriously muddy and slippery after a rain shower, turning it into a real challenge. And during or after a storm? Forget about it, even 4x4s might be out of luck. Weather-wise, prepare for extremes. Daytime highs can hit a balmy 30°C (86°F), but nighttime temps plummet, especially in winter when it can dip below freezing. Plus, the area is known for some serious winds, so hold onto your hats! Overall, Quebrada del Peñon is a wild ride with incredible scenery and a true test for the adventurous spirit. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
moderateWhere is Salar de Maricunga?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Atacama Region of Chile, heading towards this unreal, dazzling white salt flat called Salar de Maricunga. This place is seriously high up, like 3,700m (12,139ft) high! It's in the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, way out east. The air is super dry, and the temperature swings are wild – scorching hot in the daytime sun, then freezing cold at night. Why should you go? Well, besides the fact that it’s absolutely stunning, this salt flat is loaded with lithium. It's the southernmost of Chile's huge salt flats. The road there? It's Ruta 31-CH, about 280 km (173 miles) of mixed adventure. You'll find some smooth paved sections on either end, but the middle is all gravel, so keep your eyes open. It runs all the way from Copiapó to the Argentinian border. Most of the time, a 2WD car can handle it. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery.
moderateCamino al Sol de la Mañana: a challenging track to Cerro Sanabria
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the Bolivian Andes, in the surreal Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. You're about to tackle Cerro Sanabria, a mountain pass that tops out at a staggering 15,892 feet! Forget pavement, this is a 30-mile dirt track called Camino al Sol de la Mañana, and you'll need a 4x4 to even think about attempting it. The entire route stays above 13,000 feet, so that thin mountain air will definitely get your attention. You'll be winding your way from the stunning Laguna Colorada to the tiny village of Quetena Chico. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure!
easyWhere is San Isidro Lighthouse?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: Southern Patagonia, Chile. You're heading to the very tip of South America, to the San Isidro Lighthouse – the continent's southernmost beacon, shining since 1904! This beauty sits at the end of the Brunswick Peninsula, right on the Strait of Magellan. Built by George Slight back in the day, the area is pure Patagonia magic: mountain ranges, crazy diverse wildlife, subantarctic forests of coigüe and cinnamon trees, peatlands, glacier valleys...you name it! The road to get there? It’s Ruta 9, starting from Ciudad del Rey Don Felipe (aka Puerto del Hambre – "Port of Hunger" – a spot with a *dark* history). The road itself is a well-maintained, unpaved road that stretches for 23.6 km (14.66 miles). But here's the catch: the last 7 km (4.34 miles) are foot traffic *only*. You'll park at the "Fin de Camino" sign and hike the rest of the way on a trail that dates back to the early 1900s, hugging the coast and offering unreal views of the Strait of Magellan. Word to the wise: the lighthouse itself is pretty, but bare-bones. No water, no restrooms, and you can't even go inside! So, pack accordingly, and get ready for an adventure!