
Where is the Puente Mal Paso located?
Argentina, south-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! You absolutely HAVE to check out Puente Mal Paso in Salta, Argentina. This historic bridge is like a portal to the past, guarding the entrance to the legendary RP33 – your gateway to the stunning Cuesta del Obispo and the Calchaquí Valleys.
Picture this: you're cruising along RP33, and suddenly, BAM! This incredible bridge pops into view, nestled in a deep gorge carved out of vibrant red rock. While the modern highway now sweeps alongside it, the original Puente Mal Paso stands proud, a testament to a bygone era.
"Mal Paso" translates to "Bad Pass," and let me tell you, back in the day of horse-drawn carriages, this place lived up to its name! Treacherous river crossings and steep slopes made it a real obstacle for travelers.
These days, you won't actually drive *over* the old bridge; the new road is right next door. But trust me, you'll want to pull over for a photo. The contrast of the weathered bridge against the fiery red mountains is seriously Instagrammable.
Heads up: even with the modern road, the drive through the gorge can be a bit of an adventure. It's paved, but narrow, with towering cliffs on one side and the Escoipe River on the other. And if you're traveling during the summer months (December to March), keep an eye out for flash floods – just in case the "Mal Paso" wants to remind you of its reputation!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is Pasamayo Serpentine?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Pasamayo Serpentín, a coastal road in Peru's Lima Province that's not for the faint of heart! This notorious stretch of highway winds between the districts of Aucallama and Ancón, hugging the cliffs between Huaral and Lima. Locals call it "Curva del Diablo," or the Devil's Curve, and trust me, it's earned the name. Imagine driving 22.6 km (14 miles) with zero safety fences, just a sheer drop of over 100 meters straight into the Pacific. Oh, and did I mention the dense fog that rolls in, especially between April and December, mixing with the constant humidity to create super-slippery conditions? Add in winds whipping sand across the pavement, and you've got a recipe for pure adrenaline! Originally carved out in 1940 from an old railway line dating back to the 1870s, this paved road (part of Carretera Nacional 001B) was meant for heavy vehicles. A new road, Ruta nacional PE-1, now bypasses it, but heavy traffic still braves the original route. The scenery is stunning – you're wedged between the ocean and the mountains – but keep your eyes on the road! Sadly, Pasamayo has a reputation for fatalities. It's especially treacherous at night, with low visibility, high humidity and slippery asphalt as it follows 52 endless turns. It's so infamous that it inspired a song, "Pasamayo Maldito," by the Peruvian rock group Nosequien y Los Nosecuantos. Definitely a road to approach with respect and caution!
hardCuesta de Bonilla
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Cuesta de Bonilla, nestled high in the Argentinian Andes (Mendoza Province, to be exact), is a seriously epic mountain pass. We're talking a lung-busting 3,110 meters (10,203 feet) above sea level! The road to the top, part of the Camino Minero Veladero, is a beast. Think gravel, think rocks, think you definitely want a 4x4. It's super steep and legend says it has 365 turns – one for every day of the year! Heads up: this road isn't always open. With that kind of altitude, snow can shut it down at any time. Plus, the area is notorious for heavy mist, so visibility can be a real issue. But if you catch it on a clear day? The views are absolutely breathtaking.
moderateUnduavi Tunnel
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Tunel de Unduavi! This beast of a tunnel sits way up high in the Bolivian Andes, at a lung-busting 11,161 feet. You'll find it in the La Paz Department, smack-dab in the Cordillera Real. Seriously, this is one of the highest tunnels on the planet! It's not super long—only about 280 meters—but it's unlit, so get ready for a brief dive into darkness. You'll find it right on Ruta 3, and the good news is, the road is paved. The not-so-good news? Be prepared to share the road with plenty of big rigs. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardIs Ruta Provincial A unpaved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina (basically the end of the world!), you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial A. Now, heads up – it's an unpaved road, but don't let that scare you. It's usually in decent shape, but for maximum comfort (and minimizing potential "uh-oh" moments), I'd suggest snagging a 4x4. Be prepared for some tight squeezes, too. Seriously, this is REMOTE. We're talking southeastern Argentina, wayyyy off the tourist trail. Pack everything you need to be totally self-sufficient. If your dream is to get lost in the wild, this is your road. The payoff? Jaw-dropping scenery and a chance to spot some HUGE marine animals in their natural habitat! Just remember, this is Patagonia. The weather can change on a dime, and the wind… whoa, the wind! The road stretches for a good distance, but there's usually a barrier blocking the last bit, but it is still worth it! Prepare to cross the incredible Rio Electrico bridge along the way! Get ready for a road trip to Abra del Lizoite you won't soon forget.