Road 37: A Dangerous Drive Due to Drug Cartel Fights in Colombia
Colombia, south-america
124 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Carretera 37, a wild ride through the Huila and Cauca regions of southwestern Colombia! Nestled in the foothills of the Cordillera Central, near the fascinating National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro, this 124 km (77-mile) serpentine road connects Garzon to Toez.
The views? Absolutely stunning! You'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Nevado del Huila, Colombia's tallest volcano. However, this beauty comes with a serious dose of reality. Carretera 37 is not for the faint of heart.
While mostly paved, expect some sandy and gravelly sections that'll keep you on your toes. Plus, some spots are pretty narrow, so maneuverability can be tricky.
Now, the real kicker: this area is known for ongoing drug cartel activity. Sadly, parts of the road may be closed at any given time. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Before you even think about hitting this road, get the latest intel on the security situation. Caution is key!
Where is it?
Road 37: A Dangerous Drive Due to Drug Cartel Fights in Colombia is located in Colombia (south-america). Coordinates: 5.1166, -74.1511
Road Details
- Country
- Colombia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 124 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 5.1166, -74.1511
Related Roads in south-america
extremeTA-104 Road: Driving the narrow lakeside cliffs of Laguna Aricota
🇵🇪 Peru
Cruising through southern Peru's Tacna Region? Buckle up for the TA-104, a regional road that's not for the faint of heart! This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on high-altitude, white-knuckle experience through a stark, volcanic landscape. Think of it as a vital artery snaking through the high desert, but one that demands respect (and a seriously reliable vehicle). Clocking in at 55.7 km (34.6 miles), this west-to-east trek slices through the rugged Tacna mountains, connecting the tiny settlement of Mirave to Pallata. You'll peak at a cool 2,917m (9,570ft) above sea level, smack-dab in the Andean desert. The road is a rollercoaster, carving through steep canyons and scaling high ridges, creating a direct, albeit intense, connection between the coastal valleys and the altiplano highlands. Forget smooth asphalt; you're mostly dealing with a narrow track of gravel and loose dust. Picture this: the road's often etched directly into the mountainside, where crumbly rock walls mean erosion is a constant companion. The most heart-pounding stretch? The northern shore of Laguna Aricota. Here, the track shrinks to a sliver, clinging to the cliff face with absolutely no guardrails above the deep blue water. Seriously, one slip and you're taking an unplanned swim! Technical driving is the name of the game, thanks to 36 hairpin turns that twist and shout up and down the desert ridges. These switchbacks are tight, demanding careful steering, especially when you meet local traffic on the narrowest bends. It's a constant dance between sheer rock face on one side and a dizzying drop on the other. Plus, the unpaved surface means dust can become a major visibility issue, and things get slippery if the "camanchaca" (coastal mist) creeps up this high. That lakeside section? Seriously exposed. The gravel's often unstable, and being so close to the water means zero room for error. And watch out for falling rocks and small landslides! A high-clearance vehicle is a must to navigate the ruts and rocky bits. Pro tip: stick to daylight hours. No lighting and those unpredictable drop-offs make night driving on the TA-104 a gamble you don't want to take.
moderateA dangerous road through Pampas Galeras National Reserve
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Route 30 A in Central Peru! This isn't just any road; it's a 156 km (96.9 miles) paved ribbon winding through the Pampa Galeras-Barbara D'Achille National Reserve in Ayacucho. Think seriously high altitude – we're talking a lung-busting 4,156m (13,635ft) above sea level. Starting near Nazca on the coast, it carves east towards Puquio, throwing some seriously steep and curvy challenges your way. But the real magic? You're smack-dab in the heart of vicuña country! This reserve's all about protecting these adorable, high-altitude camelids, so keep your eyes peeled for some wildlife spotting. Heads up, though: it gets seriously chilly up here, especially at night, and watch out for potential rain between November and March. Layers are your friend!
extremeAbra Suijo-Laguna Suyoc
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Suijo (aka Abra Suyoc), a lung-busting pass that tops out at a dizzying 15,439 feet in central Peru. You'll find it by taking Carretera 120. Now, the road itself is…an experience. It's generally maintained, so a high-clearance 2WD *might* make it in dry conditions, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best bet. Expect river crossings and a seriously steep climb that will have your engine screaming. Don't let that scare you off, though! This is raw, remote Peru at its finest. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with mind-blowing views of snow-capped peaks to the east, and near the summit, a string of shimmering lakes appear like mirages. Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities. Patches of ice can appear out of nowhere. Oh, and that altitude? Brutal! Most people start feeling the effects around 8,000-9,000 feet. The air gets thin, the climb is relentless, and your body will be begging for mercy. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
easyHow to drive the cracked road to Abra Negro Bueno in the central highlands?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Negro Bueno! This high-altitude Peruvian pass punches you right into the heart of the Andes at a whopping 4,648m (15,249ft). You'll find it east of Lima, straddling the JunÃn and Lima regions. Think seriously mountainous, seriously stunning Peru. The road (part of Carretera 24), connecting Huancayo to Tinco for 118km (73 miles), is paved, but let's be real – it's a bumpy ride! Expect cracks, potholes, and hairpin turns galore. Seriously, skip it at night. Those potholes are suspension-eaters and tire-poppers. But hey, the views! You'll crest several seriously elevated passes, so get ready for a challenging but unforgettable drive.