Driving the defiant Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino in Salta
Argentina, south-america
105 km
3,367 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, smack-dab in the middle of Salta province, ready to tackle the incredible Piedra del Molino Pass. Get ready for an adventure because this baby tops out at a breathtaking 3,367 meters (11,046 feet)!
The summit's got a cool story, named for a massive grinding stone that supposedly broke in half way up here back in '27. It was meant for a valley, but fate (and gravity) had other plans!
You'll find this stunner nestled in Los Cardones National Park. Most of the route is paved but don't get complacent – it's a wild, winding ride on Ruta Provincial 33, famously known as Cuesta del Obispo, in honor of Bishop Julián Cortazar.
Clocking in at 105 km (65 miles) from Payogasta to El Carril, this road is not for the faint of heart (or stomach!). Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and some jaw-dropping drop-offs.
But trust me, it's worth it! Just before you hit the summit, there's an amazing lookout point. You'll get panoramic views of those crazy hairpin turns and the Quebrada del Escoipe. And at the top? A sweet little chapel dedicated to St. Rafael. Road trip gold!
Where is it?
Driving the defiant Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino in Salta is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -36.5669, -65.0392
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 105 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,367 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -36.5669, -65.0392
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow long is Trampolín del Diablo in Colombia?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: Southern Colombia, Putumayo Department, and you're staring down the barrel of the "Trampolín del Diablo" – Devil's Trampoline, or "Adiós mi vida" (Bye bye my life), if you're feeling dramatic. This road from Mocoa to San Francisco is not for the faint of heart. Built way back in 1930, this roughly 75 km (46.47 miles) stretch is carved into the Andean mountains. Think unpaved, think seriously narrow, and think steep drops with zero guardrails. We're talking a single lane of gravel clinging to the side of the mountain! Locals built it to transport soldiers, but now, it’s a wild ride through the Valley of Sibundoy. It’ll probably take you 3-4 hours, assuming you don't stop (but you will, to catch your breath!). It's beautiful, don’t get me wrong. Lush forested mountainsides, solitude, and views that'll make your jaw drop. But with blind corners, hairpin turns, and the constant threat of landslides, it demands your full attention. They say the landslides are the real killer, ready to sweep you over the edge. It’s a notorious road where hundreds have met their end, marked by roadside crosses and ominous warning signs. Be prepared for cloudy and misty conditions – that's pretty much the default setting. It’s a challenging ride with very light traffic, but if you're up for an adventure and respect the road, the Devil’s Trampoline is an unforgettable experience.
extremeWhere is the road to Cordón de Inacaliri?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Chile and Bolivia, deep in the heart of the Central Andes. You're about to tackle a mining road that claws its way up the side of a massive volcano – Curiquinca Volcano. This isn't just any road; it's one of the highest in the country! Forget smooth asphalt; this is a brutal mix of gravel and loose rock. We're talking strictly 4x4 with serious high clearance. Finding the exact route can be a challenge because the landscape is constantly changing due to crazy high-altitude winds. It starts near Inacaliri, and from there, it's a bumpy, "tippy" ride that demands your full attention. The elevation? Intense. You're talking a lung-busting climb where you're dealing with about 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Seriously, altitude sickness is a real risk here. Movement gets tough, and your heart rate will be through the roof. If you've got any respiratory or heart issues, or you're traveling with a baby, this isn't the trip for you. When can you even attempt this adventure? Probably only during the summer months, but even then, be prepared for anything. The weather in the Andes is wildly unpredictable. You could encounter snowy days in the middle of summer! High winds are a constant, and temperatures can plummet way below freezing, especially in winter. Ice and snow can turn that rocky road into a seriously slick hazard. So, load up on extra fuel, oxygen, and cold-weather gear before you leave Inacaliri. The scenery? Totally worth the challenge.
extremeThe paved road from Balzas to Celendin in northern Peru is not an easy drive
🇵🇪 Peru
Located in the region of Cajamarca, in the northern part of Peru, the road from Balzas to Celendín tests the skill, and courage, of any driver. Hair raising stuff. There is absolutely no room for mistakes. The road, part of the 8B Road, was recently paved. The surface of the road is in really good condition. It’s 56.2 km (35 miles) long and features more than 200 curves, with 34 hairpin turns. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo or a fear of landslides. At times the road is so narrow, with a 1000m drop off on one side and a sheer cliff rising the other, that at the corners the back wheel will be half off the edge. The road is very steep. It starts at Balzas, in the province of Chachapoyas, at an elevation of 854m above sea level and ends at Celendín, capital of the province Celendín, at 2.643m above sea level. It’s incredibly disorienting to look over the edge, or even just to see the valleys a couple thousand feet below you. The elevation gain of the road is 1.789m and the average gradient is 3,19 %, with some sections up to 7%. There are sheer drops virtually along the entire route and enough hairpins to make a whirling dervish dizzy. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is Uspallata Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: a high-altitude adventure in the heart of Argentina, specifically Mendoza Province, where the Uspallata Pass awaits! We're talking serious elevation here. This isn't just a Sunday drive, folks. Also known as Camino Cristo Redentor, this road is nestled near the breathtaking Paso Internacional de los Libertadores and serves mostly as a tourist route to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. So, how long will this epic journey take? Be prepared for a trek –it's a drive with some serious gradients, ready to put your driving skills to the ultimate test! And a heads-up: if you're not a fan of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. Now, for the million-dollar question: when can you tackle this beast? This pass is a fair-weather friend, which means summer is your golden window, when the snow is gone. But keep an eye on the forecast; conditions can change rapidly, and heavy snowfall can shut things down without warning. So, while the scenery is absolutely stunning, remember to respect the mountains and drive smart!