
Where is La Cumbre Choroni?
Venezuela, south-america
50 km
1,611 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Venezuela, about to tackle La Cumbre Choroni, a wild ride up to 1,611 meters (5,285 feet)! This mountain pass snakes through Aragua state, right in the heart of Henri Pittier National Park.
The road, Carretera Maracay (also known as Via Choroni or Carretera Local 6), is paved—though with some concrete sections to keep things interesting. It's a throwback, originally built way back in the 1920s, but fully paved only by 1990.
Get ready for 50 kilometers (32 miles) of twisty, narrow mountain road. You'll start in Maracay, the lively capital of Aragua, and wind your way north down to Puerto Colombia, one of Venezuela's best Caribbean beach getaways.
Now, don't let the beautiful scenery fool you. This road is not for the faint of heart. Expect cracks in the road, random obstacles, and be on alert for floods and landslides, especially after rain. Seriously, it’s narrow, windy, and packed with hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. You'll be navigating cloud forests one minute and descending towards the sea the next. Even taxis bomb around blind corners like they’re auditioning for a stunt driving movie. Buckle up and keep your eyes on the road!
Road Details
- Country
- Venezuela
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 50 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,611 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardIs the road to Abra del Colorado paved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cruising through San Juan Province in Argentina? You absolutely HAVE to experience Abra del Colorado! This high mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,629m (8,625ft) and is a must-see. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, the landscape is seriously unreal. Think dry, desert vibes with reddish soil that gives the area its "Colorado" nickname. The views? Epic panoramic shots of the towering Andean peaks. It's a vital route connecting the valleys of Iglesia and Calingasta to the provincial capital. The Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149) is your path to adventure. The entire 88.3 km (54.86 miles) is fully paved and in awesome condition. You'll be cruising smoothly from north to south, connecting to RP436. Just a heads up: the mountain environment can throw some curveballs. Keep an eye out for sudden wind gusts — the notorious Zonda wind — that can be a bit wild. Why is this spot a cycling hotspot? Abra del Colorado is a legendary stage in the Vuelta a San Juan, a major race on the UCI World Tour. Even if you're not a pro cyclist, the climb is manageable, with gradients that rarely go above 5-6%. The real challenge? The length and the San Juan heat! The last 15 kilometers wind through a rocky canyon and it's super scenic. This climb is pure Argentinian Andes magic!
extremeDriving the extreme 4x4 mining road to Lastarria Volcano in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Volcán Lastarria, or Azufre, straddles the Chile-Argentina border, flaunting incredible sulfur deposits and towering fumaroles. But the real thrill? A gnarly mining road claws its way up the Chilean side to a staggering 5,324m (17,467ft)! This isn't just high; it's one of the highest drives you can find. José Victorino Lastarria, a big name in Chilean history, gets the credit for the name, thanks to his explorations of the Atacama Desert. Think of him as your intellectual trail guide! Forget civilization; we're talking 150 km from anywhere. The landscape is otherworldly, raw, and unforgiving. This road is unmarked and a test of skill, winding past abandoned sulfur mines on a surface of volcanic ash, obsidian, and deep sand. Satellite imagery is your best friend here – forget standard maps! Expect the unexpected! Winds are brutal, constantly shifting sands and sometimes burying the track. Winter and spring bring penitentes, crazy-tall ice spikes, ready to trap the unwary. A serious 4x4 with high clearance and beefy tires is the bare minimum. But here's the kicker: altitude! At this height, the air is thin (seriously thin!), and your engine will struggle, and you will too. Plus, those awesome fumaroles pump out toxic gases – beautiful to look at, less fun to breathe. Zero. That's the amount of infrastructure or help you'll find. This is hardcore self-sufficiency: oxygen, industrial masks, extra fuel, and a satellite phone. This isn't just a drive; it's an expedition into a landscape that demands respect and preparation.
moderatePuente Nininco
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: Southern Chile, Araucanía Region. You're cruising along the gravel R-264, heading towards the stunning Cerro del Azufre and Laguna de la Azufrera. But first, you've got to cross the Puente Nininco! This isn't your average bridge; it's a short (only 6 meters!), super picturesque wooden bridge that spans the Estero Nininco river. Think rustic charm meets incredible views. Just a heads up: it's only rated for 15 tons, so no heavy trucks! Getting to the bridge is an adventure in itself, and driving beyond it is no piece of cake! Prepare for an unforgettable experience!
extremeThe Wild Road to Abra Huayraccasa
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra Huayraccasa! This epic mountain pass, also known as Wayra Q'asa, punches a hole through the Peruvian Andes at a whopping 4,971m (16,309ft). Forget those inflated claims you might see online – this is the REAL deal. Find it in the Huancavelica region of central Peru, accessible via the HV-115. This isn't your Sunday drive – the entire 63.2km (39.27 miles) stretch from the 28D road to Lircay is unpaved and seriously challenging. Give yourself 3-4 hours to conquer it, and be warned: rain and snow turn this into a beast. It's near Abra Chonta, so you know you're in high-altitude territory, where winter temps can plummet to -30°C! The road is mainly dirt, full of potholes, and winding hairpin turns, and sheer drops are constant companions. This one's for experienced drivers only, but the reward? Jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains that'll stay with you forever!