Why was BR-163 highway famous?
Brazil, south-america
1,732 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: BR-163, a wild ride slicing right through the Amazon Basin! This Brazilian beauty stretches for a whopping 1,732km (1,076 miles) from Cuiabá, the vibrant capital of Mato Grosso, all the way to Santarém, the Amazon River's second city.
Now, BR-163 had a bit of a reputation back in the day. Think trucks swallowed by mud for days on end! We're talking up to 10 days stuck in the stuff during the rainy season (December to June). It was a dusty, desolate beast that could become totally impassable after a downpour.
But guess what? As of 2021, BR-163 got a major glow-up and is fully paved! That epic round trip has been slashed from 10 days to just 4! But here’s the thing: all those heavy trucks pounding the pavement during super-wet weather could mess things up pretty quickly. So, while it’s smoother sailing now, Mother Nature still has a say!
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 1,732 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
extremeIs Abra Huayraccasa the highest road pass in the Americas?
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic adventure on Abra Huayraccasa, a seriously high mountain pass in Peru's Huancavelica region! Forget paved roads – this is a 63.2km (39.27 miles) dirt track running between the 28D road and Lircay. At a staggering 4,971m (16,309ft) above sea level, some claim it's even higher, but whatever the exact number, you'll definitely feel the altitude! The sign at the pass might still boast a higher figure, but trust me, it's an experience regardless. Be warned: this road, also known as Wayra Q'asa, isn't for the faint of heart. It's rough, unpaved, and can get incredibly treacherous after rain or snow. Winter temperatures can plummet, so pack accordingly! Expect a 3-4 hour drive of potholes, hairpin bends, and heart-stopping drops. But hey, if you're an experienced driver craving jaw-dropping views of the Andes, this is your ultimate thrill ride! The surrounding scenery is absolutely amazing. Just be prepared for a wild, unforgettable journey.
hardRoad CA-109 (Bambamarca-Celendín)
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up for CA-109 in northern Peru – it's a wild one! This 109 km stretch between Bambamarca and Celendín in the Cajamarca region is definitely not for the faint of heart (or weak stomachs!). Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. Trust me, you don't want to overeat before tackling this road. We're talking serious hairpin turns here – like, hundreds of them. Even seasoned drivers will be kept on their toes. The road's gravel surface and narrow passages demand constant attention, and with those dramatic drop-offs, you really need to focus. But hey, you're driving in the Andes Mountains! This route climbs to a lung-busting 3,755 meters (over 12,000 feet!), so the views are absolutely incredible... assuming you dare to take your eyes off the road for a second! Just remember, CA-109 is a humbling experience, so leave the ego at home and drive carefully.
moderateIs the road to Abra Yanama unpaved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Abra Yanama in the Cusco Region of Peru. Seriously, this mountain pass is insane. We're talking a lung-busting 15,269 feet above sea level! Picture this: you're deep in southern Peru, smack-dab inside the Área de Conservación Regional Choquequirao, and the "road" beneath your tires is…well, it's not really a road at all. Think rugged, unpaved trail stretching for about 25 miles. Fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The altitude alone will test your limits, but the views? Oh man, the views are worth every single gasp of air. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
moderateDriving the international San Francisco Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Paso de San Francisco, a seriously epic international mountain pass straddling the Argentina-Chile border. We're talking sky-high – a whopping 15,616 feet above sea level! This beauty connects Argentina's Catamarca province with Chile's Atacama Region, carving right through the heart of the Andes. Think volcanoes, towering peaks, shimmering salt flats, and stunning lagoons as your backdrop. On the Argentina side, you'll be cruising on Ruta 60, a fully paved road stretching 125 miles from Fiambala. Get ready for some steep climbs and twisty turns as you wind your way up. Chile's side, Ruta CH-31, is also paved as of 2019! This stretch clocks in at about 174 miles from Copiapó. Along the way, you'll hug the Maricunga salt flat in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and pass the unreal Laguna Verde.