🇪🇨Roads in Ecuador
30 roads found in Ecuador, South America
hardA Wild Unpaved Road to Pico de las Antenas
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Pico de las Antenas is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4,350 m (14,271 ft) above sea level, located in Ecuador. It’s one of the highest roads in the country. The peak is called Pico de las Antenas (“Antenas Peak”) due to an array of telecommunication antennas and towers at the summit, commonly known as Papallacta Antennas. The peak is located east of Quito, on the boundary of Pichincha and Napo Provinces, in the north-central part of the country, within the Parque Nacional Cayambe Coca. The road to the summit is totally unpaved and challenging, with big rocks, sharp turns, steep parts, and narrow sections. A 4x4 vehicle is required. If you go, be prepared for very high elevation conditions. Set high in the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras, the road to the summit is 3.5 km (2.17 miles) long starting from La Virgen Pass. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 276 m and the average gradient is 7.88%.Pic: Jesus Ramos Martin Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardA memorable road trip to Alto de Pasa
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just found another killer Andean climb for your bucket list: Alto de Pasa in Ecuador’s Tungurahua province! We're talking seriously high altitude here, topping out at 4,123 meters (that's over 13,500 feet!). This isn't your Sunday drive. The 8.5-kilometer (5.28-mile) route from Tiliví is a completely unpaved, super steep climb. I'm talking gradients hitting 11% in places! If it's been raining, expect mud...lots of it. The payoff? Incredible central Andean valley views and you'll end up at the pristine Embalse Chiquiurco, a high-altitude reservoir. Get ready for an unforgettable trek, people!
hardA memorable road trip to Refugio Chiles
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the Carchi province of Ecuador, nestled high in the Cordillera Occidental de los Andes, you'll find the abandoned Refugio Chiles (Ángel Cerón) at a whopping 4,142m (13,589ft) altitude. Getting there is an adventure in itself! Forget smooth asphalt; this is a bumpy, unpaved gravel road, carved and shaped by rain. Expect dust clouds in dry weather and mud baths when it's wet. A 4WD with high clearance is a MUST. Seriously, make sure your rig is in tip-top shape, because the altitude will definitely make it work for its supper. Oh, and keep an eye out for the tall antenna up there. This remote road hugs the southern slopes of the Chiles volcano, right on the border of Colombia and Ecuador, so fuel up before you go. Weather can be a real factor here—expect fog, rain, cold, and mist. It's exposed and pretty steep, gaining 64 meters over its 628-meter length. That's an average gradient of 10.66%! Before you head out, check with locals about safety in this isolated region. The scenery, if you catch it between the clouds, is absolutely stunning.
moderateAbra El Arenal: an epic road on a lunar landscape
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra El Arenal, a sky-high pass straddling Guaranda and San Juan in Ecuador's Chimborazo Province! We're talking seriously high – 4,407 meters (14,458 feet) above sea level, making it one of the country's loftiest routes. Snuggled within the Cordillera Occidental range of the Andes and the Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo, this 32.5 km (20.19 mile) beauty is paved the whole way. Picture this: you're cruising from Route E491 to Ruta E492, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, it’s your gateway to tackling Chimborazo, Ecuador's colossal, active volcano! Just a heads-up: winter brings snow, which can make things a little slick. But hey, a little challenge never hurt anyone, right? Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
moderateAbra de Zamora: enjoy a road among the clouds
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, Ecuador road trippers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Abra de Zamora, a sky-high mountain pass straddling the Zamora-Chinchipe and Loja provinces in southern Ecuador. We're talking about a dizzying 2,802 meters (that's 9,192 feet!) above sea level. The good news? The entire Ruta Panamericana (E45 and E50) route is paved and in great shape. This scenic stretch is nearly 60 kilometers (37 miles) long, winding from Loja in the west to Zamora in the east. Be prepared for some serious climbing! The ascent from Loja alone stretches over 14 kilometers, with a 757-meter gain in altitude. That's an average gradient of over 5% – get ready for those views, though! Keep in mind that the Troncal Amazonica is the easternmost main road in Ecuador, so be prepared for some remote, unforgettable scenery! This drive truly is one for the books!
