If you’re visiting Argentina and exploring the northwest province of Catamarca, driving or riding up the Cuesta del Portezuelo is an absolute must.
It is a truly extraordinary journey winding through the mountains, suitable to enjoy by car, motorbike, or road bike. Beyond its breathtaking panoramic vistas and dramatic switchbacks, this pass holds a special place in Argentine culture: it inspired one of our most beloved folk songs, “Paisaje de Catamarca” (which opens with the famous line, “Desde la Cuesta del Portezuelo…”).
Listen to the folk song here: https://youtu.be/3fgZvBQVQdw?si=Q2Q_tCtI3ZWrfyuF
Along the road, several scenic viewpoints and roadside stops (miradores) offer the perfect opportunity to pull over, brew some traditional mate, and soak in the silence and immense landscape.
During my visit, I was lucky enough to witness Andean condors soaring close to the peaks and even managed to capture one in flight with my camera.
Google Maps location: Google Maps
Have you explored scenic passes like this in South America? What is your favorite mountain route for wildlife spotting?
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¡Me encantó leer esto! Los paisajes, la historia detrás de la Cuesta del Portezuelo y, especialmente, el encuentro con los cóndores hacen que este lugar se sienta como mucho más que una simple ruta escénica.
¡Y ese encuentro con los cóndores merece un poco más de protagonismo! Suena como uno de esos momentos que uno no se olvida.
¡Excelente trabajo compartiendo este rincón de Argentina!
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It was really interesting to read about and imagine that mountain road. I especially liked that you shared the song too
To be honest, whenever I used to picture traveling to other countries, I mostly thought about places on my own continent. But after reading your article, I suddenly remembered that when I was in school, I dreamed of seeing South America…
Fotonya keren semuanya @pantonetti , sukses terus ya 
Oooouuu…Thanks very very much
Baik sama-sama @pantonetti , terima kasih kembali ya
Thank you, Maximiliano. Yes, honestly, being able to watch the condors and photograph them has become an obsession. It’s a true gift that the Andes mountain range gives us all along Argentina, as well as in certain spots in the Sierras de Córdoba. Enjoying the silence, the breeze or the wind, and the landscapes offered by these mountain slopes helps build the patience needed to photograph this majestic bird.
Hi @Khatira_SM thanks for your Word. South America is majestic and magical… I recommend a documentary that truly fills the eyes and the soul. It’s called Magical Andes… I’ll leave the link right here.
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Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ll definitely make some time to watch it when I can.
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