Where is Abra del Infiernillo?
Argentina, south-america
53.4 km
3,056 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Abra del Infiernillo in Argentina. This epic mountain pass, topping out at a whopping 10,026 feet, is the highest point in the entire Tucumán province.
You'll find this beauty nestled in the Calchaquí Valleys, in the northwest of Argentina, acting as the grand entrance to Parque Provincial Cumbres Calchaquíes. Trust me, the views are worth the drive!
At the summit, nicknamed Infiernillo, you'll find a communication tower, a restaurant serving up llama (yes, really!), a spacious parking area, and the incredible Mirador El Infiernillo viewpoint. But be warned, Mother Nature can be fierce up here with strong winds, swirling clouds, and frequent rain.
The road itself, RP307, is about 33 miles of mostly paved road winding from Amaicha del Valle to Tafí del Valle. Expect some rough patches, narrow squeezes, and loose gravel along the way, plus hundreds of turns and hairpin bends that will keep you on your toes. It's a road trip you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 53.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,056 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeCerro Toco
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro Toco! This insane gravel road climbs to a whopping 5,416m (17,769ft) in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. We're talking seriously lunar landscapes in the Atacama Desert. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking remote, rough, and definitely not for your average car. You'll need a seasoned driver who knows how to handle steep climbs (some sections hit 10%!), dust, and bumps galore. The reward? Mind-blowing views and bragging rights. The summit boasts some of the world’s highest telescopes, making it a stargazer's dream. But don't get too dreamy – the conditions up here are BRUTAL. Expect high winds, icy patches, and the potential for heavy snow. Seriously, don't even think about it in bad weather; avalanches and landslides are a real threat. The wind is almost always howling, and even summer can bring snowy surprises. Winter? Forget about it – bone-chilling cold! Despite being inhospitable to humans, this place is an astronomer's paradise. The incredibly dry climate makes it perfect for spotting those millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths!
extremeWhere is Pato Canyon?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, exploring the Ancash Region, and you stumble upon the Cañón del Pato – Duck Canyon. Seriously, this place is unreal! This road snakes through a canyon carved out by the Rio Santa, right at the northern tip of the Callejón de Huaylas. Starting near Caraz and heading up to Yuracmarca, this 52-kilometer (32-mile) stretch is an adventure. Now, here’s the kicker: you're driving along a route carved into the cliff face, peering down into a massive gorge, and passing through *54* tunnels. And get this—they're all hand-cut into the rock! Most of the road is paved, but it’s super narrow. Forget passing another car easily; it’s a squeeze! Be warned: it's not for the faint of heart. During the rainy and snowy seasons, it can get shut down. Plus, falling rocks are a real hazard. These tunnels? Mostly one lane and rough as anything. The elevation climbs from 500m to over 2000m, so buckle up. The road just keeps getting narrower, tunnel after tunnel, with some serious drop-offs—we're talking 1000m drops! You'll need to keep your wits about you on this one. But, oh man, the views! It's an experience you won't forget.
hardLaguna Verde
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Bolivia, in the Sur Lípez Province of Potosí, cruising through the Salvador Dalí Desert. You're headed to Laguna Verde, a mind-blowing salt lake shimmering at a staggering 4,300 meters (that's 14,100 feet!) above sea level. Now, the road? Let's just say it's an adventure. Think gravel and sand tracks winding their way to the lake. It can get seriously muddy and slick if it's been raining, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge. After a big storm, you might even find the road totally impassable, even in a 4x4. But trust me, the views are SO worth it!
moderateRuta 24
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Ruta 24 in northern Chile, right in the heart of the Atacama Desert. Seriously, this place is *dry*! This 156km stretch of perfectly paved road connects Calama and Tocopilla, and it's an absolute feast for the eyes. Starting in Calama at a cool 2,260 meters above sea level, you'll wind your way down towards the coast to Tocopilla. Forget your everyday scenery - we're talking full-on desert vibes with salt flats, volcanoes, geysers, and even hot springs popping up along the way. The landscape is straight out of a sci-fi movie! Think moon-like valleys, crazy rock formations, one massive sand dune, and mountains painted with streaks of pink. It's a photographer's dream come true!