
Driving the international border road to Salin Pass in the Andes
Argentina, south-america
N/A
4,015 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a truly epic border crossing? Then set your sights on Portezuelo de Salín, aka Paso de Salín. This bad boy straddles the Argentina-Chile divide at a lung-busting 13,172 feet! We're talking serious Andes mountain territory here, north of the Socompa volcano.
Now, don't expect any smooth sailing. The road is totally unpaved and in seriously rough shape. This is a 4x4-only kind of adventure. Plus, you're way out there – think minimal traffic, scorching desert heat, and not a lot of water. It's a challenging drive, to say the least.
Word to the wise: stick to the marked roads. Seriously. Back in the '70s, things got a little tense between Chile and Argentina, and some areas were mined. While they're supposedly marked, things shift, so stay alert and follow the obvious paths. Also, only cross the border at official points.
But hey, the scenery is unreal! Just be prepared for extremes – baking sun during the day and freezing temps at night. Arid landscapes as far as the eye can see! This is one unforgettable ride for those who dare to take it on.
Where is it?
Driving the international border road to Salin Pass in the Andes is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.3645, -66.2837
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,015 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -39.3645, -66.2837
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow to Travel the Unpaved Road to Abra de Cortaderas
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra de Cortaderas in Argentina's Jujuy Province! This bad boy climbs to a cool 3,310 meters (that's 10,859 feet for you imperial system folks). Picture this: you're winding along a well-kept gravel cornice road for nearly 18 kilometers (11.1 miles), with hairpin turns galore and some seriously steep sections to keep your heart pumping. It’s not paved, but most vehicles can handle it just fine. And the views? Oh, the views! On a clear day, you'll be treated to a stunning panorama of the ravine below, with the charming town of Huacalera nestled at its base. This epic route links Huacalera with Abra de la Cruz (another stunner at 3,757m!), making it the perfect addition to your Argentinian road trip. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeLaguna Paucarcocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road experience in Peru, Laguna Paucarcocha is calling your name. This stunning high-altitude lake sits way up at 14,055 feet! Getting there? Buckle up for Route 120. We're talking a gnarly gravel track, super narrow, and a mud-fest after any rain. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. Keep your eyes peeled for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides (yikes!), plus sneaky patches of ice that can throw you for a loop. The climb is brutal, and the air gets thin, real thin – altitude sickness is a real possibility. But the scenery? Oh man, the views are worth the white-knuckle drive. Just don't expect a leisurely cruise!
hardHow to drive the road from Abra del Sauce to Nazareno in Salta?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Salta Province, Argentina, and you're itching for a drive that'll test your mettle, check out the new road connecting Abra del Sauce and Nazareno. Picture this: a recently built, totally unpaved road snaking its way through the raw, untamed landscape of northwestern Argentina. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 25 km (15 mile) rollercoaster of narrow passages clinging to the mountainside. If you're not a fan of heights, be warned – there are some serious drop-offs overlooking the river below! Starting from Abra del Sauce, the road winds toward Molino, and from there, it follows the Nazareno riverbed all the way to Nazareno itself, passing through Cuesta Azul. Oh, and did I mention you'll be topping out at a lung-busting 3,464 m (11,364 ft) above sea level? The views are absolutely epic, but keep your eyes on the road!
moderatePuente del Rio Lapataia
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for a ride to the end of the world! Puente del Rio Lapataia isn't just a bridge; it's a wooden gateway in southwestern Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, practically waving hello to Chile. You'll find it chilling out at the very bottom of South America on the gravelly Ruta Nacional 3. This little gem clocks in at about 35 meters, and while it's sturdy, keep in mind that it’s closed to vehicles of 24 tons and more. Heavy vehicles? One at a time, please! Get ready for views that'll make your jaw drop as you cross over the Lapataia River. Seriously, this spot is pure magic!