
Where does Road BR-116 start and end?
Brazil, south-america
4,385 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 4,385 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardAbra Huaytire, an absolute must for road lovers
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Huaytire! This high-altitude gem straddles the Moquegua and Tacna departments in southern Peru, topping out at a lung-busting 15,643 feet. The road, Carretera 36A, is paved the whole way, but don't let that fool you. It's a wild ride of twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep even seasoned drivers on their toes. If you've got anyone prone to carsickness in the back, maybe pack some ginger ale! Stretching for 126 miles from Mazocruz towards Moquegua, this east-west route is a serious climb. Remember, you're high in the mountains here, so the air is thin. Altitude sickness and unpredictable weather are definitely things to keep in mind. But trust me, the stunning scenery is worth it!
moderateDriving a great paved road to Abra Pirhuayani in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Quispicanchi Province of Peru, heading towards Abra Pirhuayani, a mountain pass that'll knock your socks off at a whopping 4,725m (15,501 ft) above sea level! Seriously, this pass is higher than any mountain in the continental US. You're in southern Peru, practically rubbing shoulders with Mount Cayambe and Colque Cruz glaciers at the summit. And get this – there's even a little bar/restaurant, a church, and parking right at the top! Who knew you could grab a snack practically on the equator with year-round glaciers in view? The road, Route 30C, has been recently paved, making it a smooth ride to views that will make you weep with joy. This stretch of road is about 46km (28 miles) of pure, winding bliss heading from Mahuayani to Marcapata. But hold on – some sections have a speed limit of 20kph, so slow down and soak it all in! It's a bit of a climb with tons of hairpin turns and some seriously steep bits, but trust me, it's worth every single second. Perched high in the Peruvian Andes, this is the highest point of the Interoceanic Highway! Everywhere you look are snowy peaks towering over 5,500m. It's a view you will not soon forget.
hardHow to drive the remote RP205 to Abra de Rota in Argentina?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've just gotten back from Abra de Rota, a mind-blowing mountain pass straddling the border of Salta and Jujuy provinces in wild, northwestern Argentina. Picture this: you're practically spitting distance from Bolivia, smack-dab in the kind of silence and solitude that only the high Puna can deliver. We're talking landscapes ripped straight from a Western movie – endless brown hills, super-thin air, and that feeling of being gloriously, utterly remote. The road itself? It's Provincial Route 205, a gritty lifeline for the tiny communities clinging to this frontier. Be warned: Mother Nature calls the shots here. One minute you're basking in the intense sun, the next you're battling freezing temps or surprise storms that turn the road into a skating rink. The climb itself, starting from Suripugio and winding past Inti Cancha, stretches for about 21.5 km (13.3 miles). Don't let the gentle 3% average gradient fool you – the altitude will make your engine (and your lungs) scream! The road? Think pure, unadulterated gravel – often loose and sandy. A high-clearance vehicle is a MUST, and honestly, you'll want 4WD to tackle this beast safely. Here's the real talk: the biggest challenges are the altitude and isolation. At over 4,400 meters, the air is seriously thin, so altitude sickness (soroche) is a definite risk. Then there are the technical bits, like the Baden de Viscachani (24 km back) and the Rio Grande approach (9 km away). During the rainy season, these dry riverbeds can become muddy nightmares. Bottom line? Check local conditions before you go, pack extra fuel, water, warm gear, and know that help out here can be HOURS (or DAYS!) away. But trust me, the views? Worth every ounce of effort.
extremeAbra Alpamarca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Central Peru, in Junín province, lies Abra Alpamarca, a mountain pass soaring to a staggering 15,456 feet (4,711m) above sea level. You'll find this beauty, the highest point on the road connecting Huayllay to Tanta, along route 20A, and be warned: it's a gravel road. This isn’t your average Sunday drive. Be prepared for a remote, high-altitude trek. After a rain shower, even a small one, the road can get pretty tricky. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities and can block the way, and icy patches can be super dangerous. Pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, warm layers, and reliable GPS with maps are must-haves. You'll likely share the road with mine trucks (there are a bunch of large mines nearby), though the closer you get to the pass, the quieter it gets. But hey, the reward is absolutely stunning scenery!