What are the highest roads in Argentina?
Argentina, south-america
4,000 km
4,694 m
hard
Year-round
Argentina, the land of tango and stunning landscapes, also boasts some seriously high-altitude roads! We're talking about routes snaking through the Andes Mountains in western Argentina, a range that stretches for over 4,000 kilometers. Forget flat plains – we're climbing to some of the highest navigable roads on Earth, often over 4,700 meters (15,400 ft)!
These aren’t your average paved highways, though. Expect rugged, unpaved tracks originally carved out for mining or to connect with Chile. So, get ready for a wild ride across challenging mountain passes, rewarded with views that’ll take your breath away (literally, the air is thin up there!). Prepare for an adventure on some of Argentina’s most demanding – and highest – roads!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Argentina? is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.4439, -62.3522
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 4,000 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,694 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.4439, -62.3522
Related Roads in south-america
moderateCamino de Los Túneles
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for an adrenaline rush on the Camino de Los Túneles – the "Road of the Tunnels"! Nestled in the heart of Argentina, where the Sierras Chicas meet the Suquía River, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking Ruta Provincial 28 (RP28) in Córdoba province, a roughly 11-kilometer stretch of unpaved road connecting Córdoba and La Rioja. Built in the 1930s, this beauty starts at kilometer 83 (the access road's paved now, thankfully!). Once you conquer that first tunnel, BAM – a valley panorama explodes before you, all flat greens stretching to the horizon. Hold on tight though! This route's got five tunnels and a few bridges, a dizzying pigtail turn that climbs like crazy, and some seriously narrow spots with hundreds of meters of drop-offs. Not for the faint of heart (or those with vertigo!). Keep an eye out for rock slides, too. But it's not all white-knuckle driving. There are viewpoints where you can spot majestic condors soaring overhead! The most famous tunnels are Chancaní and Taninga. Picture this: native trees clinging to the edge of the abyss, condors circling the Quebrada de la Mermela, and the endless plains of La Rioja fading into the distance. It's a wild ride to Cerro Estrella in the Andes, and one you won't soon forget!
extremeCerro Yaritani
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in southeastern Peru's Cusco Region and have a serious craving for altitude, Cerro Yaritani is calling your name. This gravel road climbs to a whopping 4,956m (16,259ft)! Heads up: you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this bumpy ride. Rain turns the road into a real challenge, so check the weather and be prepared for loose gravel. Seriously, plan ahead for this one. The views are incredible, but the altitude is no joke. If you have any respiratory or heart issues, maybe skip this one. And definitely no babies under 4 months! The air is thin, even your engine will struggle, and altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters. It's a tough but rewarding journey!
easyRuta 1 is a Coastal Road Surrounded by a Lunar-Like Depression
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a coastal drive that'll blow your mind, you HAVE to check out Ruta 1 in northern Chile. Seriously, this is one of the world's best coastal drives. It's a 438 km (272 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated road hugging the South Pacific. The pavement is smooth as butter, but keep an eye out after storms – rockslides and washouts can happen. Your epic journey starts in Iquique, a cool coastal city right on the edge of the Atacama Desert, and winds its way to Antofagasta, a bustling port city. Pro tip: This route is remote, so pack accordingly! You might not see another soul for miles in the southern stretches. But trust me, the solitude is worth it. Think endless ocean views, a lunar-like landscape with crazy rock formations, massive sand dunes, and mountains painted in shades of pink. You'll cruise past deserts, salt flats, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. It's a sensory overload of natural beauty! Basically, it's a photographer's dream come true. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
extremeAn unforgettable road to Cuesta Codoceo
🇨🇱 Chile
Hey adventure seekers! Ever heard of Cuesta Codoceo (aka Portezuelo Codoceo)? This high-altitude mountain pass sits way up at 4,342m (14,245ft) in Chile's Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, Atacama Region. You'll find it along Ruta 31-CH, a 280 km unpaved road that's totally doable in most cars when it's dry. The route kicks off in Copiapó and winds its way to the Argentinian border. Expect a well-maintained gravel track, where even a 2WD with decent clearance can handle it safely at low speeds. Now, heads up: the climb is brutal! Seriously, the lack of oxygen will test your limits, and the steepness is no joke. Keep an eye on the weather – sudden snowstorms and blizzards can make things super tricky. Plus, it's a desert climate, so expect wild temperature swings between hot days and freezing nights. Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a little gravel track at the top that climbs even higher to Portezuelo Caballo Muerto at 4,410m (14,468ft). But the real reward? The stunning scenery! You'll be cruising through remote areas, including the breathtaking Salar de Aguas Calientes. Trust me, this is an unforgettable experience!