Where is Altos Corvo Branco?
Brazil, south-america
67 km
1,245 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Santa Catarina, Brazil, snuggled within the Serra do Corvo Blanco (White Crow's Mountain) range, you'll find Altos Corvo Branco, a mountain pass that'll take your breath away – literally and figuratively!
We're talking about an elevation of 1,245m (4,084ft), so expect some serious views. This epic road, known as SC-370 (Estrada da Serra do Corvo Branco), stretches for 67km (41 miles) from Braço do Norte to Urubici, acting as a vital link between southern Santa Catarina and the Planalto Catarinense.
Now, don't go thinking this is a leisurely cruise. This drive is challenging! The final 1.6km is a beast, boasting sections with a 30% gradient and five hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Think tight curves, narrow stretches, steep drops, and cliffs that plunge dramatically.
Trust me, the panoramic views are worth it, but be warned: low gears are your friend here. And if you're tackling this in rain or fog? Maybe reconsider. Definitely not bus or big-rig friendly. Get ready for an unforgettable ride, with viewpoints practically around every bend!
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 67 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,245 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaguna Jankho Khota
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're in Bolivia, high in the La Paz Department, surrounded by the Cordillera Real mountains. You're headed toward Laguna Jankho Khota, a stunning lake sitting way up at 4,701 meters (that's over 15,400 feet!). The road there? Let's just say it's an adventure. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a proper 4x4 kind of experience. Snow can close it anytime, so check conditions before you go! If you're not a fan of heights, maybe skip this one. This trail is steep! It can get muddy and slick when wet, and those drop-offs are seriously intense. The climb is brutal, with the altitude hitting hard – most people start feeling it around 2,500 meters. But the views? Totally worth the challenge!
extremeCorihuarmi Mine
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for a wild ride up to Mina Corihuarmi! We're talking about a gold mine perched way up in the Andes Mountains of central Peru, in the Junín region. Get ready to gasp for air at a whopping 4,883 meters (that's over 16,000 feet!). This isn't your Sunday drive. It's a gravel mine trail that climbs like crazy, throwing you into some seriously remote landscapes. The views are incredible, but the lack of oxygen is real. We're talking altitude sickness kicking in way before you even get close to the top. This climb is brutal! Be prepared for steep sections and a surface that's seen better days. And the weather? Think harsh sun, whipping winds, and freezing temperatures all rolled into one. Pack layers, folks! Bring water, snacks, extra fuel, a GPS, and some good old-fashioned maps. Trust me, you'll need them. This trek to Mina Corihuarmi is a true test of your adventurous spirit!
moderateRuta Provincial 52
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Ruta Provincial 52! This beauty is a 33 km stretch of gravel road ("ripio" as they say in Argentina) winding through the stunning Valdes Peninsula, right on the Atlantic coast in northeastern Chubut Province. It's your connector between Ruta Provincial 3 and the charming Calleta Valdes. Now, heads up – the Valdes Peninsula can be a bit of a weather wildcard, thanks to its semi-arid climate. Expect sudden changes and strong winds. Keep an eye on the sky. The speed limit is a chill 60km/h, and trust me, you'll want to stick to it to avoid any flat-tire drama. Speaking of the road, it can get a bit loose and muddy, especially after rain. A high-clearance 2WD *can* manage it if you take it slow and steady, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best friend here. Think of it as an investment in comfort and peace of mind. Why bother? Because this road is your ticket to some seriously incredible wildlife sightings. We're talking massive marine animals in their natural habitat. It's an experience you won't forget!
hardWhere is Pastoruri Glacier?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Pastoruri Glacier in the Ancash region of Peru, smack-dab in Huascarán National Park. This baby sits at a lung-busting 4,955m (16,256ft) above sea level. The road itself? It's called the Carretera a Pastoruri and it's a short but sweet 1.8km (1.11 miles) jaunt to the parking lot, but don't let the length fool you. This is not a drive for your grandma's sedan! The road's pretty narrow, with some steep climbs and rocky sections. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet. And remember, that altitude is a real thing, so take it easy. Once you park, it's a roughly 500m walk to the glacier itself. Now, while Pastoruri was once a big tourist draw and one of the few tropical glaciers in South America, climate change has taken its toll. It's shrunk considerably, and where there was once a natural ice slide, now there's a small lagoon. But don't let that deter you! The drive is still totally worth it for the stunning views of the surrounding Andes mountains and valleys. Plus, there are cool stops along the way, like the Pumapampa gasified springs. And keep your eyes peeled for the thousands of towering Puya Raimondii flowers – they're unreal! Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes!