The Historic Motorcycle Expedition to Aconcagua with Bultaco Sherpa
Argentina, south-america
N/A
6,961 m
moderate
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
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 6,961 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -35.1816, -62.1686
Related Roads in south-america
moderateAndahuaylas Airport
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in the ApurÃmac Region of Peru, heading to Andahuaylas Airport. Buckle up, because you're in for a ride! We're talking about a high-altitude landing strip sitting pretty at 11,300 feet. The road you'll be on? It's known as 30B, and it’s mostly gravel. Think of it as a wide, steep mountain track that definitely keeps you on your toes. Local buses brave this route daily to and from Ayacucho, but be warned – it's a solid 10-hour trek on a dusty road. But hey, don’t let that scare you! The views are absolutely worth it. The bus crawls along, giving you heaps of time to soak in the incredible mountain scenery. This place is seriously stunning, plus you can brag you’ve been to one of the highest airports on the planet! Besides the usual flights, you'll probably see some chartered planes coming and going too.
extremeAbra Chucopampa
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled Abra Chucopampa, and let me tell you, it's a BEAST. This insane mountain pass in the Cajamarca region of Peru clocks in at a whopping 4,858m (15,938ft) above sea level. The climb? Absolutely brutal. We're talking long stretches with gradients over 10%, so make sure your vehicle is ready for a workout. And heads up: if it's rained recently, the summit can get seriously muddy. Be prepared for challenging conditions, especially after even a little rainfall. This road climbs 1,900m! Avalanches, snow, and landslides are real possibilities and icy patches can be super dangerous. While the initial climb has a decent surface and manageable gradients, don't get too comfy! The last 6km are a different story: extremely rocky, steep, and unforgiving. The whole route's remote and beautiful, but with the bumpy, dirty surface, this one definitely isn't a walk in the park.
extremeWhere is Abra del Lizoite?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra del Lizoite, a crazy-high mountain pass clinging to the spine of Argentina! We're talking a whopping 14,882 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in the whole country. You'll find this beast out west, straddling the border between Salta and Jujuy provinces, way up north near the Chilean border. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a purely unpaved, rough-and-tumble ride. Picture endless curves and hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills (and maybe your stomach!). Seriously, bring your high-clearance vehicle; you'll need it. The route goes by Ruta Provincial 5 (RP5) in Jujuy and Ruta Provincial 7 (RP7) in Salta. The epic journey stretches for about 48 miles, running from the west near Mina Pirquitas in Jujuy, all the way east to San Antonio de los Cobres, a town perched at 12,359 feet in the northwest corner of Salta. Get ready for views that'll take your breath away and a drive you won't soon forget!
moderateWhere is Portezuelo del Cajón?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Ruta 27, leaving San Pedro de Atacama in Chile behind you, headed towards the wild landscapes of southwestern Bolivia. You're about to cross the Portezuelo del Cajón, also known as Hito Cajón, an international border that sits way up high at 4,480m (that's nearly 14,700 feet!). This isn't just any border crossing; it's an adventure. The whole stretch from San Pedro de Atacama to Quetena Chico is about 150 km (93 miles) of mixed terrain – expect both smooth paved sections and bumpy, unpaved bits. You're basically hugging the lower slopes of the Juriques volcano, so the scenery is out of this world. Think stunning Andean landscapes, especially as you get closer to Bolivia. On the Bolivian side, you’ll be smack-dab in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, with Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca nearby. It's a super popular route for travelers going between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama, so you’re bound to meet fellow adventurers. Now, heads up: the Bolivian Aduana (customs) is bizarrely located about 80 km from the actual border, in what feels like the middle of nowhere at over 5,000m! Getting there involves passing through a guarded barrier. The Chilean border post, on the other hand, is a good 40 km down the road, closer to San Pedro de Atacama. Before you set off, check the weather – high altitude can bring unpredictable conditions. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential storms as you climb. Enjoy the ride!