Travelling through the curvy Cuesta del Portezuelo road
Argentina, south-america
168 km
1,771 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic ride on the Cuesta del Portezuelo! This little slice of heaven is tucked away in the Valle Viejo department of Catamarca province, way up in northwestern Argentina.
The whole thing is paved, so no need to worry about dirt. It's just over 16km (around 10 miles) winding from the RN 38 highway up through the Sierra de Ancasti mountains and connecting to Ruta Provincial 2. Hold on tight, because this road is all curves, all the time. Seriously, hairpin turns galore! Built back in the late 30s, this road is an oldie but a goodie.
Prepare to climb! You'll reach a peak of 1,771m (that's over 5,800ft!). Expect an average gradient of 6%, but be ready for some steep sections that ramp up to over 20%. The views are absolutely worth it, though, with green landscapes stretching out as far as you can see. Just be aware, it can get pretty narrow.
Locals call it a "bridle path," a nod to its past when it was basically a horse trail. Thankfully, it's been upgraded since then! Now, it's one of the most popular spots in the province, thanks to its stunning scenery and how close it is to the city.
Where is it?
Travelling through the curvy Cuesta del Portezuelo road is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -37.1978, -65.9061
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 168 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,771 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -37.1978, -65.9061
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaguna Aguascocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a secret spot for you in the Peruvian Andes. We're talking Laguna Aguascocha, a stunning lake shimmering at a staggering 14,337 feet! You'll find this beauty nestled in the Cordillera Blanca, inside Huascarán National Park. Now, the road – AN844 – getting there is a bit of a beast. Think rugged gravel that demands a 4x4. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less. The climb is brutal, and the air gets THIN. We're talking oxygen deprivation that will put your body to the ultimate test. Most feel altitude sickness way before this point. Be prepared for some serious steepness. The views, though? Totally worth it. Just keep an eye on the weather, because avalanches, blizzards, and landslides can happen at any time. But trust me, if you're up for a challenge, the reward is an unforgettable Andean experience!
moderateRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Milagrosa Waterfall
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna chase a miraculous waterfall high in the Ecuadorian Andes? Then you NEED to check out Cascada Milagrosa! This stunner is tucked away at a whopping 3,806 meters (that's nearly 12,500 feet!) in Napo Province, Ecuador. It's about an hour from Quito, inside the Cayambe Coca National Park, and the drive there is an adventure in itself. The road, known as Carretera Papallacta - Laguna Baños, is paved, but it's a bit of a climb, so a 4x4 is a good idea. They call it "milagrosa" (miraculous) because it's hidden in a Polylepis forest and used to be a spot for shaman rituals! Starting from Papallacta, one of the highest towns you can drive to, it's about 7.6 km (around 4.7 miles) to the checkpoint near the falls. In that short distance, you'll climb 569 meters, making for an average gradient of around 7.5%. Once you park, it's a super scenic 900-meter walk on a wide, gravel path to reach the falls themselves. Trust me, the views are worth it!
extremeAbra de Rumualdo
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Abra de Rumualdo in the Caylloma Province of Peru! This bad boy tops out at a staggering 3,434m (11,266ft) above sea level, so be prepared for some seriously thin air. You'll be tackling the Carretera Cincha – Huanca, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking avalanches, landslides, and a road surface that steadily deteriorates from asphalt to a single lane of asphalt, and then to a gravel mule track. Keep an eye on the weather because snowstorms and blizzards can roll in out of nowhere. Expect over 200 turns, including some seriously tight hairpin switchbacks. The road is incredibly steep, so maybe lay off that extra helping of lunch – you might be feeling a little queasy as you wind your way up. The views, if you dare to take your eyes off the road, are absolutely breathtaking, but this is one drive where courage and skill are absolutely essential!
extremeA 4x4 mine road to Cerro Vidal Gormaz in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Nestled deep in Chile's Atacama Region, Cerro Vidal Gormaz is a seriously high mountain peak, scraping the sky at nearly 5,000 meters (that's over 16,000 feet!). Think of it as an extreme off-road adventure playground in the thin, crisp air of the Andes. You'll find it near the borders of Argentina, in an area famous for copper and gold mines. Originally, this isn't your typical scenic route, but rather a rugged track carved out for heavy mining equipment to haul its way up to those mineral-rich heights. The journey usually kicks off from Paso Pircas Negras or one of the nearby mining camps. While the actual distance to the summit isn’t huge, trust me, it’s a slow and intense drive. Be prepared for hours of navigating seriously steep slopes! Expect loose volcanic soil and tire-shredding sharp stones along the way. Seriously, this is no walk in the park. A proper 4x4 with low-range gearing is an absolute must. As you climb higher, the lack of oxygen will take its toll, especially on naturally aspirated engines. Turbocharged engines will fare better in the thin air. Watch out for: * **Altitude Sickness:** This is a big one at this height. Acclimatize properly before attempting the climb. * **Unpredictable Weather:** Sudden storms are common in the Andes, even in summer. * **Deceptive Terrain:** What looks solid can easily give way. * **Isolation:** You're seriously remote here. Because of the altitude, this route is only open during the Southern Hemisphere's summer, roughly December to April. The rest of the year, it's buried under snow and lashed by brutal winds ("Viento Blanco"), which can create instant snowdrifts. Even in summer, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Before you head up, make sure you're loaded with extra fuel, at least two spare tires, and plenty of supplies for altitude sickness. The road is unmaintained, so conditions can change every year due to mining or winter damage. Ideally, travel with at least two vehicles and always let someone know your plans. This is one of the most isolated drives you can find in Chile.