hardCan you drive to Refugio José Rivas?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Refugio José Rivas is a high mountain refuge on Cotopaxi volcano, at an elevation of 4,639m (15,219ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Pichincha and Cotopaxi provinces of Ecuador. It's one of the highest roads in the country Can you drive to Refugio José Rivas? Located about 50 km (31 mi) south of Quito, in the Andes Mountains, the road to the hut, locally known as Refugio Cotopaxi, is totally unpaved. It’s called Subida Parqueadero Refugio Cotopaxi. It’s a bumpy gravel road that has been eroded by rainstorms. It’s dusty in dry weather and muddy in wet. The road ends in the parking lot for the refuge. Is the road to Refugio José Rivas worth it? Set high on the northern flanks of Volcán Cotopaxi, the second-highest volcano in Ecuador, within Cotopaxi National Park, the refuge has a capacity for 86 people. It was built in 1971 and extended in 2005. It is owned and operated by Grupo Ascensionismo del Colegio San Gabriel. On a sunny day, you’ll get magnificent views of the peak and its famous conical shape. The hut used to be an overnight destination for mountaineering teams acclimatizing before making an ascent on the peak. Since 1738, records show Cotopaxi has exploded more than 50 times. It’s said to be the highest active volcano in the world. Be prepared for high-altitude sickness. Is the road to Refugio José Rivas difficult? The drive is not for the faint of heart. Weather conditions can pose a problem with bad weather conditions, wind, and thunderstorms. Make sure the gas tank is full. You’ll need a 4WD high-clearance vehicle. Your vehicle needs to be in good shape and prepared for a lag in power. At this altitude, the thin atmosphere can affect the car’s engine and decrease acceleration or climbing power. Is the road to Refugio José Rivas steep? The remote and exposed road to the refuge is very steep, hitting a 14% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at Ovejería, the ascent is 8.2 km (5.09 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 763 meters. The average gradient is 9.30%. Papallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardDriving the paved road to Laguna Quilotoa
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You HAVE to experience the road to Quilotoa Lake in the Ecuadorian Andes. We're talking serious altitude here – 12,841 feet above sea level! The road's paved, which is a plus, but get ready for some seriously steep climbs. You'll find it snaking through Cotopaxi Province. Word to the wise: pack layers! The weather up there is a total drama queen. One minute it's sunny and warm, the next it's cloudy and freezing. And those nights? Brrr! Let me tell you, getting to Corazon Volcano is no walk in the park. Prepare for an exciting ride!
moderateDriving the road to Corazon Volcano is not a piece of cake
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Pichincha province of Ecuador, just southwest of Quito, lies Volcan Corazon, an old, snoozing volcano begging to be explored. Forget paved paradise, because you're gonna tackle a gnarly gravel road that winds its way up, up, up to a breathtaking 4,306 meters (that's a staggering 14,127 feet!). Seriously, this is one of Ecuador's highest roads! Forget your fancy sports car; you'll need a 4x4 with some serious clearance for this slow-and-steady climb through the western Andes. Keep an eye on the sky, because those Andean weather patterns are wild! The rainy season often transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, but be prepared for anything – and pack warm clothes! Your starting point? The charming town of Machachi. Get ready for views that'll steal your breath (and maybe test your car's limits)!
moderateDriving the wild road to Refugio Volcán Guagua Pichincha
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Ecuadorian Andes, just a stone's throw (8km!) from Quito, awaits the Refugio Volcán Guagua Pichincha. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rugged, unpaved, 14 km (8.69 miles) climb to a staggering 4,557m (14,950ft) above sea level! Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4 (high clearance a MUST!), and a winding dirt track that's seen its share of rainstorms. Think dusty in the dry season, muddy when it's wet. This road throws a 10.95% average grade at you, gaining 1.534 meters in elevation — seriously steep! You're heading to the slopes of the active Pichincha Volcano, so fill up that gas tank, because power lag is real at this altitude! The refuge itself is a cozy spot with basic bunks, but the real reward? A 40-minute hike to the volcano's summit. Keep an eye on the weather, though, conditions up here can change in a heartbeat. Trust me, this road trip is an unforgettable experience.
