The unpaved road to El Aguilar, one of the highest towns in the world
Argentina, south-america
45.4 km
4,895 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've just discovered a seriously mind-blowing road in the Jujuy Province of Argentina. We're talking about El Aguilar, one of the highest towns you can actually DRIVE to on this planet!
Imagine this: you're cruising along EXRN40 (or Ex Ruta Nacional 40 as the locals call it), a 45.4 km (28.21 miles) unpaved path starting from Tres Cruces, snaking its way up to a staggering 4,895m (16,060ft) above sea level. Yeah, you heard me right!
This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road isn't paved, so keep your eyes peeled for rough patches! But trust me, the views are absolutely worth it. You're surrounded by the rugged beauty of northern Argentina, practically on the doorstep of Bolivia. The town itself is supported by the mine nearby and is home to about 3,655 hardy souls. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, this high-altitude journey is calling your name!
Where is it?
The unpaved road to El Aguilar, one of the highest towns in the world is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -37.5551, -64.3476
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 45.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,895 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -37.5551, -64.3476
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is Portachuelo Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Paso Portachuelo Llanganuco, a mountain pass that'll blow your mind. We're talking 4,717m (15,475ft) high in the Yungay province! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, called AN-106 (Carretera de Yungay), is about 70.8 km (44 miles) long and almost entirely unpaved, snaking its way from Yungay to Yanama. Brace yourself for around 50 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. It's no joke, with steep sections hitting an 11% gradient and some seriously sharp switchbacks. Expect sheer drops, stone cliffs, and maybe some loose rocks or mud, especially after rain. Keep an eye out for potential avalanches, too! This legendary route, used since pre-Inca times, carves through Huascaran National Park, north of the famous Punta Olimpica Tunnel. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to incredible sights of Mounts Huascaran, Huandoy, Chopicalqui, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Yanapaccha. This pass is usually open year-round, offering a unique corridor between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. Get ready for an unforgettable, breathtaking experience!
extremeSan Francisco de Mosca-Antapirca Road
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Carretera San Francisco de Mosca-Antapirca! Nestled high in the Pasco region of central Peru, this isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking a 10.9km gravel track that winds its way from San Francisco de Mosca (Huanuco) up to Antapirca (Pasco), never dipping below 2,000m above sea level! Think dramatic Andean scenery, but also think super steep climbs and a whopping 23 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Rain turns this road into a real challenge, so be prepared for potentially tricky conditions. The highest point hits a breathtaking 3,570m (11,712ft), so take it slow and steady. Oh, and did I mention the narrow sections and seriously exposed drop-offs? This is a road that demands respect and careful driving. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardDriving the defiant Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino in Salta
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, smack-dab in the middle of Salta province, ready to tackle the incredible Piedra del Molino Pass. Get ready for an adventure because this baby tops out at a breathtaking 3,367 meters (11,046 feet)! The summit's got a cool story, named for a massive grinding stone that supposedly broke in half way up here back in '27. It was meant for a valley, but fate (and gravity) had other plans! You'll find this stunner nestled in Los Cardones National Park. Most of the route is paved but don't get complacent – it's a wild, winding ride on Ruta Provincial 33, famously known as Cuesta del Obispo, in honor of Bishop Julián Cortazar. Clocking in at 105 km (65 miles) from Payogasta to El Carril, this road is not for the faint of heart (or stomach!). Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and some jaw-dropping drop-offs. But trust me, it's worth it! Just before you hit the summit, there's an amazing lookout point. You'll get panoramic views of those crazy hairpin turns and the Quebrada del Escoipe. And at the top? A sweet little chapel dedicated to St. Rafael. Road trip gold!
extremeWhere is Altos Corvo Branco?
🇧🇷 Brazil
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Santa Catarina, Brazil, snuggled within the Serra do Corvo Blanco (White Crow's Mountain) range, you'll find Altos Corvo Branco, a mountain pass that'll take your breath away – literally and figuratively! We're talking about an elevation of 1,245m (4,084ft), so expect some serious views. This epic road, known as SC-370 (Estrada da Serra do Corvo Branco), stretches for 67km (41 miles) from Braço do Norte to Urubici, acting as a vital link between southern Santa Catarina and the Planalto Catarinense. Now, don't go thinking this is a leisurely cruise. This drive is challenging! The final 1.6km is a beast, boasting sections with a 30% gradient and five hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Think tight curves, narrow stretches, steep drops, and cliffs that plunge dramatically. Trust me, the panoramic views are worth it, but be warned: low gears are your friend here. And if you're tackling this in rain or fog? Maybe reconsider. Definitely not bus or big-rig friendly. Get ready for an unforgettable ride, with viewpoints practically around every bend!