
The breathtaking road to Cerro Umurata in the Andes
Bolivia, south-america
15.1 km
5,542 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in South America, smack-dab on the border of Bolivia and Chile, about to tackle Cerro Umurata. We're talking serious Andean views here, people! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 4x4 mining trail that climbs all the way up to 5,542 meters (that’s over 18,000 feet!). It's one of the highest roads you'll find in South America.
The road kicks off from Chachacomani in Bolivia, snaking its way up 15.1 kilometers (around 9.4 miles) with a pretty steep average gradient. Translation? Get ready for a climb! This rugged, totally unpaved route was built for sulphur mining. It’s raw, it’s real, and it delivers some seriously stunning scenery of the Cordillera Occidental.
Keep in mind, though, this road is usually only open during the summer months. Avalanches and heavy snowfall can shut things down anytime, so check conditions before you go. But if you're up for an epic adventure and have the right vehicle, Cerro Umurata promises a ride you won't soon forget.
Where is it?
The breathtaking road to Cerro Umurata in the Andes is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -14.6972, -61.7674
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 15.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,542 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -14.6972, -61.7674
Related Roads in south-america
hardEsperanza Pass
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a real beast of a road? Check out Paso Esperanza in Peru's Puno region. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 15,689 feet above sea level! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road is all gravel and gets plenty steep. Plus, you'll likely be sharing the route with massive mine trucks, so keep your eyes peeled. But trust me, the views are worth it. This wild ride takes you right into the heart of the Andes, promising scenery that'll blow your mind. Just be prepared for a challenging but unforgettable journey.
extremeWhere is Abra Paves?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a wild ride for you in the Jujuy province of Argentina, south of Cuesta del Lipán–Abra Potrerillos, deep in the northern part of the country. We're talking about Abra Paves, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. Forget smooth tarmac – this baby is all unpaved, with rocks aplenty. It's not so much the steepness that'll get you (though it can hit 10%), but the sheer altitude, the crazy climate, and the middle-of-nowhere isolation. We're talking extreme oxygen deprivation here. Seriously, you need to take it slow and give your body time to adjust. The weather can change on a dime in this semi-arid Puna region, and the winds? They're strong enough to throw your vehicle around! And get this: it's remote. Like, really remote. No cell service, no emergency services. If your ride breaks down, you're on your own. That's why a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential for survival. So, how long is this epic journey? From the paved Ruta Provincial 52, it's about 13.57 km (8.43 mi) uphill, climbing . The average gradient is around 10%. But trust me, the views are worth it. Just be prepared for a challenge – this road is an adventure in every sense of the word!
moderateDriving the defiant Phoenix Bridge Co
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Araucanía Region of southern Chile, and you stumble upon this seriously cool wooden bridge called the Phoenix Bridge Co, or Puente de Deuco if you're feeling local. It's not just any bridge, though – this thing is supposedly one of the most spectacular bridges *in the world*. Seriously! It stretches almost 60 meters across the Rehue River, and I'm telling you, it's a sight to behold. Forget your boring concrete overpasses – this is all wood and history, blending right into the Chilean landscape. Definitely a must-see if you're ever in the area and looking for something a little off the beaten path!
extremeWhere is Uturuncu?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Potosí Department of Bolivia, near the San Pablo de Lípez Municipality, lies Cerro Uturuncu, a stratovolcano boasting one of the highest roads on the planet! This ain't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a gravel track that claws its way up to a staggering 6,008 meters (19,711ft)! Built originally for a sulfur mine back in the day, the road is now maintained only for tourists by local guides. A 4x4 is a MUST. While the track is generally decent, be prepared for rogue rocks or even a dusting of snow, depending on the season. Now, here's the deal: most reports suggest you can only drive to within a few hundred meters of the summit (somewhere between 5,200 and 5,900 meters), as a landslide has blocked the way further up. However, satellite imagery suggests you can make it to 5,700 meters. A French team even managed to cycle (or push!) their bikes to the top! The lower section is super sandy, and above 5,000 meters, the lack of oxygen is a REAL issue for your engine (and you!). Expect gradients of around 8% for the first five kilometers, ramping up to over 10% between 5,100 and 5,600 meters. The road can get a bit narrow in places, with a seriously steep drop on one side. But, oh, the scenery! Think gigantic landscapes, active volcanoes, and vividly colored lagoons. This is an adventure you won't forget!