When Was Ruta 27 Built?
Argentina, south-america
N/A
4,832 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Ruta 27 in northern Chile! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a serious Andean expedition, snaking through a remote, almost alien semi-desert landscape. Think vastness, solitude, and seriously breathtaking views.
Built relatively recently and fully paved with two lanes, this road will carry you all the way to the Argentinian border. But don't let the pavement fool you. This almost 400-mile trek isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking an average elevation that flirts with 16,000 feet!
Keep your wits about you. This route has some seriously challenging conditions. The region is notorious for strong winds. So, pack extra supplies and be prepared for anything. Cell service is spotty, and gas stations are few and far between. Remember, between fill-ups could be over 120 miles! But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Just you, your ride, and the raw beauty of the Andes. This road takes you to Portezuelo del Cajon, which is an Andean gravel pass. Get ready for the Salar de Ollague Pass!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,832 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeThe road to Abra Puca Loma: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Puca Loma, a seriously sky-high mountain pass! You'll find this beast in southwestern Bolivia's Cordillera de LÃpez, specifically in the Sud LÃpez Province of the Potosà Department. We're talking a whopping 4,804m (15,761ft) above sea level – yeah, one of Bolivia's highest! The road? Let's just say it's "rustic" – totally unpaved. It's not crazy steep, but don't be fooled. This journey through remote areas and the sheer altitude gain demand respect and preparation. Rain can turn the road into a real challenge. Plus, avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are potential hazards, and icy patches can appear out of nowhere. So, pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, a warm jacket, and reliable GPS with maps are must-haves! The scenery though? Absolutely epic!
extremeDriving the Dizzying Road to Cotahuasi Canyon
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle what some say is the DEEPEST canyon in the Americas? Head to the Arequipa region of Peru, Province of La Union, and get ready for the Cañon de Cotahuasi! This beast separates the Solimana and Kopuna ranges deep in the Andes. We're talking a canyon that plunges over 11,000 feet, making the Grand Canyon look like a kiddie pool. The landscape is seriously unreal, a total feast for the eyes. Remote doesn't even begin to describe it, but the views are SO worth it. Carved by the Cotahuasi River, it's a place of hot springs, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages like Cotahuasi, with its charming church. Keep your eyes peeled for condors soaring overhead, vicuñas grazing, and maybe even a sneaky Andean fox! Plus, you'll spot ancient pre-Incan terraces clinging to the canyon walls. Now, about that road... buckle up! This winding, unpaved track stretches for about 22 miles from Cotahuasi to Quechualla, and it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, sheer drop-offs, and a whole lotta dust. A 4x4 is an absolute MUST. But trust me, the views from the start all the way down into the canyon are breathtaking. Protected by the Reserva PaisajÃstica Subcuenca del Cotahuasi, this drive is an experience you won't soon forget. Hit this road during the dry season (June-September) for the best conditions. Avoid the rainy season (December-March) when things get muddy and the river swells. And pro tip: don't forget the bug spray – the mosquitos can be fierce!
moderateAntiguo Puente de Pailón is a challenging bridge in Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, so picture this: You're in Bolivia, near the little town of Pailón, and you stumble upon what *was* one of the coolest bridges ever! I'm talking about the old Pailón bridge, a wooden wonder stretching almost a mile (1.4km) across the RÃo Grande. Built way back in the 1950s, it was this super rickety, single-lane affair where trains ALWAYS had the right-of-way. Can you imagine?! Sadly, it's been replaced by a shiny new bridge right next to it, so the old one is out of commission now. Still, what a sight it must have been! Now, buckle up for a wild ride on El Angosto, deep in the Andes. This isn't your average scenic route; it's known as one of the world's most treacherous roads, heading towards the Salar de Ollague Pass. Get ready for some serious elevation and heart-stopping views – if you dare to look!
hardLaguna Gallococha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Central Peru, nestled high in the Department of Lima, lies Laguna Gallococha, a shimmering lagoon way up at a lung-busting 15,797 feet! Getting there? Buckle up, buttercup, because the gravel road is a bumpy ride. Seriously, this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. And be warned: even a little rain turns this track into a slippery, unpredictable mess. Keep an eye out for sudden patches of loose gravel that can throw you for a loop. But hey, if you come prepared, you're in for an unforgettable adventure with views that will blow your mind!