How to Drive the Unpaved Road to Cerro Peña Orko Between Bolivia and Argentina?

How to Drive the Unpaved Road to Cerro Peña Orko Between Bolivia and Argentina?

Argentina, south-america

Length

20 km

Elevation

4,435 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the ride of a lifetime! Cerro Peña Orko, perched way up at 14,550 feet, straddles the border between wild Bolivia and stunning Argentina.

This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a completely unpaved, 12-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated adventure. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's practically mandatory. Expect hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and sections so narrow you might find yourself backing up to make the bend!

Starting near Abra de Santa Cruz in Argentina and winding north to Ruta Nacional 28 near Huayllajara in Bolivia, this pass is a visual feast, even if you’re gripping the steering wheel for dear life. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road…if you dare!

Where is it?

How to Drive the Unpaved Road to Cerro Peña Orko Between Bolivia and Argentina? is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -43.0139, -62.6996

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
20 km
Max Elevation
4,435 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-43.0139, -62.6996

Related Roads in south-america

The Road to Portezuelo de Chapiquina in the Andes is Not for Timid Drivershard

The Road to Portezuelo de Chapiquina in the Andes is Not for Timid Drivers

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Arica and Parinacota Region of Chile, you HAVE to check out Portezuelo de Chapiquiña. This high-altitude Andean pass clocks in at a staggering 4,453 meters (that’s 14,609 feet!). You'll find this gem tucked away inside Parque Nacional Lauca. The road, known as A-201, stretches for about 47 kilometers (or 29 miles) from Murmuntani to Las Cuevas. But hold on – it's all unpaved, so be prepared for a bumpy ride! And did I mention it's steep? For the truly adventurous, there's a crazy side road to the west that climbs even higher, topping out at 4,760m! Get ready for 16 hairpin turns and an average gradient of 15%. The view from the top, bristling with communication towers, is totally worth the adrenaline rush. This area shows off some of the most dramatic scenery Chile has to offer!

Abra de Porcuyahard

Abra de Porcuya

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, folks, buckle up for Abra de Porcuya! This high-altitude mountain pass, sitting pretty at 2,137 meters (that's 7,011 feet for my American friends), is nestled in the Huancabamba province of Peru. You'll be cruising along Carretera 3N, also known as the Fernando Belaúnde Terry Highway, and yes, it's paved. But don't let that fool you, this road is STEEP. Seriously, maybe skip the extra helping of that delicious Peruvian food before you head out. The winding roads and high elevation might have your stomach doing somersaults. And a word to the wise: check the weather before you go – you don't want to be caught up here in a storm! But hey, the views are totally worth it.

Driving a 4x4 mine road to Acotango Volcano in the Andeshard

Driving a 4x4 mine road to Acotango Volcano in the Andes

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! There's this crazy mining trail on the border of Bolivia and Chile that climbs Volcán Acotango, a beast of a volcano in the Andes, smack-dab in Sajama National Park. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a rugged, unpaved road that snakes its way up to a lung-busting 5,509 meters (18,074 feet)! The road kicks off from the Chachacomani-Tambo Quemado road in Bolivia's Departamento de Oruro and grinds its way to a sulfur mine clinging to the mountainside. You can make it to base camp around 4,900 meters, and the road stays relatively sane until about 5,250 meters. Beyond that, hold on tight – it gets seriously steep and the surface starts to crumble. This trek isn't just about altitude; it's about the mind-blowing scenery of the Andean highlands. Think sweeping vistas, endless skies, and a landscape that'll make you feel like you're on another planet. Keep in mind this road's usually only open during the summer, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Avalanches and heavy snow can shut things down in a heartbeat. A word of warning: don't even think about climbing the summit from the Chilean side, because of landmines! The Bolivian side is supposedly safer. The conditions here are known to change rapidly, so be prepared for a challenge!

Road LM-119hard

Road LM-119

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in Peru, craving an adrenaline rush, and consider yourself a confident driver, Carretera LM-119 needs to be on your radar. This 75-kilometer stretch of road winds through the Santo Domingo de los Olleros District, high up in the Huarochirí province. We're talking serious altitude here, folks—you'll be cruising above 2,500 meters for the *entire* ride, topping out at a breathtaking 3,635 meters. Translation? The views are insane. But let's be real: this isn't for the faint of heart (or stomach). Think hairpin turns galore, dizzying drop-offs (we're talking potential 1,000-meter freefalls!), and zero guardrails. Yeah, you read that right. Night driving or poor visibility? Hard pass. This road demands your full attention. Consider it a shortcut from the mountains to Calle 119 in Lima, but one that's absolutely unforgettable. If you're a road lover, Abra Huaytire is a must-see! Just be prepared for a wild ride.