Cuesta de la Chilca
Argentina, south-america
14.5 km
1.175 m
extreme
Year-round
Guys, Ruta Provincial 48 in Catamarca Province, Argentina, is insane. They call it Cuesta de la Chilca, and it’s a totally improbable dirt road clinging to a cliff edge. Think twenty-seven hairpin turns stacked practically on top of each other as you claw your way up!
Seriously, this narrow path is not for the faint of heart. Got vertigo? Stay home. Afraid of landslides? Nope. Expect traffic, rain, and fog pretty much all the time. The mist can get so thick you can barely see, so drive carefully. And maybe skip the big lunch – all those twists and turns at high altitude might make you queasy. Oh, and did I mention there are zero guardrails protecting you from drops of hundreds of meters? Yeah, fun times!
Cuesta de la Chilca is only 14.5 km, but packs a serious punch. You start at 1,175m above sea level and end up at 1,875m, gaining 700 meters in elevation. That's an average grade of 4.82%, but with sections hitting 10%! The gravel surface is often loose, so watch your tires.
Because you’re climbing thousands of feet through remote areas, come prepared. This track can get super muddy and slippery after rain, and even 4x4s might not make it through. If there’s a storm, the road might be completely impassable. Basically, it’s epic... if you're up for it!
Where is it?
Cuesta de la Chilca is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -36.9236, -61.6946
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 14.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.175 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -36.9236, -61.6946
Related Roads in south-america
extremeDriving the high-altitude RN76 to Pircas Negras Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ride of your life on National Route 76 (RN76) in La Rioja, Argentina! This 259 km (161-mile) stretch of pure adventure winds its way from Villa Unión to the Chilean border at the Pircas Negras Pass. Imagine yourself cruising through the Reserva Natural Laguna Brava, a protected haven of shimmering salt lakes and flocks of pink flamingos. As you climb higher and higher, the views become absolutely unreal – think Cerro Bonete (one of the Andes' tallest giants) and Cerro Veladero. This is a world of intense quiet, sparkling turquoise lagoons, and weather that keeps you on your toes. RN76 throws some serious challenges your way with two high-altitude passes that'll test your mettle. First up, the Portezuelo de Laguna Brava at 4,379m (14,366ft), your gateway to the high plateau. Then, brace yourself for Abra Cerro Veladero, hitting a staggering 4,483m (14,708ft)! These stretches are entirely unpaved and seriously demanding. Think loose gravel, crazy steep inclines, and thin air that'll leave you breathless. This isn't a drive to take lightly. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance and a solid plan. The weather here is no joke – winter brings snowfalls over 2 meters, shutting down Laguna Brava Provincial Park to private vehicles. Even in summer, keep an eye out for sudden storms that can trigger landslides or create icy patches. This is remote, so pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Altitude sickness is a real concern here, as you'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good chunk of the trip. Expect the 259 km drive from Villa Unión to take a full day. The terrain is rough, and you'll want to stop often to adjust to the altitude. While the road is mostly gravel, be prepared for slippery mud near the salt flats, even after a little rain. But trust me, the reward is HUGE: some of the most incredible landscapes in South America, culminating at the Pircas Negras Pass. Before you go, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and double-check the border crossing status, as it's only open during the summer months when the route is clear of snow.
moderateHow to Travel the World as a Vegan Adventure Seeker
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure-seeking vegans! Planning a globetrotting trip doesn't mean ditching your principles or missing out on the fun. It just takes a little planning, prep, and a dash of creativity. First things first: pick your destinations wisely! Think about it – how easy is it to find vegan grub in the local markets and restaurants? What are the vibes around veganism and animal rights in the area? You want to go somewhere where you can actually enjoy the food and not feel like a total outsider. Peru, for example, is a total vegan win! The culture is vibrant, the history is rich, and the landscapes are breathtaking. Plus, you can chow down on amazing vegan-friendly Peruvian eats like quinoa, corn, potatoes, beans, and all kinds of fruits. Feeling adventurous? Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! You can find tours that cater to vegans, complete with a vegan chef and porters to keep you fueled up for the 4-day hike. Finding a place to crash that vibes with your vegan lifestyle is also key. Whether you're into fancy hotels, cozy B&Bs, or roughing it at a campground, do your homework. Don't be shy about reaching out to the hosts and asking about their vegan options. You might be surprised at how accommodating they are! Pre-ordering meals or snacks is also a pro move. And of course, ethical animal encounters are a must. You want to see animals in their natural habitats, but you also want to make sure you're doing it responsibly. Look for opportunities to observe wildlife without invasive methods and support conservation efforts. Plenty of organizations out there vet ethical sanctuaries and wildlife experiences, so do your research! Traveling the world as a vegan adventurer is totally doable, rewarding, and just plain awesome. You get to experience new cultures, eat incredible food, see amazing landscapes, and stick to your values all at the same time. Plus, you're supporting ethical businesses and inspiring others to do the same. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!
extremeWhere is the Portezuelo de Guaitiquina pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure! The Portezuelo de Guaitiquina is a high-altitude border crossing between Chile and Argentina that's way less touristy than the Paso de Sico. We're talking raw, isolated beauty through the Andes' high-desert terrain, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province. This route, spanning roughly from the B-357 junction in Chile to the Salta border, is a wild 4x4 ride. Think endless salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and huge horizons. It’s you, your rig, and the silence of the desert. The road itself? Mostly unpaved. In Chile, it's known as RP37, but on the Argentine side, it’s just an unnamed track towards Catua. Expect some seriously steep climbs that will push your engine and cooling system to the limit in the thin air. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, so a high-clearance 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. Hazards? Oh, there are a few. First, the altitude – a whopping 4,288 meters! Acclimatize beforehand, because altitude sickness is no joke. Second, and this is a big one, some areas around the border are still mined from back in the day. Stay. On. The. Road. Seriously. Don't wander off! If you're planning to cross the border here, opening hours are typically 8 am to 6 pm, but they can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is harsh – think extreme cold, high winds, and potential snow or ice, especially in winter. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Help is a long way off, and you won't find cell service out here.
extremeHow to get by car to Cerro Machin Volcano?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ruta Toche - Salento! This wild, unpaved ride snakes up to around 2,800 meters (that's over 9,000 feet!) along the slopes of Cerro Machín, a sleeping stratovolcano in Colombia's Tolima Department. Word to the wise: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this bad boy. The gravel road can get seriously loose, especially near the edges. And be warned, it gets pretty narrow and steep in places. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! We're talking breathtaking scenery around every bend. Plus, get this – thanks to all that volcanic activity bubbling beneath the surface, you'll find a super-rustic thermal bath right alongside the road! It's tucked into a curve, just past the summit. Just picture yourself soaking in those warm waters with an incredible view!