The Inhumane Climb to Cerro El Amago with 19% Ramps
Argentina, south-america
35.1 km
1,703 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! We're heading to Cerro El Amago in the San Luis Province of Argentina, a seriously cool mountain pass topping out at 1,703m (5,587ft).
Out here in central Argentina, this isn't just any drive; it's an experience. At the summit, you'll find a collection of antennas beaming out TV and phone signals - a unique twist!
The road, Provincial Route 9, is paved all the way, though the top section throws in some interesting concrete wrinkles to keep you on your toes. Speaking of toes, be prepared for a workout. This climb is a long, demanding 35.1 km (21.81 miles) stretch between San Francisco del Monte de Oro and Carolina.
The real fun starts from San Francisco del Monte de Oro with a 17.4 km (10.81 miles) climb, gaining 905m in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 5.2%, but hold on tight – some ramps crank up to a leg-burning 19%!
Nestled in the Precordillera, the views are absolutely killer. Think panoramic vistas of San Francisco, a dramatic deep gorge, the majestic Cerros del Socoscora, and the serene Valle Reservoir Las Palmeras. Keep your eyes peeled, too; you might spot some magnificent condors soaring overhead. It's a visual feast you won't soon forget.
Where is it?
The Inhumane Climb to Cerro El Amago with 19% Ramps is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -36.5069, -62.6651
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 35.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,703 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -36.5069, -62.6651
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow to get by car to Tequendama Falls?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, so you're in Colombia, right? About 30km outside of Bogotá in Cundinamarca, you absolutely HAVE to see Salto del Tequendama. This epic waterfall is 132m high, and legend says it was created by Bochica, a Muisca god, who struck the ground with his staff. Seriously impressive stuff! The road in – about 33.4km between El Colegio and El Charquito – is paved and mostly in good condition. But, heads up, it's super curvy! When it rains, or if there’s fog or a storm, it gets really hairy. Drive carefully! And speaking of hair-raising, check out the old Hotel del Salto near the falls. Back in the day, it was *the* place to stay, with stunning views of the waterfall. Unfortunately, the river got polluted, tourists stopped coming, and the hotel was abandoned in the 90s. It's now a museum but was once known for the many suicides that happened there. Rumor has it, the place is haunted. Definitely adds to the atmosphere, right? Only for the brave, I'd say. But even with the history, the scenery alone is worth the trip!
hardPichachen Pass is a vital border road from Argentina to Chile in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the wild ride that is Paso Internacional Pichachén! This high-altitude border crossing between Argentina and Chile sits way up in the Andes at a cool 2,063 meters (that's 6,768 feet!). Connecting the Biobío Region of Chile with the Neuquén Province of Argentina, this isn't your average scenic drive. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking a 180 km (111 mile) unpaved rollercoaster, known as Ruta CH-5 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 6 in Argentina, snaking its way from Canteras to El Cholar. Expect hairpin turns and a real test for your driving skills! Keep in mind, Pichachén isn't open year-round. Winter brings closures due to minimal maintenance. Also, be prepared for some extreme weather – think dry air and huge temperature changes. Sunny days can be surprisingly warm, but those Andean nights? Seriously cold. Get ready for insane views you'll never forget!
hardLaguna de Cuicocha
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Laguna de Cuicocha, a stunning crater lake nestled high in the Ecuadorian Andes at a whopping 10,278 feet! The road, known as Vía Cotacachi - Quiroga – Cuicocha, is paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck. It’s a climb, no doubt about it, but the pavement is in great shape. Trust me, you'll want to take your time anyway to soak in the incredible views. Lake Cuicocha itself? Absolutely mind-blowing! Imagine a massive caldera lake, formed inside an old collapsed volcano. And get this: there's an island in the middle that seriously resembles a giant guinea pig! The lake is a beast, nearly two miles wide and over 650 feet deep, with two mounded islands that popped up from more recent eruptions. You might even spot some gas bubbling up in spots – a reminder that this volcano is still kicking!
hardHow to get by car to Termas Valle de Colina natural pools?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled high in the Chilean Andes, just outside of Santiago, lies the Termas Valle de Colina – a series of nine natural hot spring pools perched at a cool 8,200 feet. We're talking seriously stunning views of snow-dusted peaks while you soak in mineral-rich water that can reach a balmy 122°F! You might also hear it called Baños Colina or Termas Lo Valdes. Now, getting there is part of the fun. You’ll cruise along Camino Al Volcán (Ruta G-25), a 47-mile journey from Santiago heading towards Argentina. Think winding roads alongside a rushing river, slowly climbing into the mountains. The pavement ends at Baños Morales, and the final 6 miles get a little wild – think rocky, unpaved terrain. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one; leave the sedan at home. The road is steep in sections, so be prepared for some thrilling climbs. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a 2-mile hike at the end of the road to the San José Volcano viewpoint. Word to the wise: this road is NOT your friend in bad weather. Even in summer, things can get chilly, especially at night, and the weather can swing from sunshine to mist in a heartbeat. Winter? Forget about it. The road's usually snowed in. But if you time it right, this trip is an absolute MUST for any road trip enthusiast!