Driving the paved BR-163 across the Amazonia
Brazil, south-america
1,732 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
BR-163 is a wild ride through the Brazilian Amazon that you won't forget!
Okay, so it used to be *infamous*. We're talking trucks swallowed by mud for days on end. Picture this: a desolate, dusty track that turned into an absolute nightmare during the rainy season (December to June). Vehicles could be stuck for over a week!
But guess what? In 2021, they finally paved the whole thing! That crazy 10-day round trip? Sliced down to 4! But heads up, heavy trucks during super wet weather could still mess things up a bit.
This epic highway stretches 1,732 km (1,076 miles) from Cuiabá (Mato Grosso's capital) all the way to Santarém (the second-biggest Amazon River city after Manaus, in Pará state). Get ready for an adventure!
Where is it?
Driving the paved BR-163 across the Amazonia is located in Brazil (south-america). Coordinates: -11.8996, -53.7556
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 1,732 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -11.8996, -53.7556
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA very bumpy, grueling road to Puna Jujeña
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Puna Jujeña! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a seriously stunning, sky-high pass in the Rinconada Department of Argentina, clocking in at a breathtaking 4,438 meters (that's 14,560 feet for us imperial folks!). You'll find this gem nestled way up in Jujuy Province, in the northern reaches of the country. The road itself? Well, let's just say it's "rustic." Ruta Nacional 40 (RN40) to be exact – 70 kilometers (or around 43 miles) of pure, unadulterated unpaved road winding its way between Orosmayo and Coranzuli. Prepare for some seriously otherworldly views; picture a lunar landscape unfolding before your very eyes. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this is a remote route, so come prepared, and be ready for an unforgettable journey!
extremeMeseta Marcahuasi
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, so picture this: You're in the Peruvian Andes, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Meseta Marcahuasi, a plateau way up at 4,100 meters (that's over 13,450 feet!). This isn't just any plateau; it's famous for its bizarre rock formations that look like faces and animals. The road to get there? Intense! It's about 16 km of pure, unadulterated gravel, starting near Autisha. Think hairpin turns – over 20 of them! – clinging to the side of the Autisha canyon. We're talking serious drops, hundreds of meters down, with absolutely no guardrails. But trust me, the views are worth the white knuckles. Bring your camera, because you'll want to capture this. Just make sure your batteries are charged and your memory card is empty! Expect traffic, especially since it's a tight squeeze in places. A 4WD is your best friend here, and honestly, an experienced driver is a must. If you're not comfortable on narrow, unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. Heights are definitely involved! Oh, and for the truly adventurous, there's a gravel road that continues up to Laguna Chanicocha, even higher at 4,513 meters (nearly 15,000 feet!). Just east of Laguna Marcahuasi itself. It's breathtaking in every sense of the word!
hardHow long is the Trans-Amazonian Highway?
🇧🇷 Brazil
Ever dreamed of a truly epic road trip? Then you NEED to know about the Transamazônica Highway (BR-230) in Brazil! This beast stretches for 4,260 km (that's 2,647 miles!) right across Brazil, from the coast near João Pessoa all the way to the Peruvian border. Forget smooth sailing though. Picture this: you're carving your way through the heart of the Amazon, surrounded by dense jungle. You'll encounter everything from freshly paved sections to long stretches of dirt road that’ll rattle your bones. While originally dreamt up as a fully paved paradise back in the 70s, reality hit hard. Construction was a logistical nightmare. Now, large portions are still unpaved, particularly the last 1,000 km or so. During the rainy season (October to March), this section becomes a serious challenge, with mud, massive potholes, and ruts galore that will test your vehicle's suspension (and your patience!). But hey, it's not all rough and tumble! Imagine the bragging rights. Plus, you'll be cruising through some of the most remote and breathtaking scenery on Earth. Just be prepared for a real adventure and make sure your vehicle is up to the task!
extremeAn old mining road to Overo Volcano
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Argentina's Andes Mountains, in the San Rafael region of Mendoza, lies Volcán Overo, a dormant volcano reaching a staggering 14,701 feet. Getting to the top? Buckle up, it's a wild ride! This isn't your Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, rocky, and seriously steep. You'll need a 4x4 with serious clearance to even think about tackling this beast. We're talking hairpin turns galore – hundreds of them! Plus, remember you're way up high, so the air is thin, and the weather can change on a dime. Be prepared for altitude sickness! The road kicks off near Termas Del Sosneado and winds its way up to Refugio El Ángulo, a mountain refuge near the top. Fun fact: this whole road is an old mining route, built to reach the abandoned Minas de Azufre de Sominar (a sulfur mine). You'll even see the remnants of an old mining tram along the way! Be warned, the last stretch is so narrow, it's best tackled on a bike. The views? Absolutely epic. Get ready for some serious bragging rights when you conquer this one!