Driving the challenging 365 turns of Ruta del Año in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
30 km
2,960 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Chilean border in western Argentina, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial 52. Locals call it "Ruta del Año" - Route of the Year - and trust me, it lives up to the hype.
Located in the Las Heras department, northwest of Mendoza Province, this bad boy is a winding, unpaved masterpiece stretching for about 94 km (58 miles) from Uspallata. Forget speeding - you'll be lucky to hit 30 km/h on this curvy, mountainous track! Think you can handle 365 turns? Most are hairpin, so buckle up if you get car sick easily!
The views are insane, seriously some of the most dramatic scenery you'll find anywhere in the region. This route climbs high into the Andes, peaking at a breathtaking 2,960m (9,711ft) above sea level at Cruz de Paramillo. Word of warning: avoid this road between July and October as it can get super dicey.
The road leads to Villavicencio, an abandoned resort spa nestled in a protected ecological area. Even though the spa has been closed for decades, the thermal waters still flow, and you can wander through the gardens and check out the old chapel. Definitely worth a stop!
Where is it?
Driving the challenging 365 turns of Ruta del Año in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -37.6784, -58.8527
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,960 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -37.6784, -58.8527
Related Roads in south-america
moderateJama Pass is an Andean road from Chile to Argentina
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Paso de Jama, an insane high-altitude pass perched way up at 14,051 feet! You'll find this border crossing connecting Jujuy, Argentina, with the super cool desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. This is the northernmost road linking these two countries, and it's your gateway to where Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina almost touch. We're talking about 100 miles from the Chilean border. You'll cruise through parts of Los Flamencos National Reserve before hitting San Pedro. Keep an eye out for trucks, too – it's a popular route for them heading to Chilean ports. The road's been paved since '05, so you can leave the off-roader at home. This baby's open year-round for all vehicles, but snow can sometimes close it down, so check ahead! Daytime temps can hit a balmy 86°F, but nights? They plunge, especially in winter – think freezing! And the wind? Let's just say it can get a little wild. Remember, you're in the Andes, cruising through a semi-desert at an average of 9,800 feet. Pack layers! And maybe skip that massive lunch before you head up – trust me, your stomach will thank you. You'll be rolling on Ruta 27 (CH-27) in Chile and National Route 52 in Argentina. Heads up, the Chilean side climbs even higher, topping out at 15,853 feet at Portezuelo Paranal. From Jujuy, it's mostly uphill to Jama (217 miles to be exact!). Once you conquer the pass, it’s still another 100 miles to San Pedro – but hey, it's downhill from there!
hardRoad LM-110
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in the Huaral province of Peru and looking for an adrenaline rush, Carretera LM-110 is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about 50.8 kilometers (31.5 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel and bumpiness, all set at a lung-busting 2,500 meters above sea level. Seriously, night driving or poor visibility? Hard pass unless you're a seasoned pro. Think hairpin turns – we're talking 29 of them – and dizzying drop-offs that could make your stomach do somersaults. We're talking vertical drops of over 1,000 meters just waiting on some turns. And did I mention there are basically no guardrails? Reaching a peak elevation of 3,375 meters (11,072 feet), this route links the villages of San José and Sumbilca, nestled in the heart of the Andes. Pro tip: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe choose a different adventure. But if you're up for a challenge with views that'll take your breath away (if the altitude doesn't first!), this road is an absolute must-do.
hardWhere is Apartaderos?
🌍 Venezuela
Cruising through Mérida State, Venezuela, you'll find Apartaderos, a seriously high-altitude town chilling at 3,505 meters (11,499 feet) above sea level. Seriously, this place is one of the highest towns you can actually drive to on the planet! Nestled way out west where three river valleys meet, this Andean gem boasts a cool mountain climate despite being in the tropics. Expect a temperate to cold vibe, lots of fog, and chilly nights. Frost even makes an appearance during the winter months. The road to Apartaderos, Carretera Transandina – Troncal 7, is paved but still throws some challenges your way. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and curves galore! Fog and rain can make things extra interesting, so drive smart. Before you go, give your brakes, tires, and cooling system a once-over. Oh, and remember the air's thinner up here, so both you and your ride might feel it! The 56.5-kilometer (35.10-mile) drive from Apartaderos is pure eye candy. Give yourself plenty of time to stop at those scenic overlooks and soak in the valley and river views. Apartaderos is your gateway to exploring the stunning Venezuelan Andes. Hiking, birdwatching, and farm visits are all on the menu. When you're hungry, dive into the local scene with traditional Andean food. Cozy inns offer rest for weary travelers. And pro tip: don't miss the sunrise over the Chama Valley, especially when the fog clears and the peaks show off!
extremeWhere does the road to Don Mario and Punta Pumacocha start and end?
🇵🇪 Peru
Ready for the ultimate Andean challenge? This 42km route punches through the heart of central Peru, connecting the Lima and Junin regions with some serious high-altitude thrills. We're talking two colossal passes and elevations pushing 5,000 meters! This isn't your Sunday drive. Think remote mining country, where the air is thin and the slopes are steep – a real test for both you and your rig. This epic traverse runs west to east, from the Laraos District to somewhere near Junin, carving through a landscape of jagged peaks, desolate plateaus, and valleys bursting with minerals. The first hurdle is the Don Mario Pass. Leaving the mine area behind, the road gets gnarly – unpaved and aggressively steep. Traction can be a nightmare, especially in wet conditions. After that initial climb, you'll cruise across a high plateau for a bit, but don't get too comfy. The altitude is already playing games, and your engine's gonna feel it. But the real fun starts as you climb toward Punta Pumacocha. The final stretch is brutal. The road becomes a gravelly, incredibly steep climb, averaging a gut-punching 10.5% grade in the last section. At this altitude, it’s simply savage on any vehicle. Expect your engine to be gasping and your low-range gearing to become your new best friend. And if you're not a fan of heights? Let's just say the drop-offs and narrow track will definitely test your nerve. Mining operations try to keep this route open, but the weather up here is wild. Even a little rain turns things into a muddy mess. Landslides, avalanches, and heavy snow can block the road without warning. Plus, frequent freezes on those steep slopes make things extra sketchy. And don't even think about skipping acclimatization – high-altitude sickness is a real risk. Before you leave, make sure you're packing extra fuel, emergency thermal gear and maybe some supplemental oxygen. You're gonna need it!