Cuesta de Zapata
Cuesta de Zapata is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.907m (6,256ft) above the sea level, located in Belén department of Catamarca Province in Argentina. It’s, undoubtedly, one of the world’s most dangerous roads.
The road to the summit is the deserted old Ruta 40 from Belen to Tinogasta. The route has humbled many egos. Drivers must remain cautious as the journey has been known to claim the lives of careless drivers. One mistake and it's a free fall to your death. The road includes cross markings on many of the spots where vehicles have fallen. Be prepared, this road is not for the faint of heart or ill prepared. The road was bypassed by the RN40 but it’s till doable. It’s closed to motor vehicles but locals still use it.
The road is a shortcut from Tinogasta on Route 60 to go about 40km to Route 40. The surface is gravel and rocky, with loose rocks. The road is very narrow with dangerous dropoffs. With drops that appear to be hundreds, if not a thousand feet to the side, experienced drivers are the only ones who should attempt this route. You might want to take this into consideration if you have passengers that don't like heights. Expect landslides and rocks falling onto the roads when it gets wet and stormy. The drive will take some skill, some patience, and some tolerance for vertigo. It's very intense because there are no guard rails at the edge and there is little room for error if oncoming traffic swerves in your direction.
Pic: Martin Zidek