hardHow to drive the steep 4x4 road to Alto de Salinas in Ecuador?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alto de Salinas in central Ecuador is not just a road—it’s an Andean adventure reaching a dizzying 4,344m (14,251ft)! Forget the tourist traps; this is a raw, unfiltered dive into the heart of Bolívar province. This high-altitude lifeline links Salinas de Guaranda (aka Salinas de Tomabela), a village famed for its salt, to the even higher alpine plateaus. Think windswept grasslands and an ever-present, mysterious mist—a taste of the wild Ecuadorian paramo. Ditch the Pan-American Highway for a real glimpse into the volcanic soul of the Andes. This isn't your Sunday drive. From Salinas de Guaranda heading east towards Route 491, it’s 16.6 km (10.31 miles) of pure off-road grit. We’re talking loose gravel, dirt, and some seriously steep sections—some ramps clock in at an intense 18% grade! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential to conquer this beast. The weather here has a mind of its own. Even when it's supposedly dry season, expect fog, rain, and mist. Temperatures plummet as you climb above 4,300 meters, often flirting with freezing. The combination of altitude, insane inclines, and poor visibility makes this one of the toughest drives around. Be prepared for anything—heavy rains can turn this track into a slippery, muddy mess in minutes!
hardHow to get by car to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a road for you: Cerro Atacazo in Ecuador's Pichincha province. This stratovolcano clocks in at a whopping 4,155m (13,631ft), making this one of the highest drives in the country. Find it southwest of Quito, smack-dab in the north-central part of Ecuador. Trust me, the views of the city from up here are worth the climb, especially with all those cool antennas at the summit. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is entirely unpaved – think bumpy gravel, eroded by epic rainstorms. It's dusty when dry, a muddy mess when wet. This is a tough, remote mountain road, and the altitude will test you. So, bring your trusty 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape because you *will* notice the power lag up here. The climb to those antennas is *steep*. We're talking 9.5km (5.9 miles) from Guamani, gaining 943m in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 10%! Get ready for an unforgettable experience.
hardIs the road to Alto de Salinas difficult to drive?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alto de Salinas is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,344m (14,251ft) above sea level, located in the Bolívar province of central Ecuador. Ranking as one of the highest roads in the country , it offers a dramatic ascent into the heart of the Andean paramo. The road is a vital high-altitude corridor that connects the unique community of (also known as Salinas de Tomabela) with the higher alpine plateaus. This region is famous for its high-altitude grasslands and unpredictable weather, where the landscape is often shrouded in thick mist. Driving this route provides a raw look at the volcanic terrain of the Andes, far from the typical tourist paths of the Pan-American Highway. Road facts: Alto de Salinas Bolívar Province, Ecuador 16.6 km (10.31 miles) Is the road to Alto de Salinas difficult to drive? The journey to the summit is a true 16.6 km (10.31 miles) , the road runs west-east from the famous salt-producing village of Salinas de Guaranda towards the 491 Road. The track is and consists of loose gravel and dirt. It is a notoriously steep drive, with some ramps hitting a staggering . Due to the high altitude and the technical nature of the climb, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended to ensure enough traction and power on the steepest sections. What are the weather conditions like at Alto de Salinas? Tucked away in the high Andes, the weather at Alto de Salinas is notoriously unstable. Drivers should expect foggy, rainy, and misty conditions even during the dry season. The temperature drops significantly as you approach the 4,300-meter mark, often hovering near freezing levels. The combination of high altitude, steep inclines, and low visibility makes this one of the most demanding drives in central Ecuador. Travelers are advised to be well-prepared for the "paramo" climate and to check local conditions, as heavy rains can quickly turn the unpaved surface into a muddy and slippery track. Pic: Daniel Alejandro Arroyo Discover Ecuador's 748-Kilometer Ruta Spondylus A memorable road trip to Refugio Chiles Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardLaguna Llaviucu
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, picture this: you're in the Andes Mountains of southern Ecuador, heading to Laguna Llaviucu. This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks! We're talking a high-altitude lake sitting pretty at 10,393 feet! The road to get there? Well, let's just say it's an adventure. Think gravel, rocks, and grass all rolled into one bumpy ride. Seriously, this baby's narrow! Forget about passing another car – you'll be playing a game of who can squeeze by best. And if it's been raining? Hoo boy, hold on tight. Mud and slick surfaces become your new best friends. Oh, and don't forget the classic Andean weather cocktail: fog, rain, cold, and mist. Afternoon showers are pretty much a daily thing here in Cajas National Park, so pack accordingly! But hey, the scenery? Absolutely worth it. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
hardLaguna de Cuicocha
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Laguna de Cuicocha, a stunning crater lake nestled high in the Ecuadorian Andes at a whopping 10,278 feet! The road, known as Vía Cotacachi - Quiroga – Cuicocha, is paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck. It’s a climb, no doubt about it, but the pavement is in great shape. Trust me, you'll want to take your time anyway to soak in the incredible views. Lake Cuicocha itself? Absolutely mind-blowing! Imagine a massive caldera lake, formed inside an old collapsed volcano. And get this: there's an island in the middle that seriously resembles a giant guinea pig! The lake is a beast, nearly two miles wide and over 650 feet deep, with two mounded islands that popped up from more recent eruptions. You might even spot some gas bubbling up in spots – a reminder that this volcano is still kicking!
