Driving the stunning Camino Minero Veladero
Argentina, south-america
181 km
4,850 m
hard
Year-round
Craving an epic adventure in Argentina? Look no further than Camino Minero Veladero, a mind-blowing route through the San Juan Province Andes! Starting near Rodeo, this unpaved, but well-maintained road winds 181 km (112 miles) to the Veladero gold and silver mine, practically on the Chilean border.
Hold on tight for 624 turns and some seriously steep sections – we're talking up to 13% gradients! This road isn't for the faint of heart, with elevations soaring to a staggering 4,878 m (16,003ft) above sea level at Portezuelo de Conconta.
Keep in mind that Mother Nature can be a bit wild here. Daytime temps can plummet to -20°C, and winter nights can reach a bone-chilling -50°C. Add winds up to 120 km/h, and you've got a true test of endurance! Best to tackle this one during daylight hours, as night driving is definitely not recommended. Plus, it's usually closed to private vehicles in the winter. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking!
Where is it?
Driving the stunning Camino Minero Veladero is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.0525, -58.4738
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 181 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,850 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.0525, -58.4738
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Abra Chonta Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Abra Chonta! This bad boy is a high-altitude mountain pass nestled way up in the Huancavelica Region of Peru, clocking in at a whopping 4,875 meters (that's almost 16,000 feet!). You'll find it east of , right in the heart of Peru, dividing the Huancavelica and Angaraes provinces. Now, the road itself, HV115, is a mixed bag. You'll encounter both smooth paved sections and some rougher unpaved bits. The good news is, in dry conditions, most 2WD vehicles can handle it! If you're rolling in from Huancavelica, it’s a relatively gentle climb by Andes standards: a 54 km stretch with gradients of only 2-3%, and all on paved road! The whole journey from Road 28D to Lircay spans about 63.4 km (or 39 miles) going west to east. Get ready for stunning, panoramic views and that crisp, thin mountain air! Just keep an eye out for changing road conditions, and you'll be golden.
hardThe Road with Never-Ending Hairpin Turns to Laguna Yanco in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Laguna Yanco! This insanely gorgeous high-altitude lagoon sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, at a staggering 14,580 feet. Getting there? That's half the adventure. Forget pavement; this is a 41.44-mile dirt track stretching from Punta Callán to Coris, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart! We're talking narrow stretches, seriously dicey conditions after rain, and hairpin turns. Oh, the hairpin turns! Seriously, there are over 100 of these bad boys, sometimes stacked back-to-back with hardly any straight road in between. But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. This is raw, untamed Peru at its finest.
hardRuta Provincial 89
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around the Cuyo region of Argentina, specifically Mendoza province, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial 89. This isn't your average highway cruise. We're talking a 55.3km stretch of pure, unadulterated gravel road goodness linking Potrerillos and Villa Bastia. And trust me, it's STEEP! You'll climb to a whopping 2,312 meters above sea level! Keep your eyes peeled—this road demands respect! It’s a proper mountain road with all the thrills (and spills, if you’re not careful) that come with it. Oh, and did I mention you'll pass right by the Vallecitos ski resort? Epic views are pretty much guaranteed. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
moderateDriving the defiant 4x4 road to Chila in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a spot for you that'll blow your mind: Chila, a beast of a mountain peak way up in the Peruvian Andes, clocking in at a staggering 5,260m (that's 17,257ft!). You'll find it nestled in the Castilla Province, Arequipa Region, down south in Peru. Picture this: You're winding your way up a completely unpaved, rugged track – 4x4 essential, folks! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a working mining road, so keep your eyes peeled. The climb starts near Laguna Ticlla, stretching for 5km (3.1 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun. And the payoff? A stunning lagoon near the summit called Laguna Chila. Trust me, the views from up there are absolutely worth the bumpy ride. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!