Cuesta del Portezuelo
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Cuesta del Portezuelo

4.7
·326 reviews·, Argentina

An iconic 20km winding road with over 300 curves, offering breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems in Catamarca.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Spectacular sunset views

CrowdMedium
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Cuesta del Portezuelo

Cuesta del Portezuelo

Best Time

Late afternoon

Spectacular sunset views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic 20km winding road with over 300 curves, offering breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems in Catamarca.

4.7
(326 reviews)

"The Cuesta del Portezuelo is a masterpiece of road engineering with spectacular views and a fun, surprising trail."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive with Caution

Over 300 curves in 20km! Take it slow and enjoy the scenery. 🚗

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The views at sunset are legendary. Plan your timing to be at the top. :sunriseovermountains:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 326 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 300 Curves

The 300 Curves

The entire 20km stretch

An epic, winding road with over 300 curves, offering a thrilling drive or ride with breathtaking views.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Summit viewpoints

Witness unforgettable sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Catamarca landscape.

Zamba Monument

Zamba Monument

Summit

A monument honoring the famous zamba 'Landscape of Catamarca,' inspired by this iconic route.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Curves

The Cuesta del Portezuelo is a challenging 20km road with over 300 curves. While paved, it requires careful driving or cycling. Check road conditions, especially after rain, as closures can occur. Plan your visit around limited access hours if relying on public transport or specific accommodations.

Timing is Everything

This winding mountain road offers spectacular views, particularly at sunset. However, access can be restricted to specific hours, so confirm current schedules before you go. The road's beauty is amplified by its changing vegetation, making it a year-round marvel.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Spectacular sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La Cuesta del Portezuelo, Catamarca 🌄 🔥 +300 curvas en 20km aprox 🛣️ Carretera sinuosa en excelente estado... pero ¡un reto épico! 🚴‍♂️ Desafío soñado para ciclistas valientes #argentina #catamarca #cuestadelportezuelo
nomedicencarlos
12 likes • 642 views

🚗 Drive with Caution

Over 300 curves in 20km! Take it slow and enjoy the scenery. 🚗 Instagram

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The views at sunset are legendary. Plan your timing to be at the top. :sunriseovermountains: Instagram

⚠️ Debido al cierre de la Cuesta del Portezuelo, la Hostería El Portezuelo anunció que permanecerá cerrada hasta nuevo aviso. Si bien se habilitará un paso parcial, el tránsito solo estará permitido en dos franjas horarias: de 6:00 a 8:00 y de 18:00 a 20:00 horas, lo que dificulta el acceso completo al lugar. Desde la administración del establecimiento expresaron su deseo de reabrir pronto y pidi...
diarioinforama
299 likes • 22K views
Bienvenidos a la tierra del amor y la simpatía!🦅😀 Nos pone felices recibirlos en nuestra ” Hosteria Cuesta El Portezuelo ”
turismo.cultura.deportevv
462 likes • 16.5K views

Check Access Hours

Road access can be limited to specific hours. Confirm before you go! :clock1: Instagram

Cycle Challenge

A dream challenge for brave cyclists with an asphalted, well-maintained route. :cyclist: Instagram

Cuesta del Portezuelo, Catamarca 🇦🇷 Inmortalizada en la zamba "Paisaje de Catamarca" ( registrada en letra y música el 2 de noviembre de 1950, por Rodolfo Lauro María Giménez, a quien todos llamaban cariñosamente “Polo”), queda a tan solo unos pocos kilómetros de la ciudad capital (San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca). Esta exquisita cuesta, nos regala una vista impresionante de la ciudad, sus ...
elnegritomeder
3.1K likes • 68.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive with Caution

Over 300 curves in 20km! Take it slow and enjoy the scenery. 🚗 Instagram

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The views at sunset are legendary. Plan your timing to be at the top. :sunriseovermountains: Instagram

Check Access Hours

Road access can be limited to specific hours. Confirm before you go! :clock1: Instagram

Cycle Challenge

A dream challenge for brave cyclists with an asphalted, well-maintained route. :cyclist: Instagram

Stop at Viewpoints

Numerous viewpoints offer perfect spots for photos and rest. 📷 Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(326 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Cuesta del Portezuelo's breathtaking views and the exhilarating experience of navigating its 300+ curves. The road's engineering marvel and the diverse, changing landscapes are consistently praised, making it a highlight for adventurers and photographers alike. Some note potential access restrictions and the challenging nature of the climb.

"Bella"

analia vilma bazan

"We climbed the entire summit, covered in ice in the trees, and it was perfect. Beautiful in every way, with fantastic views and a fun and surprising trail. It's worth the climb!

I recommend going all the way to the Hammock at the End of the World hotel and back. It's a great place to stop, take photos, and rest for a while if you're coming back from long trips."

Ignacio Citta

"The view from the top is breathtaking! The climb is challenging. The stay there was very beautiful."

Karina Alejandra Daruich

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views
Thrilling 300+ curves
Diverse changing landscapes

What People Dislike

Limited access hours
Challenging climb

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cuesta del Portezuelo is located in the Valle Viejo department, about 18 km from San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca. You can drive or cycle up the winding road. The journey takes approximately 20 km from the base to the summit. Instagram+1

Access can be restricted to specific hours, and the Hostería El Portezuelo may be closed. It's best to check current access regulations and transport options before your visit. Instagram

The road is paved and generally in excellent condition, making it suitable for cars and bicycles. However, always be aware of potential weather-related closures. Instagram+1

The ascent covers about 20 km and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views. Instagram+1

Yes, it's a popular and challenging route for cyclists, with over 300 curves and significant elevation gain. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific entrance fee mentioned for accessing the Cuesta del Portezuelo road itself. However, any accommodations or services along the route may have their own charges. Reddit

Access to the Cuesta del Portezuelo can be restricted to specific time slots, such as 6:00-8:00 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM. It's crucial to verify current hours before visiting. Instagram

Advance booking is generally not required for the road itself. However, if you plan to stay at the Hostería El Portezuelo, it's advisable to check their booking policy. Instagram

Access can be limited to specific hours, and the road may be closed due to weather conditions. Always check for any advisories before your trip. Instagram

While the road is generally accessible, it's wise to check for any temporary closures due to maintenance or weather. The landscape offers beauty throughout the year. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Every curve offers a new perspective! The summit viewpoints provide panoramic vistas, and the changing vegetation offers diverse photographic opportunities. Don't miss the Zamba monument. InstagramReddit

Late afternoon for golden hour and stunning sunsets is highly recommended. Early mornings can offer clear skies and fewer people. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the mountains. A tripod is helpful for sunset shots. :camerawithflash: Instagram

The winding road itself, the panoramic views of the valleys, the diverse flora, and the Zamba monument are all iconic photo subjects. InstagramReddit

Drone regulations vary by region. It's advisable to check local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone for aerial photography. Instagram

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