Ruta 3 Tierra del Fuego is the southernmost paved road on Earth
Argentina, south-america
395 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina! This 395km (245 mile) stretch is rumored to be the southernmost paved road on the planet, so you can brag about that later.
Starting near Cabo Espíritu Santo on the Chilean border, Ruta 3, aka Argentina's National Route 3, winds its way to Ushuaia, the "End of the World" town. But the journey doesn't stop there! Push on into Tierra del Fuego National Park, ending at Bahía Lapataia where a sign proudly declares "you've reached the end!"
The road through the park starts a little rough and narrow but mellows out into smooth pavement. Just watch out – some patches can be a bit bumpy due to maintenance issues and the big rigs hauling heavy machinery.
Heads up for the remote vibes: keep your gas tank topped off, because gas stations can be few and far between (especially the functional ones). Expect border police checks – keep your documents handy! This is a long haul, so schedule plenty of breaks. Booking ahead is crucial, especially during summer.
Ruta 3 is the only road to the island, and they keep it clear of snow year-round. But trust me, avoid April to September if you can, unless you like road closures and crazy weather. Always double-check road conditions before you go, and watch out for those Patagonian winds – you can use passing trucks as temporary wind shields!
Where is it?
Ruta 3 Tierra del Fuego is the southernmost paved road on Earth is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -40.0878, -64.0518
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 395 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -40.0878, -64.0518
Related Roads in south-america
hardOquepuño Pass is one of the highest paved roads of South America
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Oquepuño! This baby clocks in at a whopping 4,883 meters (that's 16,020 feet!) above sea level, nestled high in the Carabaya province of Peru. Word on the street is, it’s one of the highest paved roads you’ll find in South America. You'll find this beast in the Puno region, way down south. The whole route is paved and goes by the name Ruta Nacional PE-34B (aka Carretera Interoceanica). Get ready for a 44km (27.34-mile) stretch of road, winding its way from Macusani to Puerto Arturo. Keep in mind you're playing in the big leagues here! Oxygen is thin, so take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness. At the very top, you’ll find a cute little chapel called Santísima Cruz. Also, this road doesn’t mess around: we’re talking steep climbs, hitting 11% grades in places, and hairpin turns galore. Ten of them, to be exact.
extremeDriving the mountain road from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a raw, unfiltered Andean experience, this backroad from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta in Peru's Ancash region is calling your name. Tucked inside the Huascaran National Park, prepare for views that will absolutely knock your socks off – assuming you can keep your eyes on the road! This 22.2 km stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt and gravel is a serious connector in Ancash, snaking its way up, up, UP through the mountains. The scenery? Epic. The challenge? Real. We’re talking narrow… like, barely-two-cars-wide narrow. And those drop-offs? Let's just say they're not for the faint of heart – hundreds of meters straight down, with zero guardrails to save you. Forget smooth cruising – this is a technical climb with over 20 hairpin turns that'll make your head spin (in a good way, of course!). You'll be earning every meter of that 1,099-meter elevation gain as you ascend from Yungay Pampa to a dizzying 2,478 meters above sea level. This baby's STEEP! Seriously, leave the family sedan at home. A 4WD isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Loose gravel, crazy inclines, tight squeezes... and the weather? Let's just say it can turn on you in a heartbeat, turning that dirt track into a slippery nightmare. If you're an experienced mountain driver who knows how to handle a few (or twenty!) switchbacks and reverse like a pro, then this is your playground. Make sure your rig is in tip-top shape before you go; you're heading into the wild, where help is a long way away. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeAn epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes on the JU-116, headed for Abra Anta Q'asa, a seriously high mountain pass. We're talking 4,881m (16,013ft) above sea level – that air gets thin! You'll straddle the border between Junín and Lima regions, winding between Marcapomacocha (27km away) and Casapalca (16km). The road? Think gravel, with some sandy bits and some hairpins thrown in for good measure. It’s not crazy steep overall, but don’t underestimate it. Watch out for sudden patches of loose gravel and be aware that any rain turns this into a muddy, potentially impassable mess. This isn't a trail for the faint of heart, and definitely not if you're afraid of heights or unfamiliar with unpaved mountain roads. The climb itself is a beast. That high altitude will test your lungs and your car, and the lack of oxygen can really hit you hard. The area’s known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, which can make driving seriously challenging. Once you hit the Carretera Central, be prepared for a traffic jam – it's a busy one! But hey, at the top you’ll find the Mirador de Tres Cruces, where you can see it all. Just be prepared for incredible views... and a wild ride!
hardHow to get by car to Cumbre Chuchu in the Andes?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cumbre Chuchu in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a sky-high mountain pass hitting a whopping 15,265 feet (4,653m). Locals also call the summit Ch’uch’u Apachita or Abra Chuchu. You'll find this beast in the Larecaja Province, tucked into western Bolivia. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a pure, unadulterated dirt road experience. Get ready for a serious workout – think endless twists, hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, plus narrow stretches and some seriously steep climbs. Trust me, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. This epic 18-mile (30km) stretch kicks off from Sorata and winds its way north of the main Cordillera Real range in the Andes. The scenery is breathtaking, but keep your eyes on the road!