Where is the Puente Mal Paso located?

Where is the Puente Mal Paso located?

Argentina, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! You absolutely HAVE to check out Puente Mal Paso in Salta, Argentina. This historic bridge is like a portal to the past, guarding the entrance to the legendary RP33 – your gateway to the stunning Cuesta del Obispo and the Calchaquí Valleys.

Picture this: you're cruising along RP33, and suddenly, BAM! This incredible bridge pops into view, nestled in a deep gorge carved out of vibrant red rock. While the modern highway now sweeps alongside it, the original Puente Mal Paso stands proud, a testament to a bygone era.

"Mal Paso" translates to "Bad Pass," and let me tell you, back in the day of horse-drawn carriages, this place lived up to its name! Treacherous river crossings and steep slopes made it a real obstacle for travelers.

These days, you won't actually drive *over* the old bridge; the new road is right next door. But trust me, you'll want to pull over for a photo. The contrast of the weathered bridge against the fiery red mountains is seriously Instagrammable.

Heads up: even with the modern road, the drive through the gorge can be a bit of an adventure. It's paved, but narrow, with towering cliffs on one side and the Escoipe River on the other. And if you're traveling during the summer months (December to March), keep an eye out for flash floods – just in case the "Mal Paso" wants to remind you of its reputation!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in south-america

How to Get by Car to Taapaca Volcano on the Chilean Highlands?hard

How to Get by Car to Taapaca Volcano on the Chilean Highlands?

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Parinacota Province of Chile lies Volcán Taapacá, a stratovolcano also called Nevados de Putre. Nestled within the stunning Parque Nacional Lauca in northern Chile, this volcano is a sight to behold with its high peaks and fascinating geological history. Here's the kicker: a mining road snakes its way up the volcano's northern side, climbing to a staggering 5,450m (17,880ft) – making it one of the highest roads in the whole country! Built to access sulfur deposits near the summit (though it doesn't quite reach the very top), this road is not for the faint of heart. Starting near Chacapalla, the 20km (12-mile) route is entirely unpaved, mainly sand, so a 4x4 is a must. Expect narrow sections and a serious dose of hairpin turns as you ascend. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep your eyes on the road… and maybe a prayer on your lips! Get ready for an unforgettable ride.

A challenging unpaved road to Abra Falda Cienagamoderate

A challenging unpaved road to Abra Falda Cienaga

🇦🇷 Argentina

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Falda Cienaga in Argentina's Catamarca Province! This baby tops out at a whopping 4,436 meters (14,553 feet), so get ready for some thin air. Also known as Abra Puntas Gordas, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking Ruta Provincial 43 (RP43), and "unpaved" is the name of the game. Seriously, you'll NEED a 4x4 for this one. Heights not your thing? Maybe grab a travel magazine instead. The stretch from Salar del Hombre Muerto to Antofagasta is rough, with plenty of sand and washboard sections to keep you on your toes. Perched high in the northwest, some sections are being upgraded with asphalt. Word on the street is the south side descent is smoother sailing. Get ready for some insane scenery!

Singa-Yunguilla Road is definitely not a “Sunday drive”extreme

Singa-Yunguilla Road is definitely not a “Sunday drive”

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in central Peru, you'll find the Singa-Yunguilla road – and trust me, it's an adventure. Forget guardrails; on much of this high mountain road, it's just you and a sheer drop of hundreds of meters. Not exactly a joyride for the faint of heart! This wild stretch is part of the gravel Carretera 14A, clocking in at 126 km with a whopping 60 hairpin turns. It's a true test of skill and nerve, especially if you're not a fan of heights or landslides. But hey, at least your tires will be treated to incredible mountain views – if you can keep your eyes on the road! Connecting Singa (Huanuco) and Yunguilla (Ancash), this beast climbs to a dizzying 3,874m above sea level. Be warned: snow can shut it down anytime, and heavy mist can turn visibility to zero. The climb is brutal, the air gets thin, and altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters. Near the top, oxygen is scarce, so take it easy! One slip, and… well, let's just say it's a long way down.

A curvy gravel road to Abra Viracoextreme

A curvy gravel road to Abra Viraco

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a truly off-the-beaten-path experience in Peru, you HAVE to check out Abra Viraco. This mountain pass tops out at a whopping 4,940 meters (that's 16,207 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Castilla province, near the Viraco District. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road (AR-106) is gravel, and let's just say it's seen better days. Get ready for a whole lotta switchbacks! The climb from the north is pretty gradual, but hold on tight for the descent into Viraco – it's rocky, bumpy, and will test your suspension (and your nerves!). Seriously, pack smart for this one. We're talking water, snacks, extra fuel, a warm jacket (it gets chilly up there!), and a reliable GPS with offline maps. You're heading into some seriously remote terrain, so preparation is key. Keep an eye on the weather, too – even a little rain can make things tricky. And be aware that avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides can happen, potentially blocking sections of the road and creating icy patches. But, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely unreal!