Ruta Provincial 47
Argentina, south-america
83 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Ruta Provincial 47, a seriously stunning gravel road adventure in Argentina's Valdes Peninsula! This 83km stretch of 'ripio' connects Estancia Punta Norte to Punta Delgada on the Golfo Nuevo.
Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Valdes Peninsula has a semi-arid climate, so expect wild weather swings and crazy winds. Keep it under 60km/h to save yourself from cracked windshields or flat tires. The gravel gets loose, especially on the edges, and turns into a slippery mud bath after rain.
But hey, the views! You're cruising through prime real estate for spotting some of the world's biggest marine animals doing their thing.
While a high-clearance 2WD can *technically* handle the long, dry stretches at slow speeds, a 4x4 is your best friend. Trust me, the extra comfort and peace of mind are worth it when the road gets rough with washboarding, ruts, and dips. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
Ruta Provincial 47 is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -40.0250, -61.8935
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 83 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -40.0250, -61.8935
Related Roads in south-america
easyRuta de los Siete Lagos (Route of Seven Lakes)
🇦🇷 Argentina
# The Route of Seven Lakes: A Drive Through Patagonian Paradise If you're planning a road trip through Argentina's Lake District, buckle up for the 107-kilometer stretch between San Martin de los Andes and Villa La Angostura—and yes, you'll pass by seven absolutely breathtaking glacial lakes along the way. This scenic drive winds through Lanin and Nahuel Huapi National Parks, and honestly, it's hard to know which view to admire first. Each of those seven lakes—Machonica, Falkner, Villarino, Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, and Lacar—has its own personality, sporting colors that shift from deep emerald to brilliant turquoise depending on the light and angle. The backdrop doesn't disappoint either: snow-capped Andean peaks and towering ancient Araucaria forests (you know, those quirky monkey puzzle trees) frame everything perfectly. The road climbs through mountain passes that seem designed to give you the best possible views, with plenty of pulloffs scattered throughout where you can actually stop and soak it all in. There are hidden beaches waiting to be discovered, viewpoints that'll make your jaw drop, and waterfalls tucked away just off the road. The whole region transforms with the seasons too—spring brings wildflower meadows bursting with color, while autumn sets the southern beech forests ablaze in fiery reds and golds. No matter when you visit, this stretch of Ruta Nacional 40 delivers serious Patagonian magic.
hardCh'iyar Qirini
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the La Paz Department of Bolivia, nestled within the Cordillera Real of the Andes, lies Ch'iyar Qirini (also known as Charquerini or Chiar Kherini) – a beast of a mountain peak road reaching a staggering 5,194m (17,040ft)! This isn't your Sunday drive. Think gravel, rocks, and bumps galore, mixed with hairpin turns that'll make your head spin. This 17km climb from Ruta 41 gains 874 meters in elevation, averaging a steep 5.14% gradient. Seriously, 4x4 is practically a must and experience is key. The air is thin, and the climb is brutal, testing both your car and your lungs. Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters, so be prepared! Oh, and did I mention the potentially treacherous drop-offs? Or that snow can shut things down at any time? But if you dare to conquer this climb, you'll find a mountain shelter at the summit and views that will absolutely take your breath away – assuming the altitude hasn't already! Just be sure to avoid this road in wet conditions!
extremeCerro Juquel: Driving the steep 9.5% climb in PotosĂ, Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Deep in the Potosà Department of southwestern Bolivia lies Cerro Juquel, a mountain peak soaring to 4,612m (15,131ft). This landmark pierces the desolate Andean landscape, offering access to a communication tower via a seriously dramatic, technical road. The views? Absolutely insane – think salt flats stretching forever and stark volcanic terrain. Your adventure kicks off near Hostal De Sal La Escondida, that cool salt hotel you'll find in the Altiplano. From there, the track claws its way up the dry, rocky mountainside of the Potosà region. It’s a land of pure isolation, sculpted by volcanic minerals and super thin air. The climb is 9.01 km (5.60 miles) long, and as you gain altitude, the ground gets looser and more technical. This is not for the faint of heart (or the 2WD). Yep, the road to the summit is 100% unpaved. It's a narrow, rocky track demanding a 4x4 beast. The trail is super steep, featuring 19 hairpin turns that will have you gripping the wheel. These switchbacks are tight and often have significant drop-offs, so maybe skip this one if you're scared of heights. The surface is high-altitude gravel and volcanic soil, which can get slippery, especially on those ramps where the 9.5% gradient makes your engine scream. The real challenge of Cerro Juquel is that brutal combo of steepness and altitude. Over those 9 km, you'll gain 856 meters in elevation, resulting in an average gradient of 9.5%. Up at 4,600+ meters, your engine will struggle with the lack of oxygen, seriously impacting power. Low-range gearing is a must to keep things smooth through those hairpins. The communication tower at the top is your final destination, but the real reward is that mind-blowing panorama of the desolate Potosà wilderness – a view few travelers ever witness. Weather here is harsh and unpredictable. Even in the dry season, high winds are a constant, making steering tricky on the exposed hairpins. Temperatures plummet the moment the sun dips, often well below freezing. If you encounter any moisture, the volcanic dust transforms into a super-slippery paste, turning that 9.5% grade into a dangerous slide. Always check local conditions and pack recovery gear, extra fuel, and warm layers before ditching the salt plains.
extremeRoad PA-106
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up for the Carretera PA-106 in Pasco, Peru! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 79km stretch of high-mountain gravel that connects Paucartambo (2,037m above sea level) to Ninacaca (a lung-busting 4,140m!). Seriously, think twice before attempting this in anything less than a sturdy 4x4, unless you're already planning an upgrade! The gravel is rough, and the climb is intense, with some sections hitting a 10% gradient. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll gain 2,103m, and oxygen gets scarce above 2,500m. Take it slow, and maybe pack some altitude sickness remedies. Along the way, you'll encounter unlit tunnels, stunning high-mountain lakes, and views that'll make you forget about the lack of oxygen... for a minute. But, heads up! This area is known for heavy mist, avalanches, landslides, and ice patches. Plus, the gravel can get seriously loose and muddy after rain, making it impassable. So, check the weather before you go, and maybe avoid it altogether during storm season. This route is narrow, steep, and potentially treacherous but worth it for the views!