Bolivar Mine
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
5,161 m
extreme
Year-round
Hey adventure junkies! Ever dreamt of touching the sky? Then you NEED to check out the mine trail up to Mina Bolivar in the Sur Lípez province of Bolivia. This insane path climbs to a whopping 5,161 meters (16,932 feet)!
Seriously, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gravel road clinging to the side of the Andes, heading to an underground mine packed with lead, silver, tin, and zinc. The views are unreal, but the lack of oxygen is REAL. Most people start feeling the altitude sickness way before you even get close. Trust me, breathing becomes a sport near the top!
Located near San Pablo de Lipez, expect brutal weather – think freezing temperatures, scorching sun, and winds that'll try to steal your hat (and maybe your car!). This area is remote. So make sure you're prepped with water, food, extra gas, a seriously warm jacket, and a reliable GPS. Seriously, this isn't a place to wing it.
While you're up there, check out the nearby mines at 5,161m, 4,931m, 5,017m, and 4,983m. Mina Bolivar is also one of the highest mines ON EARTH. Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Just remember to breathe...if you can!
Where is it?
Bolivar Mine is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -21.7444, -66.4522
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,161 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -21.7444, -66.4522
Related Roads in south-america
hardAbra de Arizaro
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for Abra de Arizaro in Salta Province, Argentina, practically spitting distance from Chile! We're talking serious altitude here—14,206 feet (4,330m) to be exact! The road is Ruta Nacional 51, a gravel track. Now, don't go thinking this is a Sunday drive. Rain turns this route into a muddy, slippery beast. Seriously, after a storm, you might as well turn around, even if you're in a 4x4. When it’s dry, a high-clearance 2WD *can* handle it—think slow and steady on the long, straight stretches. Watch out for washboarding, ruts, and dips! But trust me, the views up there are worth the challenge. Just prepare yourself and your vehicle for a proper adventure!
moderateHow long is Abra Azuca?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Azuca! This high-altitude stunner in Peru, straddling the Cusco and Apurimac regions, will leave you breathless – and not just because of the views. We're talking 5,190 meters (that's a whopping 17,027 feet!) above sea level. Nestled in the Wansu mountains of the Andes, this totally unpaved road stretches for about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). The scenery? Absolutely incredible. While the road surface is usually decent (thanks to those mining trucks!), and the inclines aren't too crazy for the most part, don't underestimate this climb. Acclimatization is key, folks! They say it's one of the highest road passes in South America.
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.
extremeWhere is Cerro Estrella?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cerro Estrella, also called Lastarria, sits right on the border between Argentina (Salta Province) and Chile (Antofagasta). We're talking serious altitude here – the summit hits a whopping 17,680 feet (5,389m)! Up top, you'll find the remains of Mina La Julia, an abandoned sulfur mine that was buzzing from the '50s to the late '70s. Now, it's a ghost town, a stark reminder of a bygone era. Getting to the top is no joke! This isn't your Sunday drive. The road is an old mining track that demands a 4x4. Be ready for some seriously steep inclines. A word of caution: this climb isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). The extreme altitude means less oxygen, which can be tough on the body. If you have any heart or breathing issues, seriously reconsider this one. Even if you're fit, be aware of altitude sickness – it can hit anyone! The air up there has only about 60% of the oxygen you're used to at sea level, so even simple tasks become a workout. Oh, and heads up – this road is typically impassable during the winter months. The Andes throw everything they've got at it – heavy snow, blizzards that kill visibility, and crazy wind. Even in summer, be prepared for unexpected snow or sudden cold snaps. Powerful winds are pretty much a constant companion.