The Historic Motorcycle Expedition to Aconcagua with Bultaco Sherpa

The Historic Motorcycle Expedition to Aconcagua with Bultaco Sherpa

Argentina, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

6,961 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, Mendoza Province, staring up at Aconcagua. Not just looking at it from a distance, but imagining yourself *on* it. This giant of a peak clocks in at a staggering 6,961 meters (that's 22,838 feet for those of us who think in freedom units!).

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Roads? On a mountain that high?" Yep, and a group of crazy-brave (or maybe just plain crazy!) Spanish motorcyclists proved it back in '77. Riding Bultaco Sherpa T 183s, they climbed to an insane altitude, setting a record for motorcycling outside of Asia.

These guys from Moto Igualada weren't messing around. They attacked Aconcagua on two Bultaco Sherpa T 350 cc bikes, fueled by pure ambition. Though they ultimately fell short of the summit, they reached an altitude of 6,800 meters, beating a Kilimanjaro record set just a few years prior. Aconcagua? More like Acon-CAN-gua, right?

Where is it?

The Historic Motorcycle Expedition to Aconcagua with Bultaco Sherpa is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -35.1816, -62.1686

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
6,961 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-35.1816, -62.1686

Related Roads in south-america

Esperanza Passhard

Esperanza 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.

Cerro Sairécabur: The Ultimate Road Trip Guidehard

Cerro Sairécabur: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Straddling the border between Bolivia and Chile, you'll find the colossal Cerro Sairécabur volcano, reaching a staggering 5,541m (18,179ft) high! This isn't just any mountain road; it's one of the highest you can drive in South America. Starting in the Antofagasta region of Chile, you can follow an old, rugged mining road which snakes its way up to a lung-busting 5,753m (18,874ft). This journey, ending at -22.725181, -67.885623, is not for the faint of heart. The entire route is unpaved, so a 4x4 is an absolute must. Up to about 5,400m, the surface is manageable if you're fit and have acclimatized. Above that, be prepared for a serious push! Perched at the summit is the Receiver Lab Telescope, a ground-based radio telescope designed for high-frequency operations. You'll also pass a sulfur mine at around 5,300m. The road itself is a relentless climb with gradients hitting a maximum of 13% in places. Over its 19.5km (12.11 miles), you'll gain a whopping 1,220 meters in elevation! Make sure you're completely self-sufficient. Stock up on all your food and water in San Pedro, as the mountain water is rumored to be contaminated with sulfur. Expect fierce winds and freezing temperatures. The access road is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled! Altitude sickness is a serious risk. Don't underestimate this volcano. It's a tough, cold climb, especially if you're not used to these heights.

How to drive the breathtaking unpaved road to Llaca Lagoon in the Ancash region?hard

How to drive the breathtaking unpaved road to Llaca Lagoon in the Ancash region?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just got back from the most unreal place: Laguna Llaca in Peru! Picture this: turquoise-green water shimmering at a staggering 14,655 feet! You'll find this alpine jewel near Huaraz, nestled in the Huascarán National Park, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Getting there is half the fun, but be warned, it's not for the faint of heart. The road – Carretera a Llaca – is completely unpaved, and I mean seriously rugged. We're talking huge rocks, deep ravines, and a steep climb. You'll definitely want a 4x4 with high clearance for this one! The trek up is about 9.8 miles from Route 14A, gaining 2,136 feet in elevation with an average gradient of 4.12%. Trust me, the views are worth every bump and jostle. You'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views. Get ready to have your breath taken away—both literally and figuratively!

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Abra Arcatahard

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Abra Arcata

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventurers, listen up! I just found this crazy road in the Arequipa region of Peru called Abra Arcata, and it's a total must-do for any serious road tripper. We're talking seriously high altitude here—a whopping 5,101m (16,735ft)! It's nestled south of Abra Condorillo in the Condesuyos province, inside the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve, so you know the scenery is going to be epic. The road, officially known as AR-611, is unpaved, but surprisingly in decent shape most of the way. There's this one seriously steep kilometer after you pass the Arcata mine at 4,700m, but after that, it's a more gradual (and gorgeous) climb to the top. Watch out for some sandy sections and those hairpin turns—they can be a bit dicey! The good news is that even though it's steep, the road surface is solid, so it's not *too* crazy. Oh, and you even drive right through a mine at one point—talk about unique! The whole stretch from Arcata is about 57km (35 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure. Picture this: multi-colored hills stretching as far as the eye can see, and a feeling of total isolation. The views from the summit? Absolutely breathtaking. And the descent into the valley beyond? Forget about it—pure magic!