RP13 - Mendoza to Uspallata | Tourist Attraction

April 20th, 2022 by swissoverlander.ch

We did the RP 13 with our lifted VW T5 4x4. If you drive the 'proper' RP 13 which goes around the mountain, you're ok to drive it with a 4x4 car when it's dry. Don't take the steep road which goes straight up the hill. The road gets narrow sometimes so better don't go with a big rig. it was quiet an experience 😀.

March 1st, 2019 by Adriaan&Isabelle

I (inexperienced, but cautious driver) did it in our overweight (4000 kg) Land Cruiser 100 (with extra clearance and all-terrain tires) in two dry, sunny days. I let the tires down to 75% of their normal pressure and took things slowly (we averaged 10 kph from Mendoza to the Laguna Cangrejos (where we stayed two nights)).

Getting started had a hiccup: Open Street Map was wrong on where to turn off the garbage dump road. Just follow the dry river bed until you see a spot to cross it towards the mountains at the horizon and satnav will pick up after that.

You will need a 4x4 with decent clearance (see picture). Some spots will twist your axles, after passing the top one needs to be careful of small landslides that could take a top-heavy car to its tipping point.

I imagine that this in some places pretty narrow road is not suitable for big rigs. Like others, during the 36 hours we spent here, we only met dirt bikes, quads and horse back riders, no other 4x4s.

The (desert) landscape is stunningly beautiful. Recommended for anyone wanting to get out of their comfort zone.

March 12th, 2018 by overlandcruiser

It is doable with a good 4wd. In our 3,5 ton weighing LandCruiser camper it is a bit of a challenge now and then, but going slowly mostly in first and second low gear we made it. I agree you need to have some experience in heavy offroading. This all applies to the ‘Mendoza-half’ of the road. I wouldn’t attempt this part when wet. The Uspallata part is easy. Could be almost done with a normal car. We fully enjoyed the trip, it’s adventurous and the landscape is stunning.

January 11th, 2017 by barbyi

I agree with sayd below. Did it in 2003 4runner, nkt imposible to do in the car but pick a nice sunny day. I recommend starting from Mendoza, that way it starts at worst (local dump) and only gets bette, view as well as road conditions. And going uphill is less scary then going down, you need a 4x4 with good clearance.
Conditions probably change after every storm or after winnter, I recommend to check before you go.
But it great adventure! And no tolls ;)

December 31st, 2016 by aufumwegen.ch

Wow! If you happen to travel with a lightweight enduro bike and are looking for some challenge after long and boring stretches on the 40, do take this route.
We did it with 2 fully loaded drz400s and had a good workout (Mendoza > Uspallata).
Even better if you can leave the luggage behind and go for a day trip of pure fun. There are many more tracks to explore once you reached the top.
I personally would not attempt this road with a car. We only met other enduro riders along the way and it was on a weekend. I bet during the week it's pretty much deserted, so don't attempt it alone...

May 19th, 2016 by chris

Beautiful road with two 3000m passes and some amazing remote-feeling landscapes. 4x4 and an experienced driver needed for Mendoza end, as it is pretty rough. Further details are in the wild camp review at the Mendoza end of this awesome adventurous road