Where is Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass?
Bolivia, south-america
12 km
3,645 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Argentina and Bolivia, hitting an altitude of 3,645 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!). This is the Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass, a high mountain road connecting the wild northwest of Argentina's Jujuy Province with the stunning landscapes of Bolivia's Sur Lípez.
The 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) route snakes its way between the tiny Argentinian town of Ciénega de Paicone and Río Mojón in Bolivia. While the road is entirely unpaved, it's generally in good shape. Get ready for some serious off-road vibes and views that'll make your jaw drop!
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,645 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow long is the road to the Junín Lakes?
🇵🇪 Peru
Deep in the Peruvian Andes, if you're hunting for a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Junín Lakes route is calling your name! This high-altitude gravel track loops you past three incredible glacial lakes: Laguna Alcacocha, Laguna Tarusmachay, and Laguna Oshgomachay. Prepare to be blown away by the stark beauty of the Meseta de Bombón – a vast, treeless plateau that feels like another planet. Picture this: a winding, white gravel ribbon cutting through endless *ichu* grass with towering peaks in the distance. This isn't your average Sunday drive; the wind howls, the weather can change in minutes, and you're totally exposed to the elements. Okay, let's talk logistics. This stunner is north of Junín, Peru, and you'll top out at a breathtaking 4,443 meters (Laguna Tarusmachay). From the main highway, it's about a 15 km gravel grind to complete the loop. While the average slope seems mellow at 2.85%, remember you're dealing with serious altitude! You'll gain a cumulative 426 meters, and trust me, your engine will feel it. You'll hit Laguna Alcacocha first (4,366m), then crest the highest point at Laguna Tarusmachay (4,443m), before cruising down to Laguna Oshgomachay (4,430m). Expect a slow and steady climb where you'll definitely notice the lack of oxygen! The road surface is mostly loose gravel and packed earth. Dry conditions are dusty but manageable, but don't underestimate this drive. We're talking *extreme* high-altitude conditions. Many will feel the effects of *soroche* (altitude sickness) if they haven't acclimatized in Junín. Rainy season (November to April) turns this into a whole different beast. Snow, landslides – things can get dicey FAST. There are NO services out here, so be prepared. A 4x4 with good tires is essential. The gravel gets slippery when wet, and you'll need that traction on the steeper sections. Before you ditch the highway, give your vehicle a good once-over. Check those tires and your cooling system – your engine will be working overtime. Speaking of you, that thin air messes with your reflexes. If you feel dizzy or get a headache, stop and descend. This is your ticket to experiencing the authentic Peruvian puna, far from the usual tourist traps. Expect only the company of alpaca herds and the haunting silence of those high-altitude lakes.
extremeCarretera Picada 108: Crossing the Wild Chaco to the Bolivian Border
🇧🇴 Bolivia
# Picada 108: Where the Chaco Swallows the Unprepared Deep in the heart of the Gran Chaco lies Picada 108—a raw, unforgiving 212-kilometer (131-mile) corridor that cuts through one of South America's most remote wilderness areas. This isn't your typical highway; it's a "picada," a narrow dirt track originally carved through dense scrubland for military or oil exploration, linking Mariscal Estigarribia in Paraguay all the way to the Bolivian border via Mayor Pablo Lagerenza. Welcome to the Northern Chaco: brutally hot, impossibly isolated, and absolutely relentless. The landscape is a maze of thorny scrubland where the horizon stretches endlessly and civilization feels like a distant memory. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, and the closest gas station? You left it hours ago. Here's where things get real: the road itself is pure gravel and talcal—fine dust that hides deep ruts and vicious rocks. During the dry season, visibility drops to nearly zero in a dust cloud. But rain? That's when Picada 108 transforms into a muddy nightmare. The clay-heavy soil becomes impassable quicksand, trapping even heavily equipped 4x4s for days. Creek crossings appear without warning, turning sections into temporary rivers that can force complete closures. Expect a full day of driving—minimum—at crawling speeds. There are zero amenities out here: no towns, no fuel, no repair shops. Every kilometer demands your full attention to avoid "guadales" (hidden pockets of deep mud and dust) that'll high-center your vehicle in seconds. This is expedition territory, not a casual road trip. Bring 400 kilometers worth of fuel, 20 liters of water per person, two full-size spares, a high-lift jack, and sand ladders. Your phone won't work; you'll need a satellite messenger. Never go alone—travel in at least two vehicles. Check the weather obsessively; if rain is forecast, don't even think about entering. And before you depart, notify the local police—this is border country, and you'll need your papers in perfect order. The Chaco doesn't forgive mistakes. Respect it, prepare thoroughly, and you'll experience one of the world's most extreme road journeys.
moderateDriving through the defiant road to Laguna Margarita
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for a wild ride on the Carretera a Laguna Margarita in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll kick things off from Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego, and from there you'll cover about 20km of pure, unadulterated gravel road. Expect it rough, narrow, and potentially impassable after a good rain. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? As you bump along, keep your eyes peeled for stunning views of Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano, and the road culminates at the beautiful Laguna Margarita. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the bumpy journey.
moderateRuta Provincial 47
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for Ruta Provincial 47, a seriously stunning gravel road adventure in Argentina's Valdes Peninsula! This 83km stretch of 'ripio' connects Estancia Punta Norte to Punta Delgada on the Golfo Nuevo. Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Valdes Peninsula has a semi-arid climate, so expect wild weather swings and crazy winds. Keep it under 60km/h to save yourself from cracked windshields or flat tires. The gravel gets loose, especially on the edges, and turns into a slippery mud bath after rain. But hey, the views! You're cruising through prime real estate for spotting some of the world's biggest marine animals doing their thing. While a high-clearance 2WD can *technically* handle the long, dry stretches at slow speeds, a 4x4 is your best friend. Trust me, the extra comfort and peace of mind are worth it when the road gets rough with washboarding, ruts, and dips. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!