Driving the defiant Ruta Provincial A in the Province of Tierra del Fuego
Argentina, south-america
91 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the very bottom of Argentina, in Tierra del Fuego, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial A.
This isn't your average highway cruise. We're talking 91km (56 miles) of pure, unadulterated 'ripio' – that's gravel to us gringos. It's generally in good shape, but trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. It'll make things way comfier and keep you out of trouble, especially on those narrow sections. Just remember that the last 22km are closed off by a barrier at the Irigoyen River.
Seriously, this place is REMOTE. Think way, way off the grid. Pack everything you need because you won't find a Starbucks out here. The reward? Insane views and a chance to spot massive marine creatures doing their thing. Just be prepared for anything weather-wise – this semi-arid zone throws curveballs, and the wind can be intense! The route begins at Ruta Nacional 3 and is a proper bucket-list experience.
Where is it?
Driving the defiant Ruta Provincial A in the Province of Tierra del Fuego is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.2706, -60.3458
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 91 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -38.2706, -60.3458
Related Roads in south-america
moderateDriving the paved road to La Raya Pass in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just discovered the most incredible mountain pass in Peru! Abra la Raya, also called Apu Chimboya, sits way up high at 4,352m (14,278ft), right on the border between Puno and Cusco regions. This beauty is totally paved – yep, smooth sailing on Carretera 3S, nicknamed the "Route of the Sun"! The drive stretches for 107km (66 miles), connecting Sicuani (Cusco) to Ayaviri (Puno). Perched high in the Andes’ La Raya range, this pass is generally open year-round. Weather can be dicey in winter, so keep an eye out for potential closures. December and January are usually the wettest months. Picture this: you're cruising from Cusco towards the legendary Lake Titicaca, winding through a surreal landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, and shimmering pools. When you reach the top, BAM! Epic panoramic views. There’s even a local bazaar where you can snag awesome Andean crafts (hello, alpaca wool!). From here, the snow-dusted Chimboya peak pops into view. A word to the wise: the altitude will hit you. Take it easy; even if you're used to the Andes, the thin air is no joke. Forget jogging – one step at a time is the way to go. Rushing can lead to headaches, dizziness, or breathlessness. So, chill out and soak in the unbelievable scenery of La Raya Pass.
extremeCarretera Picada 108: Crossing the Wild Chaco to the Bolivian Border
🇧🇴 Bolivia
# Picada 108: Where the Chaco Swallows the Unprepared Deep in the heart of the Gran Chaco lies Picada 108—a raw, unforgiving 212-kilometer (131-mile) corridor that cuts through one of South America's most remote wilderness areas. This isn't your typical highway; it's a "picada," a narrow dirt track originally carved through dense scrubland for military or oil exploration, linking Mariscal Estigarribia in Paraguay all the way to the Bolivian border via Mayor Pablo Lagerenza. Welcome to the Northern Chaco: brutally hot, impossibly isolated, and absolutely relentless. The landscape is a maze of thorny scrubland where the horizon stretches endlessly and civilization feels like a distant memory. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, and the closest gas station? You left it hours ago. Here's where things get real: the road itself is pure gravel and talcal—fine dust that hides deep ruts and vicious rocks. During the dry season, visibility drops to nearly zero in a dust cloud. But rain? That's when Picada 108 transforms into a muddy nightmare. The clay-heavy soil becomes impassable quicksand, trapping even heavily equipped 4x4s for days. Creek crossings appear without warning, turning sections into temporary rivers that can force complete closures. Expect a full day of driving—minimum—at crawling speeds. There are zero amenities out here: no towns, no fuel, no repair shops. Every kilometer demands your full attention to avoid "guadales" (hidden pockets of deep mud and dust) that'll high-center your vehicle in seconds. This is expedition territory, not a casual road trip. Bring 400 kilometers worth of fuel, 20 liters of water per person, two full-size spares, a high-lift jack, and sand ladders. Your phone won't work; you'll need a satellite messenger. Never go alone—travel in at least two vehicles. Check the weather obsessively; if rain is forecast, don't even think about entering. And before you depart, notify the local police—this is border country, and you'll need your papers in perfect order. The Chaco doesn't forgive mistakes. Respect it, prepare thoroughly, and you'll experience one of the world's most extreme road journeys.
hardPortezuelo El Gaucho
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Portezuelo El Gaucho! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Chile's Atacama Region, clocking in at a lung-busting 4,177 meters (that's 13,704 feet!). Forget smooth asphalt, we're talking gravel and rocks all the way, baby! This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a trail for serious off-roaders. If you're not comfy with steep, unpaved mountain tracks, steer clear. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. Oh, and if heights make your palms sweat, maybe grab a friend to do the driving. Watch out for those thunderstorms, they can turn the road into a real challenge, or even make it impassable in a heartbeat. The view from the top, though, is worth every white-knuckle moment – just remember, the trail ends at a mine. Get ready for some epic photo opportunities!
extremeIs the unpaved road to Abra Mañazo in Peru difficult to drive?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Mañazo! This high-altitude pass in southern Peru's Puno Province sits at a whopping 4,518m (14,822ft). Get ready for a wild ride across some seriously desolate Andean scenery. Picture this: you're cruising (and I use that term loosely!) through a vast plateau surrounded by rugged, rocky peaks. Don't let the "Panamericana" label fool you; this is a raw, unpaved mountain track that will test your mettle. You're more likely to spot alpacas than other vehicles as you traverse the heart of the Altiplano. Speaking of vehicles, you'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this 55.2 km (34.29 miles) stretch from Mañazo to the 34C junction. The gradient's not too crazy at around 2%, but the road surface is rough and ready to change for the worse in a heartbeat. The real kicker? Significant drop-offs with zero safety barriers. Yep, it's just you, your tires, and some seriously deep ravines. Extra caution is a MUST, especially when it's wet and the gravel turns treacherous. But hey, the views! Think sweeping vistas of the Andes, plus the stunning Laguna La Calzada and Laguna Maquera – high-altitude lakes teeming with birdlife. Abra Mañazo is a quiet, desolate drive that will give you a taste of the real Peruvian highlands. Just be warned: if heights aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out!