Travel guide to the top of Abra del Infiernillo
Argentina, south-america
53.4 km
3,056 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra del Infiernillo, a mountain pass that'll steal your breath (literally, it's high!). We're talking about the highest point in Tucumán, Argentina, clocking in at a cool 3,056 meters (10,026 feet).
Find this gem nestled in the Calchaquí Valleys of northwestern Argentina, in Tucumán province. It's basically the VIP entrance to the Cumbres Calchaquíes Provincial Park.
Up top at Infiernillo, you'll find a buzzing scene: a communication tower, a quirky restaurant with llamas (yes, llamas!), a spacious parking lot, and the Mirador El Infiernillo, a viewpoint that’s straight-up postcard material. Pro tip: pack layers! Expect wind, clouds, and maybe a sprinkle of rain.
Now, the road – RP307 – is a wild ride. Mostly paved, but it's seen better days, so watch out for potholes and gravel. Think narrow sections, hairpin turns galore, and enough twists to make you dizzy (in a good way, of course!).
This epic 53.4 km (33-mile) stretch runs north-south, linking Amaicha del Valle (near Tafí del Valle) to the town of Tafí del Valle. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Abra del Infiernillo is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -35.8778, -62.5578
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 53.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,056 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -35.8778, -62.5578
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhy is it called Lastarria Volcano?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Chile and Argentina, smack-dab in the Central Andes. Looming large is Volcán Lastarria, a seriously impressive stratovolcano named after some 19th-century Chilean brainiac, José Victorino Lastarria. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road, if you can even call it that, claws its way up the volcano to a lung-busting altitude that puts it in the running for one of the highest roads in Argentina. We’re talking serious elevation here. The scenery? Think desolate, otherworldly, and jaw-dropping. You'll be surrounded by intense yellow sulfur deposits thanks to the volcano's constant, powerful fumaroles – it's been puffing away for over 70 years. But be warned: this beauty comes with a bite. The "road" is basically a set of unmarked mining tracks carved out for sulfur extraction. Expect loose volcanic ash, sharp obsidian rocks, and sneaky sand drifts just waiting to swallow your tires. High-clearance 4x4? Non-negotiable. Satellite imagery? Your new best friend. And did I mention the altitude? The air is thin, your engine's gonna whine, and those sulfur gases? They're not exactly aromatherapy. Plus, you're miles from civilization. If something goes wrong, you're on your own. Pack accordingly—we’re talking supplemental oxygen, gas masks, and enough supplies to survive a zombie apocalypse. This ain't for the faint of heart, but for the ultimate adventure, Lastarria delivers.
hardHow long is the Trans-Amazonian Highway?
🇧🇷 Brazil
Ever dreamed of a truly epic road trip? Then you NEED to know about the Transamazônica Highway (BR-230) in Brazil! This beast stretches for 4,260 km (that's 2,647 miles!) right across Brazil, from the coast near João Pessoa all the way to the Peruvian border. Forget smooth sailing though. Picture this: you're carving your way through the heart of the Amazon, surrounded by dense jungle. You'll encounter everything from freshly paved sections to long stretches of dirt road that’ll rattle your bones. While originally dreamt up as a fully paved paradise back in the 70s, reality hit hard. Construction was a logistical nightmare. Now, large portions are still unpaved, particularly the last 1,000 km or so. During the rainy season (October to March), this section becomes a serious challenge, with mud, massive potholes, and ruts galore that will test your vehicle's suspension (and your patience!). But hey, it's not all rough and tumble! Imagine the bragging rights. Plus, you'll be cruising through some of the most remote and breathtaking scenery on Earth. Just be prepared for a real adventure and make sure your vehicle is up to the task!
extremeWhere does Road BR-116 start and end?
🇧🇷 Brazil
BR-116 is a massive coastal highway in Brazil, stretching a whopping 4,385 kilometers (2,725 miles) from Fortaleza in the north (Ceará State) all the way down to Jaguarão near the Uruguay border (Rio Grande do Sul). It's a major artery, known for being super busy with truckers. Now, this road has earned the grim nickname "Highway of Death" for a reason. Unstable weather patterns contribute to a high accident rate, making it a nerve-wracking drive. Think about it: you've got tons of big rigs, often driven by overworked truckers, combined with unpredictable terrain. The Sao Paulo-Curitiba section is particularly notorious. Parts of the BR-116 are paved, but other sections? Not so much. Some stretches cling to the edges of steep cliffs, demanding your full attention. Speaking of attention, you’ll need 100% concentration to navigate this route.
hardWhere is Cerro Sairécabur?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Cerro Sairécabur, perched on the Bolivia-Chile border, is not for the faint of heart! This volcano boasts one of the highest roads in South America, clawing its way up to a dizzying 5,541m (18,179ft). The adventure starts in the Antofagasta region (Chile) or the Potosí Department (Bolivia), twisting and turning up a rough, abandoned mining road that eventually peaks at an insane 5,753m (18,874ft)! Yep, you read that right - it's one of the highest roads on Earth. Be warned: this is strictly 4x4 territory. For about 19.5km (12.11 miles), you'll grind your way up, gaining a whopping 1,220 meters in elevation. Expect some serious inclines – up to 13% in places! The first section is manageable, but above 5,400m, even seasoned adventurers might find themselves pushing. What's at the top? Besides bragging rights, you'll find the Receiver Lab Telescope, a cutting-edge radio telescope. There's also a sulfur mine at 5,300m. Heads up: bring everything you need from San Pedro! Pack plenty of food and water, as local sources are supposedly contaminated. And be prepared for wind, cold, and a seriously challenging climb. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so acclimatize beforehand. The access road is unmarked and tricky to find, but trust me, the views (if you can breathe enough to enjoy them) are unreal.