Ruta Provincial 11
Argentina, south-america
80.5 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, listen up, adventurers! If you find yourself in the Neuquén Province of southwestern Argentina, practically breathing the same air as Chile, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial 11.
This epic loop is about 80.5km of pure, unadulterated gravel road magic. Picture this: you're cruising alongside shimmering lakes – Lago Moquehue, Lago Ñorquincó, and Lago Pulmarí – with views that'll make your jaw drop.
Now, this isn't a super hardcore off-road experience. A 2WD vehicle with a bit of ground clearance should be fine if you take it easy. Expect long, dry stretches where you can cruise, but keep an eye out for washboarding, ruts, and dips. Basically, be smart, drive slow, and soak in the scenery. Trust me, it's worth it!
Where is it?
Ruta Provincial 11 is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -37.9859, -66.0555
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 80.5 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -37.9859, -66.0555
Related Roads in south-america
extremeCerro Famatina
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Nestled in the La Rioja province of northwest Argentina, you'll find Cerro Famatina, a mountain peak reaching a staggering 4,603 meters (15,101 feet). The road winding up through the Sierra de Famatina mountain range is a beast - think gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of tipping action. This is strictly 4x4 territory, and definitely not a place for rookie drivers. The trail gets seriously steep, testing your skills and your vehicle's limits. At the top sits the old Mejicana gold mine. Heads up, this climb is *not* for the faint of heart (or lungs). The altitude is a major factor. Most feel the effects of altitude sickness kicking in around 2,500-2,800 meters. The air gets thin (engines struggle too!), with the summit offering about 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Expect your heart rate to climb and every move to feel like a workout. And don't think the challenges stop there! Brace yourself for intense winds that seem to blow year-round. Even in summer, snow days are a real possibility. Winter? Expect brutally cold temps. This road can be shut down at any time due to snow. Heavy mist can also roll in, making visibility a real issue. But for those brave (and well-prepared) enough to take it on, the views are absolutely epic.
hardDriving the defiant Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino in Salta
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, smack-dab in the middle of Salta province, ready to tackle the incredible Piedra del Molino Pass. Get ready for an adventure because this baby tops out at a breathtaking 3,367 meters (11,046 feet)! The summit's got a cool story, named for a massive grinding stone that supposedly broke in half way up here back in '27. It was meant for a valley, but fate (and gravity) had other plans! You'll find this stunner nestled in Los Cardones National Park. Most of the route is paved but don't get complacent – it's a wild, winding ride on Ruta Provincial 33, famously known as Cuesta del Obispo, in honor of Bishop Julián Cortazar. Clocking in at 105 km (65 miles) from Payogasta to El Carril, this road is not for the faint of heart (or stomach!). Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and some jaw-dropping drop-offs. But trust me, it's worth it! Just before you hit the summit, there's an amazing lookout point. You'll get panoramic views of those crazy hairpin turns and the Quebrada del Escoipe. And at the top? A sweet little chapel dedicated to St. Rafael. Road trip gold!
extremeRoad 101
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up! If you find yourself in the Pallasca province of Peru and fancy a drive on the wild side, Carretera 101 is calling your name. But fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a high-altitude mountain road, mostly sitting around 3,500m above sea level. Picture this: roughly 87 kilometers of a mix of gravel and asphalt, twisting and turning with hairpin curves carved right into the mountainside. The road narrows constantly, demanding a steady hand. Oh, and did I mention the dizzying drops of up to 1,200m? Seriously, don't look down if you're prone to vertigo! Some sections are so narrow that passing another car can involve a multi-kilometer reversing ballet to find a wider spot. After rain, the asphalt gets super slick, adding another layer of challenge. Keep an eye out for potholes from a past asphalting project, and be aware of security concerns in the region. Extreme caution with kidnapping and banditry occur often in the region and ongoing armed assaults with some attacks targeting tourists and convoys. But if you're brave enough to tackle Carretera 101, you'll be rewarded with absolutely stunning scenery. Just be prepared for an adventure – this road will test your skills and your nerves!
extremeDriving the road to Cerro Estrella in the Andes is not a piece of cake
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cerro Estrella, aka Lastarria, sits right on the border between Argentina and Chile, clocking in at a dizzying 17,680 feet! This isn't just a high road, it's *one of the highest* in this part of the world. Up here you’ll find the remains of Mina La Julia, an old sulfur mine and its ghost town counterpart, Mina La Casualidad – a seriously eerie but cool sight to see. Just remember: the mine was abandoned decades ago. The road itself? Think rugged. This is a totally unpaved, old mining road that demands a 4x4. Get ready for some steep climbs too. You'll be hitting a max gradient of 13% in places! Heads up: this drive isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). The extreme altitude means less oxygen, which can trigger altitude sickness in *anyone*, not just those with pre-existing conditions. The air is super thin, and even simple tasks become exhausting. Combined with the steep inclines, unpredictable weather, and the sheer remoteness of the location, you need to be extra careful. Oh, and one more thing: winter pretty much shuts this road down. Even in summer, expect strong winds, surprise snow, and freezing temperatures. Heavy fog can also roll in, making visibility a nightmare. It’s epic scenery, but be prepared for some intense conditions up there in the Andes!