An old mining road to Tuzgle Volcano in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
10 km
5,224 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Argentinian Andes, in the province of Jujuy, lies Volcán Tuzgle, a dormant volcano hiding a seriously epic road. We're talking about a climb to 5,244m (that's 17,139ft!) on what used to be a mining road – making it one of the highest drives in the country.
This old unpaved mining route winds its way up to the abandoned Mina la Betty, and trust me, it’s seen better days. While you probably don't need a full-on 4x4, you'll want a vehicle with decent clearance to handle the rough terrain. Be warned: there are definitely sections where your ride will be tilting at some pretty wild angles. It's probably best to avoid this trek at night, or super early morning when ice could be a factor.
Starting from Ruta Provincial 40 (RP-40), you’ve got a 10km climb ahead of you, gaining almost 800m in elevation. That's an average gradient of nearly 8%! But hey, the views of the Central Andes are totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path adventure!
Where is it?
An old mining road to Tuzgle Volcano in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -42.3388, -64.2085
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 10 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,224 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -42.3388, -64.2085
Related Roads in south-america
hardRuta Provincial 89
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around the Cuyo region of Argentina, specifically Mendoza province, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial 89. This isn't your average highway cruise. We're talking a 55.3km stretch of pure, unadulterated gravel road goodness linking Potrerillos and Villa Bastia. And trust me, it's STEEP! You'll climb to a whopping 2,312 meters above sea level! Keep your eyes peeled—this road demands respect! It’s a proper mountain road with all the thrills (and spills, if you’re not careful) that come with it. Oh, and did I mention you'll pass right by the Vallecitos ski resort? Epic views are pretty much guaranteed. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
extremeThe challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Tuc Tuc: A high-altitude pass in Salta
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cerro Tuc Tuc, also known as Cerro Tuc Tuca, is a beast of a mountain pass in the Santa Victoria Department of Salta, Argentina. This remote track near the border with Jujuy tops out at a staggering 4,624m (15,170ft) above sea level, making it one of Argentina's highest roads. Get ready for a raw, unfiltered driving experience! West of the famous Abra Fundición, you'll find this epic route, locally called Camino a Bacoya. Prepare for a dramatic landscape filled with vibrant, colorful mountains and weathered rock formations typical of the high Andean plateau. Forget pavement – this is a narrow, unpaved dirt and gravel track that demands a high-clearance vehicle. Navigating this road is technical; it's often too narrow for two regular cars to pass without a squeeze, especially where there are those heart-stopping drop-offs! Starting in Santa Cruz de Aguilar, the road to the summit stretches for 18.66 km (11.6 miles). It's a steady climb of 624 meters. The average gradient is a manageable 3.34%, but the high altitude will test your engine's limits. A 4x4 is practically mandatory, especially after it rains. The surface can get slick, and the steep sections need serious traction. Remember, you're in a remote area, so being properly equipped is crucial for a safe adventure. The weather at 4,624 meters is unpredictable. Be prepared for extreme conditions, the notorious lack of oxygen, and the risk of altitude sickness. The combo of steep hills, tight squeezes, and rapidly changing weather demands your full attention. But oh, the views! The pass offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Salta and Jujuy highlands. The colorful mountains all around create a visual feast. This is a must-see spot for overlanders searching for the most isolated and scenic roads in northern Argentina.
hardTravelling through Huahum Pass, one of the lowest passes of the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Paso Huahum! This Andean beauty straddles the border between Chile and Argentina, clocking in at a cool 625 meters (2,051 feet). It's one of the lower crossings in the southern Andes, making it a pretty accessible option. Also known as Paso Pirihueico, this route connects San Martín de los Andes (Argentina) and Panguipulli (Chile). You'll be cruising Ruta CH-203 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 48 on the Argentinian side. Heads up: both are gravel roads! Expect it to be rocky and steep on the Chilean side. To reach the pass from Chile, you’ll need to hop on a ferry across Lake Pirihueico. The Hua Hum ferry makes daily trips between Puerto Fuy and Puerto Pirihueico, and the ride itself is a scenic 1.5-hour mini-adventure. This pass is the main route from Chile's Los Ríos Region into Argentina's Neuquén Province. And the best part? It stays open year-round, so snow won't stop you!
extremeIs the unpaved road to Abra Mañazo in Peru difficult to drive?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Mañazo! This high-altitude pass in southern Peru's Puno Province sits at a whopping 4,518m (14,822ft). Get ready for a wild ride across some seriously desolate Andean scenery. Picture this: you're cruising (and I use that term loosely!) through a vast plateau surrounded by rugged, rocky peaks. Don't let the "Panamericana" label fool you; this is a raw, unpaved mountain track that will test your mettle. You're more likely to spot alpacas than other vehicles as you traverse the heart of the Altiplano. Speaking of vehicles, you'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this 55.2 km (34.29 miles) stretch from Mañazo to the 34C junction. The gradient's not too crazy at around 2%, but the road surface is rough and ready to change for the worse in a heartbeat. The real kicker? Significant drop-offs with zero safety barriers. Yep, it's just you, your tires, and some seriously deep ravines. Extra caution is a MUST, especially when it's wet and the gravel turns treacherous. But hey, the views! Think sweeping vistas of the Andes, plus the stunning Laguna La Calzada and Laguna Maquera – high-altitude lakes teeming with birdlife. Abra Mañazo is a quiet, desolate drive that will give you a taste of the real Peruvian highlands. Just be warned: if heights aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out!