Where is Pircas Negras Pass?
Argentina, south-america
40 km
4,175 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Paso de Pircas Negras – the Black Stone Walls Pass! This insane mountain pass straddles the Argentina-Chile border, clocking in at a lung-busting 4,175m (13,697ft).
Where do you find this beast? Deep in the Andes, connecting the Atacama Region of Chile with Argentina's La Rioja province. Trust me, the views alone are worth the trip. People come from all over to soak in the wild scenery.
Wanna drive it? You'll be cruising along Ruta Nacional Nº 76 (in Argentina) and Carretera C359 (in Chile). Word of warning: most of it's unpaved, and gets super skinny in places. You'll need a 4x4, no question. Only about 40km around the highest point, between the border post and Laguna Brava, is actually paved.
How long is this epic journey? We're talking 427 km (265 miles) of seriously remote road. You'll be heading from Copiapó, Chile, all the way to Villa Unión, Argentina.
When can you go? Usually it's open from November 1st to April 30th, 9am to 6pm...weather permitting! Snow can shut it down fast. We're talking potentially over 2 meters of snow at the top in winter!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 40 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,175 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardTuco
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the Peruvian Andes, nestled in the Cordillera Blanca within the Huascarán National Park, lies Tuco. This isn't your average mountain town; we're talking a staggering 15,501 feet (4,725m) above sea level! The road there? Well, let's just say your trusty 4x4 will be your best friend on this gravel track, officially known as AN844. The ascent is brutal, a real lung-buster thanks to the seriously thin air. Trust me, you'll feel the altitude kicking in way before you even get close – most people start feeling it around 8,000-9,000 feet. By the time you reach Tuco, oxygen will be a precious commodity. Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Don't even think about attempting this drive in bad weather. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are a very real possibility at any time. But if you're prepared for a challenge, the views are absolutely worth it!
hardIs Chicamocha Canyon worth it?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready for an adventure, and someone mentions the Chicamocha Canyon. Trust me, you HAVE to go! This massive canyon, nestled between Boyacá and Santander departments in the Andes, is mind-blowing. They say it's the second biggest in the world, plunging down over 6,500 feet. Now, the road cutting through it – Ruta Nacional 45A – is fully paved, so no need to worry about off-roading. You can cruise from Los Curos to Aratoca along this 25-mile stretch. Don't get too comfy, though! This toll road is a rollercoaster with crazy steep sections and hairpin turns galore. But trust me, the views are worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road! This canyon and the surrounding Chicamocha National Park are a total feast for the eyes. Get ready for some unforgettable photo ops.
extremePuente Mal Paso: The Historic Icon of the Escoipe Gorge
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Northwest Argentina, Salta province to be exact, and BAM! You hit Puente Mal Paso, a seriously cool historic bridge. Think of it as the ultimate entrance to the legendary RP33, the road that winds its way up to Cuesta del Obispo and the dreamy Calchaquí Valleys. Trust me, this bridge is epic. Nestled in the Quebrada de Escoipe, this bridge is surrounded by dramatic reddish rock formations. It's located on Provincial Route 33 (RP33). While the fancy new road now swooshes right next to it, the original bridge is still standing proud, ready for its close-up. "Mal Paso" literally means "Bad Pass", and back in the day, it lived up to its name. Imagine horse-drawn carriages and mule teams trying to navigate this narrow gorge – river crossings were a nightmare, and the steep terrain made it super treacherous. These days, you won't actually drive *over* the old Puente Mal Paso when you're heading from Salta to Cachi. They built a wider road right alongside it for safety and smoother traffic. But the old bridge? Total photo op. The rugged structure against those red mountains? Insta-gold. Even though the modern road bypasses the bridge itself, the drive through the gorge is still a bit of an adventure. The road is paved, but it's narrow, with towering cliffs on one side and the Escoipe River on the other. And watch out during the summer months (December to March) – flash floods can still make "Mal Paso" live up to its reputation.
moderateWhere is Caldera La Pacana?
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for a wild ride to Caldera La Pacana, a mind-blowing volcanic caldera chilling way up in the Chilean Andes. We're talking seriously high altitude here, so be prepared to be breathless – both from the views and the thin air! You'll find this gem nestled in the eastern reaches of the Atacama Desert, not far from the Salar de Aguas Calientes. Now, heads up: the road to the top is all dirt, baby! This ain't your Sunday drive. It’s a route that demands respect, surrounded by stark, remote beauty that'll make you feel like you're on another planet. Brace yourself for some tough conditions out there. The road stretches out for quite a distance, with the altitude climbing steadily. Expect some steep sections along the way. This road, located at one of the lowest passes of the Andes, is sensational!