Where is Salar del Rincón?
Argentina, south-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Argentina, ready for an adventure. Specifically, the Salar del Rincón in the Salta province, a shimmering salt lake sitting way up high. We're talking serious altitude here, so be prepared for that thinner air!
Now, getting there? You'll be cruising along the RN51 for quite a bit. Be warned, the road leading up to the lake is completely unpaved. Forget your sports car; you'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle for this trek.
Think dramatic, rugged landscapes, vast open spaces, and that feeling of being utterly remote. Keep an eye out for wildlife and be prepared for ever-changing weather conditions. But trust me, the views of the brilliant white salt flats against the backdrop of the Andes are SO worth it! Just take it slow, stay alert, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Abra Milloc?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright adventure junkies, let's talk about Abra Milloc, also known as Punta Seis Lagos! This beauty sits high in the Peruvian Andes, straddling the Junín and Lima regions. We're talking serious altitude here! The road itself? Pure, unadulterated dirt – but nothing *too* crazy, and not overly steep. Perfectly manageable when it's dry. You'll find it labeled Carretera Milloc-Marcapomacocha. This roughly 15-mile stretch of road got its "Six Lakes Point" nickname honestly. The route snakes past a whole bunch of gorgeous lakes. Seriously, pack your camera! Just remember, this is an adventure, and only for seasoned drivers! You've been warned, so go experience the raw beauty of Peru!
moderateThe challenging Puente Río Moat
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, picture this: you're way down south in Argentina, practically at the bottom of the world, about to cross the ridiculously cool Moat River bridge. This wooden wonder is only 42 meters long, but trust me, it feels epic! Get ready for a 90km gravel road trip through scenery that'll blow your mind. This route? Pure Patagonia magic. Just a heads up, though: keep your eyes peeled, because the road can be a bit rough and rugged. But hey, that's half the fun, right? Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeAn old mine road to the summit of Cerro Aucanquilcha
🇨🇱 Chile
# Cerro Aucanquilcha: Chile's Extreme High-Altitude Adventure Towering in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, Cerro Aucanquilcha is a behemoth stratovolcano sitting right on the edge of the Alto Loa National Reserve, just west of the Bolivia border. Once upon a time, this mountain held an impressive title: home to the world's highest drivable road. Today? It's a hauntingly beautiful reminder of mining ambitions at the edge of the sky. The story here is pretty wild. Back in 1913, miners started extracting sulfur from the volcano using llamas as pack animals—yes, really. Fast forward to 1935, and they'd installed a 22-kilometer aerial cable system to send buckets of sulfur down the mountainside. But the real game-changer came in 1972 when a switchbacking dirt road was completed all the way to the summit, capable of handling 20-ton trucks. For decades, this was genuinely the highest mine on Earth, sitting around 5,500 meters (18,044 feet) above sea level. Here's where things get interesting (and brutal): that road doesn't work for vehicles anymore. Since the mine closed in 1993, landslides have reclaimed significant portions, and the unpaved surface has deteriorated considerably. If you're thinking of tackling this on a bike, brace yourself. The terrain is relentless—expect to push your loaded bike roughly 80% of the way between 4,000 meters and the 5,130-meter high point. Yes, sections are technically rideable, and some hardy souls have made it to the summit, but this isn't a leisure cruise. On foot, it's more manageable if you're properly acclimatized. The old mining camp at 5,280 meters makes a solid basecamp with natural windbreaks for your tent. Just know that the winds here are absolutely merciless, and winter nights? Bone-chilling cold.
hardTravel Guide to the Top of Abra del Gallo
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra del Gallo in Salta Province, Argentina, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a high-altitude experience, topping out at a whopping 4,630m (15,190ft) above sea level – one of the highest roads you'll find in Argentina. Get ready to ditch the pavement because Ruta Provincial 129 (RP129) is all about that raw, unpaved life. Think ripio, gravel, and maybe a little sand to keep things interesting. Don't worry, though, while it climbs, the surface is usually pretty decent. This epic stretch of road runs for 98km (61 miles) from the Salar de Pocitos to Chorrillos, carving its way through the rugged northwest of the country. And the views? Let's just say Nevado Queva to the west will blow your mind. Seriously, pack your camera!