Ruta Provincial 13

Ruta Provincial 13 is one of the most spectacular tracks in the world. Located in the Andes, in the Argentinian Mendoza Province, the track is very scenic, climbing up several mountain passes and dry rivers.

Ruta Provincial 13

The track is 86.2 km long. It links Mendoza, the capital of Mendoza Province, at an elevation of 888m above the sea level, and Uspallata a village near the Chilean border at an elevation of 1.898m above the sea level. The surface of the road is gravel. Open to all motorized vehicles, however, strongly recommended for high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles. The road is very rough--only try driving it in a 2wd car, if you're planning to buy a new car.
If you dare to take the risk and travel along this dusty and bumpy route, then make sure to be driven by someone who has experience of the road. The road is also known as Camino Las Lajas or The Route of the Telegrapher. This is an old road that used to connect Mendoza with Chile many years ago. The road is said to have 365 turns. The highest point of the road is at 3.110m above the sea level, at Cuesta de Bonilla pass. With such a high summit altitude the road can be closed anytime due to snowfalls. The zone is prone to heavy mist and can be dangerous in low visibility conditions. 
The surface of the road is in very bad conditions and very narrow and steep. Never travel this road alone. GPS is essential. This trail passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. Expect 3-4 hours driving. Do not travel this road in severe weather conditions. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls and landslides can occur anytime, being extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice.

 

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