
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
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