Cuesta de Miranda, Mountain pass in La Rioja Province, Argentina.
Cuesta de Miranda is a mountain pass in the Famatina range where a narrow road winds through red rock walls. The route climbs to an elevation of 2,040 meters (6,700 feet) at Bordo Atravesado Pass, featuring numerous curves that follow the contours of the terrain.
The pass received its name from Captain Juan de Miranda, who controlled the region during the Calchaquí wars around 1667. The route traces ancient pathways that were used for centuries by different groups for trade and transport.
The passage serves as a vital connection between two towns and is used by travelers crossing between valleys. Locals view this route as a lifeline for their region, enabling commerce and exchange between communities.
The pass is a demanding drive with numerous curves that requires full driver attention and careful navigation. Visitors should plan to travel early in the day to drive in daylight and experience the changing views along the route.
The red coloring of the rock walls comes from high concentrations of iron oxide, shaped by geological processes over 500 million years. This mineral composition makes the landscape a visible window into the deep geological history of the region.
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