Mecoya-Mecoyita Pass
Argentina, south-america
N/A
2,373 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Paso de Mecoya-Mecoyita, straddling the Bolivian-Argentinian border at a lung-busting 2,373m (7,785ft)!
On the Bolivian side, you'll be tackling the RN45, while its Argentinian counterpart remains nameless. Prepare for some serious climbing, folks! The altitude is a real beast, so listen to your body – altitude sickness is no joke up here.
Connecting Mecoya in Bolivia with Ruta Provincial 5 near Santa Victoria in Argentina, this gravel track demands respect. Expect loose surfaces, especially near the edges, and be warned – rain turns it into a slippery, muddy mess. Storms can render it impassable, even for 4x4s.
But hey, the views! Imagine panoramic mountain vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. Just be aware that some sections are seriously narrow, requiring expert reversing skills if you meet oncoming traffic. And if you're afraid of heights, this might not be your cup of tea: sheer drops of hundreds of meters are common, with no guardrails to save you!
Where is it?
Mecoya-Mecoyita Pass is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -40.3660, -63.3443
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,373 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -40.3660, -63.3443
Related Roads in south-america
easy8 Things You Should Never Do on a Brazil Road Trip
🇧🇷 Brazil
Brazil, Brazil, Brazil! Six-ish million folks can't be wrong, right? Tropical vibes, mind-blowing nature, and a culture that'll grab you - this South American giant has it all. But hey, every paradise has its quirks. Here are some road trip "don'ts" to keep in mind. Don't worry, it's all good stuff! First off, brush up on your Portuguese! English might not cut it, and Spanish? *Close*, but not quite. Locals dig it when you try, even if your accent's a bit wonky. Duolingo is your friend here. Brazil is so much more than just Rio and the Amazon. Get off the beaten track! There are hidden gems galore waiting to be discovered. Trust me. Okay, Brazil's HUGE - like, almost the size of the US. Plan your routes wisely! Buses are comfy and a traveler's best friend. But remember: less is more. Don't try to cram everything in! Don't think Brazil is dirt cheap. It's not crazy expensive, but it's no bargain bin either. Especially during Carnaval or New Year's, prices skyrocket! Budget around $60-$75 a day, give or take, not including your bed. Safety first! Brazil has its safe zones and, well, less safe ones. Crime happens, especially in cities. But common sense and local tips will keep you golden. Don't let the scary stories keep you away. Chill out! Brazilian time is… relaxed. Things might start late, but embrace the slow pace. No rush, no stress. You'll get used to it, and you'll probably love it. Last but not least, remember Brazil is a melting pot. There's no single "Brazilian culture." German is a major language, and there are Korean, Japanese, and Chinese communities everywhere. North, south, everywhere you go, you'll see different vibes. Just soak it all in! Sun, caipirinhas, rainforests, cities... Brazil's got it all. Follow these tips, and you're in for an adventure of a lifetime!
extremeThe road with 65 hairpin turns to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the ride of your life! We're heading to Cristo Redentor de los Andes, a colossal 4-ton statue perched way up at 3,832m (that's 12,572ft!) straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. This used to be the OG route linking the two countries through La Cumbre Pass, before some tunnel came along and stole its thunder in 1980. Think of it as connecting Mendoza, Argentina, with Valparaíso, Chile. Now, the road itself? Epic. We’re talking about the scenic Paso Internacional de los Libertadores. Heads up, though – it's only open in the summer. Winter brings crazy snow and bone-chilling temps down to -30°C. Even in summer, it can randomly close because of snow or rockfalls. This unpaved stretch of road connects Las Cuevas (Argentina) and Parada Caracoles (Chile), clocking in at 17.1km (or 10.62 miles). Don't let the distance fool you—it's a wild one! Get ready for 65 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 15% in places! Budget about 50 minutes to conquer it, assuming you don't stop to soak in the insane views. It’s a challenging drive, no doubt. We’re talking curves, steep climbs, hairpin nightmares, and dramatic drop-offs, sometimes with zero guardrails! Despite all that, it's become a popular tourist route, all for that incredible statue. And about the statue: the bronze Cristo Redentor de los Andes was erected back in 1904 to celebrate Argentina and Chile calling a truce on a border dispute. It's one of the highest monuments on the planet, and a symbol of peace.
hardCerro Camellos
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're hunting for a wild ride in Chile's Tarapacá Region, Cerro Camellos is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 4,431 meters (14,537 feet) — talk about thin air! Nestled deep in the Andes, the road up is definitely not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, bumps galore, and enough tippy sections to keep you on your toes. Winter? Forget about it, this road's a no-go. Experienced off-roaders, this is your playground! But be warned: if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, steer clear. You'll need a serious 4x4, and a healthy dose of courage, because this trail is STEEP. Oh, and did I mention the heights? Yeah, they're pretty intense. Plus, rain turns this road into a muddy, slippery mess, so pick your weather wisely. Get ready for some incredible views and a truly unforgettable adventure!
moderateDriving the forbidden border road to Portezuelo de Chaxas in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're hunting for a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience, check out the Portezuelo de Chaxas. This wild border crossing sits way up in the Andes, clocking in at a lung-busting 4,494 meters (that's 14,744 feet!). You'll find it straddling the line between Chile's Antofagasta Region and Bolivia's Potosí Department. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is rough, rugged, and completely unpaved, so you'll need a 4x4 to even think about attempting it. Be advised, though, that the road is closed to private vehicles due to dangerous conditions. There's even a mined area on the Chilean side. Still, the scenery is absolutely epic, with stunning views that stretch for miles.