
Where is the SC-390 road?
Brazil, south-america
100 km
1,465 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the southeast of Santa Catarina, Brazil, on SC-390 (aka Rodovia Daniel Brüning), and it's like you've entered a postcard. This isn't just any road; it's a wild 12.87km (8 miles) of paved switchbacks clinging to the Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain range, hitting a peak elevation of 1,465m (4,806ft).
Built way back in 1903, this road throws you into a world of hairpin turns – we're talking 250 of them! The average gradient is a steep 9.2% as you descend from nearly 4,800 feet to sea level in just eight miles. Watch out for those crags and deep ravines!
On clear days, you can even glimpse the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 100 km (62 mi) in the distance. And the views? Lakes, waterfalls, native critters, and mind-blowing nature everywhere you look. This area is straight-up one of Brazil's most gorgeous spots. Plus, there’s usually very little traffic.
Heads up: while the road's lit by wind turbines, winter (June-August) can get super foggy. Summer's your best bet, but even then, keep an eye on the weather. The average temp hangs around 12° C due to the altitude and ocean proximity, but nearby Sao Joaquim da Serra can dip below freezing with snow in the winter!
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 100 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,465 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving 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.
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.
hardIs Planchon Pass in the Andes unpaved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: Paso del Planchón, an epic high-altitude border crossing chilling at 8,251 feet between Argentina and Chile. We're talking serious Andes vibes here! Yep, this bad boy is unpaved, so get ready for some dusty, sandy action. It's Ruta Provincial 226 on the Argentina side and J-55 once you cross into Chile. Clocking in at 121 miles long, this trek connects Las Loicas, Argentina, to Curicó, Chile. Now, here's the catch: Planchón Pass is only truly accessible from November 1 to April 30 each year. The rest of the time, Mother Nature's got it locked down. Expect scorching days and freezing nights. We're talking a summer high around 15°C and a winter plunge down to -25°C!
extremePacoorcco Pass
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Paso Pacoorcco in the Peruvian Andes is a wild ride! We're talking serious altitude here: 15,610 feet (4,758m), to be exact, nestled way up in the Moquegua Region. The road, also known as P'aqu Urqu or Carretera 104, is a gravel beast and seriously steep. Word to the wise: check the weather before you go! This area is known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards that can turn this epic drive into a white-knuckle nightmare. The climb is brutal, trust me. The air gets thin, real thin – expect to feel the altitude. You'll be pushing your limits as you grind your way to the top. But hey, you can't beat the scenery here, its remoteness, or the bragging rights. Just remember to take it slow and steady!