Is the road to Iruya in Argentina unpaved?
Argentina, south-america
47.4 km
2,790 m
hard
Year-round
Iruya is a small town at an elevation of 2.790m (9,153ft) above sea level, located in the Iruya Department of Salta Province in Argentina.
Is the road to Iruya in Argentina unpaved?
Set high on the northwestern part of the country, the road to the town is not for the sissies.
It comprises the unpaved RP133 and RP13 roads, straddling Jujuy and Salta provinces. The area offers awesome mountain settings, isolated villages and spectacular off-road trails.
The local people are more reminiscent of Bolivians than of Argentineans with their long, black braids tied together at the end, their short, layered skirts and sombreros, sometimes pimped with a fresh flower.
How long is the road to Iruya in Argentina?
Starting at the paved RN9, north of Humahuaca, the drive to the picturesque village
is 47.4 km (29.45 miles) long. It’s a difficult drive, with countless curves and hairpin turns, dangerous drop offs with very narrow parts, fording many rivers
, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.942m (12,933ft) above sea level. Few people use it and the area is home to vicuñas. Just before reaching Iruya you will reach a beautiful gorge, rough and barren yet colorful in tinges of red and brown.
When is the best time to drive to Iruya in Argentina?
The road is very dry usually, but summer rainstorms can make it impassable. The best months to travel in this area are June, July, August, September and October.
A sign at the entrance to town warns visitors against:
taking photographs of the residents without permission
giving out charitable donations to the residents
inappropriate dress. No bikinis.
How to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas?
What are the highest roads in Argentina?
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 47.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,790 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaguna Chiuri
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just got back from the most insane trek in Central Peru, up to Laguna Chiuri! This place is seriously otherworldly, perched way up high in the Department of Lima at a staggering 15,839 feet above sea level. Now, getting there isn't for the faint of heart. The road is gravel, and bumpy as all get-out. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, trust me. And keep an eye on the weather, because even a little rain can turn this route into a real challenge. Watch out for those sneaky patches of loose gravel too - they can really throw you for a loop! But if you come prepared, you are in for some majestic views that you will not soon forget.
hardHow to drive the challenging 4x4 road to Quiscapampa in the Andes?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled one of the highest roads in Peru, and it's a beast – Quiscapampa, clocking in at a whopping 17,555 feet! You’ll find this bad boy chilling in the Castilla Province, specifically in the Chachas District. We're talking remote Arequipa Region, deep in the southern part of Peru. Now, let’s be clear: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, so 4x4 is a MUST. It’s actually a mining road still in use for the Paula Mine. The 14-mile (23km) route winds its way from Anchaca to Chuañuma, near the Marhuas volcano, offering insane views of the Andes’ Chila range. Just prepare yourself for some seriously extreme cold temps!
moderateWhere is Portezuelo del Cajón?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Ruta 27, leaving San Pedro de Atacama in Chile behind you, headed towards the wild landscapes of southwestern Bolivia. You're about to cross the Portezuelo del Cajón, also known as Hito Cajón, an international border that sits way up high at 4,480m (that's nearly 14,700 feet!). This isn't just any border crossing; it's an adventure. The whole stretch from San Pedro de Atacama to Quetena Chico is about 150 km (93 miles) of mixed terrain – expect both smooth paved sections and bumpy, unpaved bits. You're basically hugging the lower slopes of the Juriques volcano, so the scenery is out of this world. Think stunning Andean landscapes, especially as you get closer to Bolivia. On the Bolivian side, you’ll be smack-dab in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, with Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca nearby. It's a super popular route for travelers going between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama, so you’re bound to meet fellow adventurers. Now, heads up: the Bolivian Aduana (customs) is bizarrely located about 80 km from the actual border, in what feels like the middle of nowhere at over 5,000m! Getting there involves passing through a guarded barrier. The Chilean border post, on the other hand, is a good 40 km down the road, closer to San Pedro de Atacama. Before you set off, check the weather – high altitude can bring unpredictable conditions. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential storms as you climb. Enjoy the ride!
moderateWhere is Vicuña volcano?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Vicuña is a volcano at an elevation of 5.495m (18,028ft) above sea level, straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. It’s one of the highest roads of the country Where is Vicuña volcano? Set high in the Andes mountain range, the volcano is located on the border between the San Juan Province of Argentina and the Atacama Region of Northern Chile. Can I drive to Vicuña volcano? Located in the central region of both countries, the road to the summit is entirely unpaved. A 4x4 vehicle is required. The area is rich in copper and gold and the road to the summit is a mining road. Can I drive to Vicuña volcano in winters? The climate is cold and windy, typical of the high Andes. Because of its altitude, this road is open only in summers (from December through April). The rest of the year is blocked by snow. A 4x4 mine road to Cerro El Potro in the Andes A truck powered by solar energy sets altitude record: it has climbed a volcano in Chile 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.