Where is the SC-390 road?
Brazil, south-america
100 km
1,465 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the southeast of Santa Catarina, Brazil, on SC-390 (aka Rodovia Daniel Brüning), and it's like you've entered a postcard. This isn't just any road; it's a wild 12.87km (8 miles) of paved switchbacks clinging to the Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain range, hitting a peak elevation of 1,465m (4,806ft).
Built way back in 1903, this road throws you into a world of hairpin turns – we're talking 250 of them! The average gradient is a steep 9.2% as you descend from nearly 4,800 feet to sea level in just eight miles. Watch out for those crags and deep ravines!
On clear days, you can even glimpse the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 100 km (62 mi) in the distance. And the views? Lakes, waterfalls, native critters, and mind-blowing nature everywhere you look. This area is straight-up one of Brazil's most gorgeous spots. Plus, there’s usually very little traffic.
Heads up: while the road's lit by wind turbines, winter (June-August) can get super foggy. Summer's your best bet, but even then, keep an eye on the weather. The average temp hangs around 12° C due to the altitude and ocean proximity, but nearby Sao Joaquim da Serra can dip below freezing with snow in the winter!
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 100 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,465 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving the potholed road to Abra Chaucha in the central highlands
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Abra Chaucha in Peru is calling your name! This incredible mountain pass punches through the Andes at a staggering 4,728m (15,511ft) – that's HIGH! You'll find it east of Lima, straddling the Junín and Lima regions, smack-dab in the Peruvian central highlands. It's part of Carretera 24, a 118km (73-mile) route from Huancayo to Tinco that’s an east-west rollercoaster ride. Now, the road IS paved... but hold your horses! It’s seen better days, let’s just say. Think narrow stretches, seriously steep climbs, and more potholes than you can shake a stick at. Trust me, you do NOT want to tackle this at night. Some of those potholes are absolute monsters and could leave your ride seriously hurting – we're talking suspension, shocks, the whole shebang. But, if you're up for it, the scenery along this route is seriously dramatic, with pass after pass offering insane highland views! Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeHow long is Rodovia Oswaldo Cruz?
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: the Rodovia Oswaldo Cruz, a twisty, turny rollercoaster of a road in São Paulo, Brazil. We're talking about 91 kilometers (56 miles) of pure driving adventure, linking Taubaté in the Paraíba Valley with the coastal paradise of Ubatuba. Nestled in the southeastern part of Brazil, smack-dab in the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, this baby was finished in 1976 and is also known as SP-125. But don't let the name fool you. This isn't just a Sunday drive. Think super steep sections (hello, first gear!), hairpin turns that’ll make your palms sweat, and views that’ll knock your socks off. Make sure your car is in tip-top shape, brakes are sharp, and tires have great grip. You'll need it!
hardThe Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Caliz, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, is calling your name. This crazy-high mountain pass straddles the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces in Peru, clocking in at a staggering 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!) above sea level. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in Peru. You'll find it nestled in the Cusco Region, way up in the southern highlands, practically breathing the same air as the snow-capped Quesso Queperina and the Quelccaya Glacier. Think stunning Cordillera Vilcanota range scenery! Word of warning: winter here means game over. Snow makes it totally impassable. So, peep that weather forecast like your life depends on it (because, well, kinda!). Road 1406 is the name, and unpaved is the game. This 50-kilometer (31-mile) stretch from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) to CU-125 Road is no Sunday drive. Expect gnarly drop-offs, super-skinny sections, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? Oxygen's thin up here, so pack your common sense and prep for potential AMS. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, this north-to-south trek is an absolute must. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this planet has to offer.
extremeCan you drive to Machu Picchu?
🇵🇪 Peru
So, you wanna hit up Machu Picchu? Buckle up, because the road there is an adventure in itself! We're talking about the Carretera a Machu Picchu, or as some call it, the Hiram Bingham Highway. This isn't your typical smooth ride, though. Imagine a totally unpaved, zigzagging road snaking its way up to the historic site. Only authorized vehicles are allowed, so hop on a bus in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). This little town, nestled at the foot of the mountain, is worth a visit, with hotels, restaurants, and natural hot springs (yep, that's where the name comes from!). The road climbs a solid 8.9km (5.53 miles) to Machu Picchu. Don't let the term "highway" fool you – it's more like a rollercoaster built into the side of a mountain. Expect a thrilling series of 14 hairpin turns that are super narrow and steep, with gradients hitting a maximum of 27%! Talk about a climb! It's definitely not for the faint of heart. Picture this: two buses meeting on one of these tight turns. One has to reverse uphill just to find a spot wide enough for them to squeeze past each other. You'll be gripping the armrest, but the views along the way are incredible. The road also crosses a bridge over the Vilcanota River. The Hiram Bingham Highway isn't just a road; it's an experience, a rite of passage before you even set foot in Machu Picchu. Get ready for a wild ride!