How to drive the road from Abra del Sauce to Nazareno in Salta?
Argentina, south-america
25 km
3,464 m
hard
Year-round
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!
Where is it?
How to drive the road from Abra del Sauce to Nazareno in Salta? is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.5398, -64.4887
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 25 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,464 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.5398, -64.4887
Related Roads in south-america
moderateDriving a Sensational Border Road to Icalma Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Wanna straddle the border between Argentina and Chile? Then you NEED to experience Paso Icalma, also known as Paso de Coipocahue! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at 1,307 meters (4,288 feet) and is seriously stunning. You'll cruise from the Neuquén Province in Argentina to the Araucanía region in Chile – keep an eye out for the border station near the top! The road itself is about 14.8 km long. On the Argentinian side, you'll be cruising on Ruta Provincial 13, while in Chile, it's S61. It's the perfect connector between the charming villages of Icalma (Chile) and Villa Pehuenia (Argentina). Heads up though, this is the ANDES, baby! The weather can be a real wildcard. It's usually open year-round, but snow and crazy weather can roll in fast, especially in winter. So, keep an eye on local updates before you head out. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery!
extremeLlanganuco Orconcocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, high in the Andes, staring at a lake so blue it looks like it's been photoshopped. That's Llanganuco Orconcocha, sitting pretty at 3,850m (12,631ft)! The only way to get there is Carretera de Yungay, or Carretera 106. This gravel road isn't messing around. Think crazy hairpin turns, switchbacks that'll make your head spin, and oh yeah, massive drop-offs on one side and towering rock cliffs on the other. You're basically driving through a super narrow glacial valley, with giants like Huascaran, Huandoy, and Chopicalqui mountains all around. The scenery is unreal, like straight out of a postcard. But heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking zero guardrails, a serious lack of oxygen, and a steep climb that'll leave you breathless. Altitude sickness is a real thing up here. If you're not comfortable with heights or unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. One wrong move and… well, let's just say it's a long way down. But if you're an experienced driver with a sense of adventure, this is one unforgettable ride.
extremeWhere is the Portezuelo de Guaitiquina pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure! The Portezuelo de Guaitiquina is a high-altitude border crossing between Chile and Argentina that's way less touristy than the Paso de Sico. We're talking raw, isolated beauty through the Andes' high-desert terrain, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province. This route, spanning roughly from the B-357 junction in Chile to the Salta border, is a wild 4x4 ride. Think endless salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and huge horizons. It’s you, your rig, and the silence of the desert. The road itself? Mostly unpaved. In Chile, it's known as RP37, but on the Argentine side, it’s just an unnamed track towards Catua. Expect some seriously steep climbs that will push your engine and cooling system to the limit in the thin air. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, so a high-clearance 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. Hazards? Oh, there are a few. First, the altitude – a whopping 4,288 meters! Acclimatize beforehand, because altitude sickness is no joke. Second, and this is a big one, some areas around the border are still mined from back in the day. Stay. On. The. Road. Seriously. Don't wander off! If you're planning to cross the border here, opening hours are typically 8 am to 6 pm, but they can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is harsh – think extreme cold, high winds, and potential snow or ice, especially in winter. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Help is a long way off, and you won't find cell service out here.
moderateCan I drive to Tuzgle Volcano in the Andes?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Argentinian Andes, in Jujuy Province, waits the dormant Volcán Tuzgle. Wanna get up close and personal? There's a wild, unpaved mining road that'll take you most of the way to the top, peaking at a staggering 5,244 meters (17,139 feet)! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. It's a 10-kilometer climb from Ruta Provincial 40, gaining nearly 800 meters in elevation, so that’s an average gradient of almost 8%. The old road is rough, a relic of sulfur mining days, and your vehicle will need some decent clearance. Forget needing 4x4 all the time but hold on tight. There are definitely places where things get a little tippy. Stunning scenery abounds, but be warned: this isn't a route to tackle in the dark or when there's ice. Trust me on this one!