Vallecitos ski resort
Argentina, south-america
N/A
2,999 m
hard
Year-round
Alright adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the northwest of Mendoza Province in Argentina, you HAVE to check out the road to Vallecitos ski resort. Picture this: you're climbing to almost 10,000 feet (2,999m to be exact!) in the Andean foothills of the stunning Cordon del Plata.
The road? It's gravel, baby! Think steep climbs, hairpin turns that will test your driving skills, and sections narrow enough to make you hold your breath. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be snaking through the glacier-carved Valle del Plata, with hotels and restaurants dotted along the way for a quick bite or a well-deserved rest. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Vallecitos ski resort is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.1336, -62.7938
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,999 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.1336, -62.7938
Related Roads in south-america
extremeQueropalca
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Queropalca in the Peruvian Andes! This tiny town sits way up high at almost 13,000 feet – that's some serious altitude. The road in? Gravel, baby! You'll definitely want 4x4 for this one. It’s a super narrow climb, think single-lane vibes, and seriously steep. We're talking lung-busting, oxygen-deprived, put-your-vehicle-to-the-test kind of climb. Be warned, altitude sickness is common even lower than this, so prepare accordingly! And the hazards? Let's just say Mother Nature keeps things interesting. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are all possibilities, plus icy patches can pop up anytime. But hey, with that kind of risk comes seriously stunning scenery. You'll be bragging about this one for sure!
hardDriving the legendary Route 40 in Argentina: Road Trip Guide
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for an epic adventure down Argentina's Ruta 40! This legendary highway stretches over 5,000 km (3,107 miles) from the southern Santa Cruz Province all the way north to Jujuy, hugging the Andes mountains the entire way. Locals call it Ruta Nacional 40, RN 40, Ruta 40, or simply La Cuarenta. You'll be cruising through some seriously remote areas, especially in the south where you might find yourself with 200km stretches of nothing but you and the open road. Keep an eye out for the amazing scenery as you pass through 18 national parks and over 27 Andean passes. Starting near sea level at Cabo VÃrgenes (Cape Virgins) in Patagonia, the road climbs to a staggering 4,956m (16,259ft) at Abra del Acay in Salta! Along the way, you'll witness everything from Patagonian plains and pristine lakes to bustling cities, volcanic lava fields, ancient forests, and shimmering salt flats. Some parts of the route, especially during winter, can be blocked by ice and snow. The highest town in Argentina, Mina Pirquitas, also lies on Ruta 40, sitting pretty at 4,271m (14,003ft). Plan for at least 10 days to two weeks to really soak it all in. Don't miss the chance to see Fitzroy and Cerro Torres near El Chalten in Patagonia. Other highlights include Cueva de las Manos with its ancient cave art, Los Glaciares National Park, and the Calchaquà Valleys. Be warned, though: this isn't a Sunday drive. While much of Ruta 40 is paved, some southern sections are unpaved and can be rough, with strong crosswinds and gravel roads that demand extra caution. You might need a 4x4 for some stretches. Cell service is spotty outside towns, so pack plenty of food, water, and repair equipment. Gas stations can be far apart, so fill up whenever you get the chance. Ruta 40 is more than just a road; it's an unforgettable journey through the heart of Argentina.
moderateDriving to Parinacota, One of the Highest Towns in the World
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, so Parinacota! Picture this: a tiny town clinging to the Andes at a staggering 14,400 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest places you can actually drive to. You'll find it nestled in northern Chile, practically spitting distance from Bolivia, in the gorgeous Lauca National Park. The whole area is a visual feast. Think snow-dusted volcanoes like Pomerape and Sajama piercing the sky, steamy hot springs bubbling away, and these crazy-beautiful high-altitude lakes – Chungará and the Cotacotani Lagoons. Plus, wetlands bursting with all sorts of weird and wonderful plants and animals. The road itself? It's called A-93, and it's a smooth, paved 55-mile stretch connecting Chucuyo to Visviri, the main hub of the General Lagos area. It's been fully paved since the early 2020s. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery on this drive!
extremeCepita Road
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in Santander Department, Colombia and you're craving an epic (and slightly terrifying) adventure, you HAVE to check out the Carretera a Cepita! This road isn't playing around—it's notorious for a reason, so keep your eyes on the prize. Picture this: a mostly unpaved road (with a few concrete sections thrown in to keep you guessing), barely wide enough for one car, hugging the side of a mountain with hundreds of meters of nothing but air below. No guardrails. Just you, the road, and a serious drop. It's only 12.1km long, but trust me, it feels like a lifetime. This road is an absolute adrenaline rush, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Seriously, pictures don't even come close to capturing the intensity of this experience. While the views are stunning, don't get *too* distracted! This road has a fearsome reputation. If you're afraid of heights or landslides, maybe sit this one out. One wrong move and… well, let's just say it's a long way down. The climb is pretty intense too, starting at 1,127 meters above sea level and climbing 477 meters over the length of the road. That's an average gradient of almost 4%! Get ready for a wild ride!