Trans-Chaco Highway is one of the most famous roads of South America
Argentina, south-america
775 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Trans-Chaco Highway, or Ruta PY09 as the locals call it, stretching a whopping 775 km (481 miles) from José Falcón, near Asunción, all the way to the Bolivian border at Fortín Sgto. Rodríguez. You'll cruise through Central, Presidente Hayes, and Boquerón departments, and once you hit Argentina, it magically turns into National Route 11, becoming National Route 6 on the Bolivian side.
This road, first opened in 1961, used to be infamous for swallowing vehicles whole, especially when the rains came! It got a pavement makeover in 2007, but trust me, that thin asphalt didn't last. Now, it's all about dodging dust, cracks, and more potholes than you can count. Apparently, it's not quite up to handling all the heavy trucks that roll through.
Driving here demands your full attention – think slalom practice! It's mostly straight, but the surface keeps you on your toes. Night driving? Maybe not for newbies. The road conditions combined with the tough climate, scarce traffic, and hardly any towns mean you'll want to load up on extra food and water. Better safe than stranded!
Where is it?
Trans-Chaco Highway is one of the most famous roads of South America is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -37.0156, -66.4924
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 775 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -37.0156, -66.4924
Related Roads in south-america
extremeCuesta de Zapata
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cuesta de Zapata, a wild ride through the Belén department of Catamarca Province, Argentina! This old section of Ruta 40 climbs to a dizzying 1,907m (6,256ft) and is not for the faint of heart. Seriously, this road has a reputation. It's a shortcut from Tinogasta to Route 40 (saving about 40km), but it's been bypassed by the new RN40 for a reason. While technically closed to motor vehicles, locals still brave it. Picture this: a super narrow gravel and rock road clinging to the mountainside with insane drop-offs – we're talking potentially thousands of feet straight down. No guardrails, loose rocks, and the constant threat of landslides when it's wet. You'll need serious driving skills, patience, and a good handle on your fear of heights. Keep in mind it is very intense because there is little room for error if oncoming traffic swerves in your direction. The scenery, if you dare to glance, is absolutely stunning, but keep your eyes on the road!
hardWamp'una
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Wamp'una Pass in Peru's Lima Province is calling your name! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 15,889 feet above sea level in the heart of the Andes' Cordillera Central. Now, don't expect a smooth ride. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. It's definitely a 4x4 kind of adventure, and maybe not the best choice during the winter months when things get dicey. If you're not comfortable with heights or unpaved mountain roads, this might be one to skip. Expect steep climbs and potentially muddy conditions when it's wet. But for those with the experience and the right vehicle, the views are supposed to be epic!
hardLagunas de Epulafquen
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, practically spitting distance from Chile, high up in the Andes. You're heading toward the stunning Lagunas de Epulafquen, a pair of shimmering lakes sitting pretty at almost 5,000 feet! The adventure starts on Ruta Provincial 45, a gravel road stretching about 25 miles from Las Ovejas. Now, this isn't your average highway cruise. While generally maintained, the road can get pretty dicey. Think washboarding, ruts, and dips that'll keep you on your toes. A high-clearance vehicle is a must! And be warned: after a rainstorm, this track transforms into a muddy slip-n-slide. In bad weather, even 4x4s might struggle. But trust me, the views are worth it. Imagine winding through the mountains, the air crisp and clean, with the promise of those gorgeous lakes waiting for you at the end. This is an off-the-beaten-path experience you won't forget!
moderateWhere is Uspallata Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: a high-altitude adventure in the heart of Argentina, specifically Mendoza Province, where the Uspallata Pass awaits! We're talking serious elevation here. This isn't just a Sunday drive, folks. Also known as Camino Cristo Redentor, this road is nestled near the breathtaking Paso Internacional de los Libertadores and serves mostly as a tourist route to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. So, how long will this epic journey take? Be prepared for a trek –it's a drive with some serious gradients, ready to put your driving skills to the ultimate test! And a heads-up: if you're not a fan of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. Now, for the million-dollar question: when can you tackle this beast? This pass is a fair-weather friend, which means summer is your golden window, when the snow is gone. But keep an eye on the forecast; conditions can change rapidly, and heavy snowfall can shut things down without warning. So, while the scenery is absolutely stunning, remember to respect the mountains and drive smart!