Cuesta de Zapata

Cuesta de Zapata

Argentina, south-america

Length

40 km

Elevation

1,907 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cuesta de Zapata, a wild ride through the Belén department of Catamarca Province, Argentina! This old section of Ruta 40 climbs to a dizzying 1,907m (6,256ft) and is not for the faint of heart.

Seriously, this road has a reputation. It's a shortcut from Tinogasta to Route 40 (saving about 40km), but it's been bypassed by the new RN40 for a reason. While technically closed to motor vehicles, locals still brave it.

Picture this: a super narrow gravel and rock road clinging to the mountainside with insane drop-offs – we're talking potentially thousands of feet straight down. No guardrails, loose rocks, and the constant threat of landslides when it's wet. You'll need serious driving skills, patience, and a good handle on your fear of heights. Keep in mind it is very intense because there is little room for error if oncoming traffic swerves in your direction. The scenery, if you dare to glance, is absolutely stunning, but keep your eyes on the road!

Where is it?

Cuesta de Zapata is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -42.5147, -63.7032

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Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
40 km
Max Elevation
1,907 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-42.5147, -63.7032

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