South Yungas Road is a scenically rewarding but dangerous trip
Bolivia, south-america
25 km
1,869 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up! Let’s talk about South Yungas Road in Bolivia’s La Paz Department. Nestled in the Sud Yungas region, this totally unpaved beauty stretches for about 15 miles, connecting Ruta Nacional 25 near Huancané to Ruta Nacional 40, just south of Coripata.
Forget your average Sunday drive – this route boasts over 50 hairpin turns and climbs to a dizzying 6,131 feet above sea level. Oh, and did I mention the precarious creek crossing? This narrow, winding road is jam-packed with switchbacks and boasts stomach-dropping 1,830-foot drops.
Navigating oncoming traffic requires a bit of finesse. Remember, uphill vehicles have the right-of-way (starting on an incline isn’t fun). And if there’s space to pass, drivers switch positions so they can gauge the distance to the edge. Pro tip: Check the rainfall forecast before you go and prepare accordingly!
Where is it?
South Yungas Road is a scenically rewarding but dangerous trip is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -13.8736, -64.2821
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 25 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,869 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -13.8736, -64.2821
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere does the road to Pacaraos start?
🇵🇪 Peru
Ever heard of Pacaraos? This remote Peruvian town sits way up in the Andes, a staggering 3,331m (10,928ft) above sea level. Getting there is half the adventure! The road, Camino a Pacaraos, starts from a junction and it's not long - only a few kilometers. But don't let the short distance fool you. Think narrow. Think *really* narrow. We're talking barely enough room for one vehicle in sections. Now, picture this: extreme vertical drops right beside you, with absolutely nothing to stop you from taking a tumble. Yeah, it's *that* kind of road. The surface is all gravel. Which is fine, until it rains. Then it turns into a super slippery, muddy mess that'll have you wishing you had a 4x4 (and maybe a change of pants). Seriously, storms can make this road impassable. Sadly, this road has seen its share of accidents. It's a real test of your nerves, with those massive cliffs constantly reminding you to stay focused. If you're up for the challenge, and have a good vehicle, the views are incredible. But be warned, pictures don't do justice to how intense this drive really is!
hardWhere is Llano Chajnantor?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, in the heart of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. You're heading towards the Llano Chajnantor plateau, way up in the Andes Mountains. This place is seriously remote, about 40 km east of San Pedro de Atacama, and the landscape is straight out of a sci-fi movie – so much so, they've even filmed Mars scenes here! The air is thin, almost lunar. This high-altitude spot, reaching a whopping 5,042 meters (16,541 feet), is home to ALMA, the world's largest astronomical observatory. Why here? Because the extreme dryness and clear skies are perfect for peering into the universe. Now, about getting there: the unpaved road stretches for 14.3 km (8.88 miles) from Ruta 27, winding its way up to the plateau. But here's the catch – this isn't your average road trip. The altitude is no joke. If you have respiratory issues or heart problems, seriously reconsider this one. And kids under 16? They're not allowed. Plus, only ALMA-certified vehicles and drivers with a special license can make the drive. While you may not be able to drive up there yourself, the views from the area will make your jaw drop.
hardLaguna Llancanelo: Driving the Challenging Ruta 186
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the south of Argentina's Mendoza Province lies the otherworldly Laguna Llancanelo (Llancanelo Lake), a high-altitude, salty gem just begging to be explored! Perched at a cool 1,280 meters (that's nearly 4,200 feet!), this lake isn't just stunning; it's an ecological treasure. The gateway? Ruta Provincial 186 (RP-186), a gravel road stretching 87 kilometers (about 54 miles) from the paved RN40 (south of Malargüe) to the unpaved RP180, near the tiny village of Agua Escondida. The road surface is ripio (think gravel), and usually it's in decent shape – mostly sandy with a few bumps along the way. Stick to the 60 km/h speed limit, and you should be fine in a regular car if it's dry. But, and this is a big but, this is semi-desert country! Rain turns that gravel into a muddy, slippery mess. So, after a downpour, you'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle those tricky sections. After a storm, this road can be impassable. And why brave this remote road? Because Laguna Llancanelo is a Ramsar Site – a wetland of global importance. This salty lake is a haven for wildlife, especially flamingos and other migrating birds. So, grab your camera, pack your binoculars, and prepare to be amazed by the unique beauty and incredible biodiversity of Laguna Llancanelo!
moderateWhere is Cardenal Antonio Samoré Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré, a mountain pass chilling at 1,306m (4,284ft) on the Chile-Argentina border. Think epic scenery! You'll find it connecting Osorno Province in Chile's Los Lagos Region to the wild beauty of Patagonia in Argentina. Fun fact: it's named after Cardinal Antonio Samoré, a peacemaker between the two countries back in the day. The whole route, previously known as Paso Puyehue, is paved – yes, fully! It’s Ruta 215 on the Chilean side and Ruta Nacional 231 once you cross into Argentina. This is one of the most accessible Argentina-Chile crossings and a rare find with smooth tarmac in this part of the world. Typically, it’s open year-round from 9 am to 8 pm, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Expect some closures. The entire pass stretches for about 102 km (63.37 miles) from Entre Lagos in Chile to the charming Villa La Angostura in Argentina. Get ready for some serious views!