Why was BR-163 highway famous?
Brazil, south-america
1,732 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: BR-163, a wild ride slicing right through the Amazon Basin! This Brazilian beauty stretches for a whopping 1,732km (1,076 miles) from Cuiabá, the vibrant capital of Mato Grosso, all the way to Santarém, the Amazon River's second city.
Now, BR-163 had a bit of a reputation back in the day. Think trucks swallowed by mud for days on end! We're talking up to 10 days stuck in the stuff during the rainy season (December to June). It was a dusty, desolate beast that could become totally impassable after a downpour.
But guess what? As of 2021, BR-163 got a major glow-up and is fully paved! That epic round trip has been slashed from 10 days to just 4! But here’s the thing: all those heavy trucks pounding the pavement during super-wet weather could mess things up pretty quickly. So, while it’s smoother sailing now, Mother Nature still has a say!
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 1,732 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
moderateRoad B-898
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, road trip dreamers, buckle up for Ruta Patrimonial de Taltal, also known as B-898, in northern Chile's Antofagasta Province! This isn't your average highway; it's a 30-kilometer blast of gravel road bliss linking the B900 to the city of Taltal. Picture this: you, a winding ribbon of road, and the vast South Pacific Ocean stretching out before you in all its glory. The views? Absolutely stunning. Just remember to take it slow—we're talking a chill 30 km/h—because this baby is CURVY! Get ready for some hairpin action with views that'll make it all worth it.
moderateAn awe-inspiring road to Pino Hachado Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Argentina-Chile border, smack-dab in the southern Andes, at an elevation of 6,190 feet! That's Paso Pino Hachado for you, one of the main routes through these stunning mountains. The whole road is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. You'll be following RN-22 on the Argentinian side and 181-CH when you hit Chile. We're talking about a 43-mile stretch from Llancacura, Chile, to Las Lajas, Argentina. Just a heads up, this pass is usually open from December to May. Oh, and remember to factor in time for customs and immigration on both sides of the border! The scenery is absolutely worth it.
extremeHow to drive the perilous Abra Fundicion in Salta?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Fundición! This insane mountain pass in Salta, Argentina, clocks in at a dizzying 15,561 feet. Seriously, the views are killer, if you can handle the heights! You'll find this beast in the northwest, on Ruta Provincial 69 (RP69). Forget pavement, this is strictly a dirt road situation, so high clearance is a must, and 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended, especially if it's been raining. The road stretches for about 32 miles, from the tiny village of Nazareno all the way to the Jujuy Province border. And the scenery? Think vibrant, multi-colored mountains and crazy eroded rock formations. It’s like driving through a painting! But don’t get too distracted by the views! This road is seriously narrow – barely enough room for two cars to pass – and those drop-offs? Yikes! Add in unpredictable weather, altitude sickness potential, and some seriously steep climbs, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a challenging drive. Basically, no room for mistakes here, folks!
moderateVolcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drives
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Peru, specifically the province of Castilla in Arequipa, on the Carretera del Valle de los Volcanes – the Valley of Volcanoes road. Trust me, it's a must-do! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 44.3 km gravel road linking Andagua and the epic Cañon del Colca. It's a killer tourist route because you're literally surrounded by over 85 volcanic cones! The geology here is out of this world, with crazy rock formations carved by nature into all sorts of shapes. You'll be navigating deep river valleys and conquering mountain passes that top 3,000 meters. Good news is, the road's maintained well enough that even a 2WD with some clearance can handle it – just take it slow and steady. And the views? Forget about it! Photo ops galore, so make sure your camera's charged and ready. If you're hunting for raw, untouched natural beauty, this is your spot. It's remote, feels like you're the only one there, and that's what makes it so special. Seriously, the Valley of Volcanoes is a trip you won't forget.