The breathtaking road to Cerro Umurata in the Andes

The breathtaking road to Cerro Umurata in the Andes

Bolivia, south-america

Length

15.1 km

Elevation

5,542 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

How to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas?hard

How to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure seekers, get ready for a trip to the absolute BOTTOM of the Americas! We're talking about Gran Bajo de San Julián, nestled way down in the Patagonian wilds of Santa Cruz, Argentina. Forget about sea level – we're diving to -105 meters (-345 feet)! Yeah, Death Valley's cool and all, but this place is lower, making it the ultimate low-rider experience in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Think vast, desolate landscapes: a proper desert vibe with crazy temperature swings, salty ground, and hardy plants clinging to life. It's remote, so you won't be battling hordes of tourists, but you might bump into a scientist or a fellow traveler with a serious case of wanderlust. The good news? The road in is fully paved! You'll cruise along Ruta Nacional 3, a sweet 125 km (77-mile) stretch from the historic coastal town of Puerto San Julián (Port St. Julian) to Comandante Luis Piedrabuena. So, pack your camera, fill up the tank, and prepare for a truly unique journey to one of the planet's hidden gems.

The challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Tuc Tuc: A high-altitude pass in Saltaextreme

The challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Tuc Tuc: A high-altitude pass in Salta

🇦🇷 Argentina

Cerro Tuc Tuc, also known as Cerro Tuc Tuca, is a beast of a mountain pass in the Santa Victoria Department of Salta, Argentina. This remote track near the border with Jujuy tops out at a staggering 4,624m (15,170ft) above sea level, making it one of Argentina's highest roads. Get ready for a raw, unfiltered driving experience! West of the famous Abra Fundición, you'll find this epic route, locally called Camino a Bacoya. Prepare for a dramatic landscape filled with vibrant, colorful mountains and weathered rock formations typical of the high Andean plateau. Forget pavement – this is a narrow, unpaved dirt and gravel track that demands a high-clearance vehicle. Navigating this road is technical; it's often too narrow for two regular cars to pass without a squeeze, especially where there are those heart-stopping drop-offs! Starting in Santa Cruz de Aguilar, the road to the summit stretches for 18.66 km (11.6 miles). It's a steady climb of 624 meters. The average gradient is a manageable 3.34%, but the high altitude will test your engine's limits. A 4x4 is practically mandatory, especially after it rains. The surface can get slick, and the steep sections need serious traction. Remember, you're in a remote area, so being properly equipped is crucial for a safe adventure. The weather at 4,624 meters is unpredictable. Be prepared for extreme conditions, the notorious lack of oxygen, and the risk of altitude sickness. The combo of steep hills, tight squeezes, and rapidly changing weather demands your full attention. But oh, the views! The pass offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Salta and Jujuy highlands. The colorful mountains all around create a visual feast. This is a must-see spot for overlanders searching for the most isolated and scenic roads in northern Argentina.

The road to Abra Puca Loma: be ready to make room for oncoming vehiclesextreme

The road to Abra Puca Loma: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Puca Loma, a seriously sky-high mountain pass! You'll find this beast in southwestern Bolivia's Cordillera de Lípez, specifically in the Sud Lípez Province of the Potosí Department. We're talking a whopping 4,804m (15,761ft) above sea level – yeah, one of Bolivia's highest! The road? Let's just say it's "rustic" – totally unpaved. It's not crazy steep, but don't be fooled. This journey through remote areas and the sheer altitude gain demand respect and preparation. Rain can turn the road into a real challenge. Plus, avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are potential hazards, and icy patches can appear out of nowhere. So, pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, a warm jacket, and reliable GPS with maps are must-haves! The scenery though? Absolutely epic!

A memorable unpaved road to Abra de Chorrilloshard

A memorable unpaved road to Abra de Chorrillos

🇦🇷 Argentina

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra de Chorrillos! This high-altitude Argentinian pass clocks in at a staggering 4,555 meters (14,944 feet), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in Argentina. You'll find it straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in the northwest, so get ready for some serious Patagonian vibes. The climate's as wild as the scenery: arid, cold, and with temperatures that swing from relatively mild during the day to downright freezing at night. We're talking potential lows well below -15°C (5°F) – pack accordingly! Summer brings the only rain, but don't expect a tropical downpour. You'll also be driving past some seriously stunning salt flats. The road itself? It's a 57.9 km (35.97 miles) unpaved beauty, also known as Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), winding its way from San Antonio de los Cobres to Olacapato. The good news is, in dry weather, most vehicles can handle it. And for a good chunk of the drive, you'll be cruising alongside an old, abandoned railway line. The views? Epic. The adventure? Unforgettable.