Ruta Provincial 13
Argentina, south-america
86.2 km
888 m
extreme
Year-round
Ready for an Argentinian adventure? Provincial Route 13, snaking through the Andes in Mendoza Province, is a gravel road that will leave you breathless. Think epic scenery as you crawl along dry riverbeds and conquer mountain passes.
This 86.2 km (53.5 miles) track connects Mendoza (888m/2,913ft) with Uspallata near the Chilean border (1,898m/6,227ft). Forget your sports car; this is 4x4 territory! Seriously, unless you're itching for a new ride, leave the 2WD at home.
Locals call it Camino Las Lajas or The Route of the Telegrapher – an old route that used to link Argentina and Chile. Legend says it has 365 turns! The highest point soars to 3,110m (10,203ft), so snow can shut things down anytime. And watch out for heavy mist; visibility can drop to zero.
The road is rough, narrow, and steep. Never go solo. A GPS is crucial, and be prepared for a 3-4 hour journey. Avoid severe weather at all costs, because avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides happen. Patches of ice are common. But if you're experienced and prepared, Route 13 will be an unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
Ruta Provincial 13 is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -37.1194, -62.2741
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 86.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 888 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -37.1194, -62.2741
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhat does Colquechaca mean?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Colquechaca! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: you're in Bolivia, cruising towards a town perched way up high in the Province of Chayanta—I'm talking a lung-busting 13,671 feet above sea level! This is seriously one of the highest towns you can actually drive to on the planet. The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. We're talking about a completely unpaved, sometimes super-narrow, 29.32-mile stretch. The whole thing kicks off from Sacaca and winds its way up to Colquechaca. As for the views? Get ready for breathtaking panoramas of the Andes. Just keep your eyes on the road, because it demands respect! Keep in mind that Colquechaca, whose name possibly alludes to silver mining ("silver bridge"), is known for its rich indigenous culture, with most of its several thousand residents descending from the Qaqachaca people. It’s said to be the highest city in Bolivia, with houses reaching a dizzying 13,894 feet!
extremeRoad 1SC
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Carretera 1SC in southern Peru! This isn't just a road; it's a gravel rollercoaster with views that'll make your jaw drop (if you can keep it from clenching). Clocking in at 104 km with a dizzying 60 hairpin turns, this route climbs from Ica (a chill 406m above sea level) to Huaytará (a lofty 2,658m). The scenery is epic mountain vistas, but be warned: those views come with a side of serious exposure. We're talking unprotected drops of hundreds of meters, so maybe skip this one if you get wobbly knees looking down from a stepladder. Think steep inclines, potential landslides, heavy mist, and even snow. One wrong move, and well, let's just say you won't be posting about it on Instagram. This road is a true test of skill and nerve. Definitely not recommended for Sunday drivers or anyone with a fear of heights!
hardHow to drive the challenging 4x4 road to Quiscapampa in the Andes?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled one of the highest roads in Peru, and it's a beast – Quiscapampa, clocking in at a whopping 17,555 feet! You’ll find this bad boy chilling in the Castilla Province, specifically in the Chachas District. We're talking remote Arequipa Region, deep in the southern part of Peru. Now, let’s be clear: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, so 4x4 is a MUST. It’s actually a mining road still in use for the Paula Mine. The 14-mile (23km) route winds its way from Anchaca to Chuañuma, near the Marhuas volcano, offering insane views of the Andes’ Chila range. Just prepare yourself for some seriously extreme cold temps!
moderateWhere does the Trans-Chaco Highway start and end?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: the Trans-Chaco Highway, or Ruta PY09 as the locals call it, stretching a whopping 775 kilometers (481 miles) across Paraguay, from José Falcón near Asunción all the way to the Bolivian border at Fortín Sgto. Rodríguez. You'll cruise through Central, Presidente Hayes, and Boquerón, eventually linking up with Argentina's National Route 11 and Bolivia's National Route 6. Once upon a time, this road was legendary for all the wrong reasons – think vehicles swallowed whole by mud during the rainy season! It got a full paving in 2007, but the asphalt didn't last, so be ready for a bumpy ride filled with dust, cracks, and potholes galore. The thin pavement really struggles with all the heavy trucks that use the road! While it's mostly straight, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled every second to dodge those sneaky potholes. Driving at night? Maybe not, especially if it's your first time. The poor conditions make it extra risky. Plus, it's a pretty remote area – low traffic, sparse population – so stock up on extra food and water in case you run into trouble. Prepare for heat and a wild ride!