
The paved BR-174 is becoming impassable
Brazil, south-america
1.581 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! BR-174 in Brazil: this paved road is a wild ride straight through the heart of the Amazonas! Stretching 1,581 km (982 miles), it's a north-south spine connecting Manaus (the Amazonas capital) to Pacaraima, right on the Venezuelan border.
Now, don't let "paved" fool you. This route gets hammered by heavy trucks, especially when the rains come. We're talking potholes, mud pits, and potentially some serious quagmires. It's a true test for your vehicle (and your nerves!).
If you're lucky with the weather, expect a solid 25-30 hours of driving to conquer the whole thing. Inaugurated in 1980 and finished in 1998, this road has seen some things! Keep an eye out for flooding when you cross the Anauá River. But hey, who wants a boring drive anyway? Get ready for some epic scenery and a true taste of the Amazon.
Where is it?
The paved BR-174 is becoming impassable is located in Brazil (south-america). Coordinates: -17.6519, -51.2804
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 1.581 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -17.6519, -51.2804
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow to get by car to Cerro Machin Volcano?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ruta Toche - Salento! This wild, unpaved ride snakes up to around 2,800 meters (that's over 9,000 feet!) along the slopes of Cerro Machín, a sleeping stratovolcano in Colombia's Tolima Department. Word to the wise: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this bad boy. The gravel road can get seriously loose, especially near the edges. And be warned, it gets pretty narrow and steep in places. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! We're talking breathtaking scenery around every bend. Plus, get this – thanks to all that volcanic activity bubbling beneath the surface, you'll find a super-rustic thermal bath right alongside the road! It's tucked into a curve, just past the summit. Just picture yourself soaking in those warm waters with an incredible view!
extremeCerro San Pedro
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the west of Argentina's Mendoza province, practically spitting distance from Chile, lies Cerro San Pedro. This mountain pass climbs to a dizzying 2,199 meters (that's 7,214 feet!). Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking extreme 4x4 territory here. Think dusty, bumpy, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach!). If you're prone to vertigo or have a thing about landslides, maybe sit this one out. Seriously. The gravel road is often loose, especially near the edges, and littered with stones and big rocks in the middle. Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs of hundreds of meters with absolutely no guardrails? The final climb is a killer, with sections hitting a crazy 35% grade. Locals call it the "Climb to Hell" for a reason! But if you're prepared for the remote location, elevation changes, and challenging terrain, the views are supposed to be absolutely breathtaking.
extremeWhat are the main mountain passes on the RN76?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ride of your life on Argentina's Route 76 (RN76)! This 259 km (161-mile) off-road adventure punches its way through the La Rioja province, starting in Villa Unión and heading north towards the Chilean border. Think of it as a deep dive into the Andes, where you'll cruise through the Reserva Natural Laguna Brava. Picture this: high-altitude salt lakes shimmering in the sun, flocks of pink flamingos, and views that stretch to forever. And those views? Epic! We're talking about glimpses of Monte Pissis, the fourth-highest peak in the Andes, and the majestic Cerro Bonete Chico. Expect complete silence, surreal turquoise lagoons, and weather that keeps you on your toes. This ain't no Sunday drive, folks. RN76 throws two major passes at you: Portezuelo de Laguna Brava (4,379m/14,366ft), your gateway to the highlands, and the even loftier Abra Cerro Veladero (4,483m). Both are unpaved, a mix of loose gravel and crazy steep climbs, all with that thin air working against you. Heed this warning: RN76 demands respect. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't optional; it's essential. Weather is a wild card here; winter brings snowdrifts over 2 meters (the park even closes to private cars!), and summer can unleash surprise storms with landslides or icy patches. You're on your own out there, so pack extra fuel, water, and seriously warm gear. And be ready for altitude sickness, as you'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good chunk of the trip. The 259 km journey from Villa Unión is a slow burn – plan for a full day to conquer it. That gravel road can turn muddy and slippery near the salt flats, especially after rain. But trust me, the reward is beyond worth it: mind-blowing landscapes that peak at the Pircas Negras international border crossing. Give your ride a once-over before you go, and double-check the border crossing status – it's only open in the summer when the snow melts. Prepare for an unforgettable journey!
extremeHow long is LM-106 road in Peru?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Carretera 106, or LM-106, in Peru, is calling your name! This isn't just a road trip; it's an epic quest stretching 140 km (87 miles) from the coastal town of Pativilca up into the Andes towards Cajatambo. Prepare for a wild ride as you climb from practically sea level (54m) to a lung-busting 3,457m! Yes, it's paved, but let's just say the asphalt isn't winning any beauty contests. And hold onto your hats—some sections are barely wider than a bicycle lane, so caution is key. Oh, and did I mention the heart-stopping drop-offs? Yeah, those are a thing. But here’s the kicker: the views! You'll wind through the stunning Catajambo Canyon and tackle the legendary Subida a Cajatambo—a stretch boasting 25 hairpin turns that will test your driving skills and reward you with jaw-dropping vistas. Trust me, the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment!