Where is Abra del Infiernillo?

Where is Abra del Infiernillo?

Argentina, south-america

Length

53.4 km

Elevation

3,056 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Abra del Infiernillo in Argentina. This epic mountain pass, topping out at a whopping 10,026 feet, is the highest point in the entire Tucumán province.

You'll find this beauty nestled in the Calchaquí Valleys, in the northwest of Argentina, acting as the grand entrance to Parque Provincial Cumbres Calchaquíes. Trust me, the views are worth the drive!

At the summit, nicknamed Infiernillo, you'll find a communication tower, a restaurant serving up llama (yes, really!), a spacious parking area, and the incredible Mirador El Infiernillo viewpoint. But be warned, Mother Nature can be fierce up here with strong winds, swirling clouds, and frequent rain.

The road itself, RP307, is about 33 miles of mostly paved road winding from Amaicha del Valle to Tafí del Valle. Expect some rough patches, narrow squeezes, and loose gravel along the way, plus hundreds of turns and hairpin bends that will keep you on your toes. It's a road trip you won't soon forget!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
53.4 km
Max Elevation
3,056 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in south-america

Driving through the lethal Ocoña Cliffshard

Driving through the lethal Ocoña Cliffs

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Peruvian coast on the Acantilados de Ocoña – a cliff-hugging highway that's equal parts stunning and seriously thrilling. We're talking southern Peru, where the road weaves between the Caravelí and Camaná provinces. Imagine a paved ribbon carved into the hillsides, a constant zig-zag dance as it climbs and plunges along the cliffs. Officially, it's known as 1S (Carretera Panamericana Sur) but unofficially? It's an adventure. Clocking in at around 75 kilometers (46ish miles), this stretch connects Atico to Ocoña, and it's a non-stop ocean view extravaganza. Now, for the adrenaline junkies: this road has a rep for being one of the trickiest in the country. Think sheer drops of around 200 meters (650+ feet) in many spots, with zero guardrails to hold you back! Plus, you'll be navigating a series of tunnels. Throw in the region's love for earthquakes, landslides, and ever-present traffic, and you've got yourself a ride to remember.

Where does Road BR-116 start and end?extreme

Where does Road BR-116 start and end?

🇧🇷 Brazil

BR-116 is a massive coastal highway in Brazil, stretching a whopping 4,385 kilometers (2,725 miles) from Fortaleza in the north (Ceará State) all the way down to Jaguarão near the Uruguay border (Rio Grande do Sul). It's a major artery, known for being super busy with truckers. Now, this road has earned the grim nickname "Highway of Death" for a reason. Unstable weather patterns contribute to a high accident rate, making it a nerve-wracking drive. Think about it: you've got tons of big rigs, often driven by overworked truckers, combined with unpredictable terrain. The Sao Paulo-Curitiba section is particularly notorious. Parts of the BR-116 are paved, but other sections? Not so much. Some stretches cling to the edges of steep cliffs, demanding your full attention. Speaking of attention, you’ll need 100% concentration to navigate this route.

Is the road to Abra del Colorado paved?hard

Is the road to Abra del Colorado paved?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Cruising through San Juan Province in Argentina? You absolutely HAVE to experience Abra del Colorado! This high mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,629m (8,625ft) and is a must-see. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, the landscape is seriously unreal. Think dry, desert vibes with reddish soil that gives the area its "Colorado" nickname. The views? Epic panoramic shots of the towering Andean peaks. It's a vital route connecting the valleys of Iglesia and Calingasta to the provincial capital. The Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149) is your path to adventure. The entire 88.3 km (54.86 miles) is fully paved and in awesome condition. You'll be cruising smoothly from north to south, connecting to RP436. Just a heads up: the mountain environment can throw some curveballs. Keep an eye out for sudden wind gusts — the notorious Zonda wind — that can be a bit wild. Why is this spot a cycling hotspot? Abra del Colorado is a legendary stage in the Vuelta a San Juan, a major race on the UCI World Tour. Even if you're not a pro cyclist, the climb is manageable, with gradients that rarely go above 5-6%. The real challenge? The length and the San Juan heat! The last 15 kilometers wind through a rocky canyon and it's super scenic. This climb is pure Argentinian Andes magic!

Where Is Cerro Paranal?hard

Where Is Cerro Paranal?

🇨🇱 Chile

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Ruta Observatorio Paranal, the road to Cerro Paranal in Chile's Antofagasta Province. This isn't your Sunday drive! You'll find yourself smack-dab in the west-central part of the country, climbing to a whopping 2,635 meters (8,645 feet) above sea level. Why bother? Well, Cerro Paranal is home to the Paranal Observatory, a seriously futuristic-looking spot—so much so that James Bond himself filmed some scenes here! The road itself? Buckle up for 8.6 kilometers (5.34 miles) of Ruta Observatorio Paranal, starting from the B-710. It's a steep climb, averaging a 6.58% gradient, with ramps hitting a maximum of 12%! You'll gain 566 meters in elevation, so your engine's gonna work for it. Fair warning: the very last bit is blocked by a checkpoint. Get ready for killer views as you ascend!