
Pirquitas Mine
Argentina, south-america
N/A
4,340 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Mina Pirquitas in Jujuy Province, Argentina! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest towns on Earth you can reach by car, perched way up at a lung-busting 14,240 feet!
The road? Gravel, baby. And it's a beast. Seriously, the air gets thin up here, so expect your engine (and your lungs) to work overtime. The climb is steep, and the gravel can be loose, especially near the edges. This isn't a route to take lightly. Come prepared; you're heading into a remote mining area where the scenery is starkly beautiful, and the challenge is real.
Where is it?
Pirquitas Mine is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.1047, -64.6304
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,340 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -38.1047, -64.6304
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA memorable road trip to Abra Apacheta
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra Apacheta! This legendary mountain pass straddles the Huancavelica and Ayacucho regions of Peru, reaching a staggering 4,762m (15,623ft) above sea level. The entire route, known as 28A, is paved, making it accessible, but don't let that fool you! The wind whips fiercely at these altitudes year-round, so hold onto your hats. This east-west traverse stretches for 71.7 km (44.55 miles), connecting Corralpata and Totorilla. Be warned, heavy mist can roll in, turning visibility into a real challenge. If you're sensitive to altitude or have respiratory or heart issues, maybe skip this one. Altitude sickness is a genuine concern, and the conditions can make the trip tough. That being said, the views are absolutely breathtaking! Prepare to be mesmerized by Hatun Urqu and Chiqllarasu peaks dominating the landscape. It's a visual feast you won't soon forget!
moderateHow to drive to Perdidos Canyon in the Peruvian desert?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay adventurers, buckle up for El Cañón de los Perdidos in Peru's Ica province! This hidden gem, only discovered in 2011, stretches for 5 km through the Ocucaje Desert, halfway between Ica and Nazca. Forget the crowds, because this place is wild and untouched. Word of warning: finding this canyon is part of the adventure! You'll be off-roading through the desert with sections of the road missing or unmarked. A good GPS or experienced guide is crucial unless you like the idea of becoming truly 'lost.' The 50 km track from the Panamericana Sur highway demands a 4x4 to navigate those desert dunes. Watch out for bandits, and be prepared for isolation. There’s no phone signal. But trust me, the scenery is worth it! You'll be cruising past crazy rock formations before arriving at the canyon. Carved by the RÃo Seco, the canyon plunges 400 meters deep, with a lagoon and is a haven for vultures. Keep your eyes peeled for fossils – this area was once an ancient seabed. The canyon is about 2 km long, with four distinct levels to explore. Get ready to be blown away by the raw, untamed beauty of this desert oasis!
extremeRoad 34H: Conquering Abra Sandia and Laguna Saytococha in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Road 34H, a wild ride through the Peruvian Andes! This 61-kilometer (38-mile) stretch connects Quiscupunco with the town of Sandia in the Puno Region, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll be hugging the mountainside as you conquer the Abra Sandia pass and gaze upon the serene Laguna Saytococha. Get ready for a dramatic change in scenery as you drop from the high Altiplano into the lush Amazon basin. The trickiest part? The section between Abra Sandia (also called Abra Apacheta) at a dizzying 4,495 meters and Laguna Saytococha at 4,459 meters. This is a remote area close to Bolivia, defined by steep cliffs, tight canyons, and rivers that love to mess with the road. While parts of Road 34H are paved, don't get too comfy! The asphalt is narrow and weathered, winding through a barren landscape where the mountains seem to want to reclaim the road. Watch out for floods, avalanches, and landslides that can turn the pavement into gravel and mud without warning. The road is incredibly narrow, and passing can be a real challenge. Imagine meeting a truck on a blind corner and having to reverse for kilometers along a cliff edge! High-clearance vehicles are essential, and driving in the rain or at night? Forget about it. The biggest challenge is the sheer exposure. The road clings to the mountainside with no guardrails, offering a breathtaking (or terrifying) view of the valleys far below. Heavy mist and sudden changes in visibility can make it hard to see the edge. And the hairpin turns? Prepare for dizziness! Plus, the steep descent will put your brakes to the test. At this altitude (nearly 4,500 meters), the lack of oxygen is real. Altitude sickness (soroche) is common, bringing nausea and dizziness. Don't eat a big meal before you go, or you might regret it. Beyond that, your driving skills need to be on point. Be ready to reverse on narrow shoulders and use low gears on those steep descents. Help is scarce here, so any mistake could have serious consequences. Pack emergency supplies, extra fuel, and tires that can handle both asphalt and rough gravel.
hardRoad 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 Huarochirà 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.