The paved BR-174 is becoming impassable

The paved BR-174 is becoming impassable

Brazil, south-america

Length

1.581 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! BR-174 in Brazil: this paved road is a wild ride straight through the heart of the Amazonas! Stretching 1,581 km (982 miles), it's a north-south spine connecting Manaus (the Amazonas capital) to Pacaraima, right on the Venezuelan border.

Now, don't let "paved" fool you. This route gets hammered by heavy trucks, especially when the rains come. We're talking potholes, mud pits, and potentially some serious quagmires. It's a true test for your vehicle (and your nerves!).

If you're lucky with the weather, expect a solid 25-30 hours of driving to conquer the whole thing. Inaugurated in 1980 and finished in 1998, this road has seen some things! Keep an eye out for flooding when you cross the Anauá River. But hey, who wants a boring drive anyway? Get ready for some epic scenery and a true taste of the Amazon.

Where is it?

The paved BR-174 is becoming impassable is located in Brazil (south-america). Coordinates: -17.6519, -51.2804

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Brazil
Continent
south-america
Length
1.581 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-17.6519, -51.2804

Related Roads in south-america

Where is Kahuish Tunnel?moderate

Where is Kahuish Tunnel?

🇵🇪 Peru

Cruising through Ancash, Peru? You HAVE to check out the Tunel de Kahuish! This baby sits at a whopping 14,816 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest tunnels on the planet. You'll find it nestled in the northern part of the country, right inside Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Keep an eye out for the awesome Christ statue (Cristo Blanco) overlooking the valley right after you exit. Built as part of a big road project that kicked off way back in 1927, constructing this tunnel was no joke! Lots of dynamite and some serious risks went into blasting through the rock. Finally completed in 1941, it got a facelift in 2007. The AN-110 highway runs right through it, connecting Huaraz and Chavin. It carves its way through the valley of the Santa River, over the Cordillera Blanca, and down to the Marañon valley. Expect pavement on the west side of the tunnel, but things get a little more rugged with mostly unpaved sections on the east side. At 1,587 feet long, this unlit tunnel marks the highest point of the main road and is one of the longest in the country. Cyclists, be warned: there’s no alternate route, you have to go through the tunnel!

Laguna Cochachuyoextreme

Laguna Cochachuyo

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Laguna Cochachuyo in the Peruvian province of Pasco! This high-altitude stunner sits way up at 4,324m (14,186ft), so prepare for thin air. You'll find it via route PA-106, and let me tell you, "road" is used loosely here. Seriously, if your car is precious to you, think twice! This track is rough, narrow and features some unlit tunnels! This climb is steep, and that high altitude isn't just a number—most people start feeling the effects well below this point, so take it easy. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and icy patches can pop up anytime. But hey, you're rewarded with killer scenery that will make it all worth it!

Driving the unpaved Illampu Circuit through Abra de la Calzada in the Andeshard

Driving the unpaved Illampu Circuit through Abra de la Calzada in the Andes

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de la Calzada in Bolivia is calling your name. This epic mountain pass punches in at a staggering 5,062m (16,607ft) – seriously high! You'll find it nestled north of La Paz, right in the heart of the Andes. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The Illampu Circuit, as it's known, is a rough and rugged 140km (87 miles) unpaved track starting in Sorata. Think old mule trail meets modern mining road. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. But don't let that distract you. We're talking serious altitude here – constantly hovering between 4,000 and 5,000 meters. Expect steep climbs, four passes, and tracks that have seen better days. Acclimatization is KEY. Only tackle this one if you’re prepped, fit, and ready for a challenge. Oh, and heads up, this pass is usually snow-covered, so good weather is a must!

Huahum Passhard

Huahum Pass

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure awaits at Paso Huahum! This international mountain pass sits pretty high in the Andes, about 2,051 feet up, marking the border between Chile and Argentina. It's one of the lower passes around, making it a bit more accessible. You'll find it connecting San Martín de los Andes in Argentina with Panguipulli in Chile. On the Chilean side, you're on Ruta CH-203, while Argentina calls it Ruta Provincial 48. Word of warning: both are gravel roads. Expect it to be unpaved, rocky, and steep on the Chilean side, but a bit more graded in Argentina. You can manage it in a 2WD with decent clearance if you take it slow and steady, especially on those long, dry stretches. Keep an eye out for washboarding, ruts, and dips! Now for the really cool part: the Chilean side involves a ferry ride across Lake Pirihueico! The Hua Hum ferry is your ticket, running daily between Puerto Fuy and Puerto Pirihueico, clocking in at around 1.5 hours. This pass is a key route from Chile's Los Ríos Region into Argentina's Neuquén Province, and the best part? It stays open year-round – no snow closures here! The scenery is absolutely worth the trek!