hardMirador Via Principal
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Ecuadorian Andes, heading towards a spot called Mirador Via Principal Parque Nacional Cajas. This isn't your average scenic overlook – we're talking a staggering 3,807 meters (12,490 feet) above sea level! You'll be on the Vía Colectora Cuenca-Puerto Inca (E582), which connects Guayaquil with Cuenca. The road itself is concrete and in decent condition, but get ready for a climb! It's seriously steep with plenty of hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Keep in mind, the weather here is no joke. Fog, rain, and mist are common, and it can get pretty chilly. The afternoons especially tend to get rainy in Cajas, so plan accordingly. But trust me, if you catch it on a clear day, the views are totally worth it!
easyPapallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alright, wanderlusters, listen up! If you're cruising around Ecuador's Napo Province, you HAVE to check out Papallacta. This isn't your average pit stop – it's the highest town in the whole country, perched way up at 3,300m (that's over 10,800 feet!). Seriously, you can practically touch the sky. Word on the street is "Papallacta" means "Land of Potatoes" – fitting, right? But the real draw is the ridiculously awesome hot springs. Think steamy, soothing goodness surrounded by mountain views. It's the perfect day trip escape, especially if you're coming from Quito. Getting there is a breeze on the fully paved E20 highway. This 76.7 km (47.65 mile) stretch winds its way from Pifo to Baeza, slicing right through the Andes. Heads up: you'll be climbing! The road takes you up to a breathtaking peak of over 4,000m (we're talking serious views of mountains and glaciers), after you pass through cute towns and tiny villages. You're basically driving from Quito, on the edge of the Amazon jungle, straight into postcard-perfect scenery. Get your camera ready!
hardPasochoa Volcano
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: the road to Volcan Pasochoa, an old volcano nestled in the stunning Ecuadorian Andes. We're talking about reaching a whopping 3,234 meters (that's over 10,600 feet!) above sea level. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is a mix of cobblestones and rough dirt, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. It's definitely a trail for experienced off-roaders, so if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, maybe sit this one out. A 4x4 is an absolute must! Also, if heights aren't your thing, be warned: this climb is steep. Keep an eye on the weather too, because thunderstorms can quickly turn this road into a four-wheel-drive-only zone or even make it impassable. Once you reach the top, you'll find a collection of antennas, but the real reward is the panoramic views you'll never forget.
moderateRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Milagrosa Waterfall
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna chase a miraculous waterfall high in the Ecuadorian Andes? Then you NEED to check out Cascada Milagrosa! This stunner is tucked away at a whopping 3,806 meters (that's nearly 12,500 feet!) in Napo Province, Ecuador. It's about an hour from Quito, inside the Cayambe Coca National Park, and the drive there is an adventure in itself. The road, known as Carretera Papallacta - Laguna Baños, is paved, but it's a bit of a climb, so a 4x4 is a good idea. They call it "milagrosa" (miraculous) because it's hidden in a Polylepis forest and used to be a spot for shaman rituals! Starting from Papallacta, one of the highest towns you can drive to, it's about 7.6 km (around 4.7 miles) to the checkpoint near the falls. In that short distance, you'll climb 569 meters, making for an average gradient of around 7.5%. Once you park, it's a super scenic 900-meter walk on a wide, gravel path to reach the falls themselves. Trust me, the views are worth it!
moderateThe Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Ecuadorian Andes, in the province of Chimborazo, lies Refugio Edward Whymper, a mountain hut chilling at a staggering 4,855m (15,928ft). Seriously, it's one of the highest points you can drive to in Ecuador! Perched high in the Cordillera Occidental, this refuge – also known as Carrel Brothers Refuge – is your basecamp for tackling Chimborazo, that massive stratovolcano towering at 6,263m. Fun fact: its summit is actually the furthest point from the Earth's core. Whoa! Getting to this surprisingly well-maintained mountain hut is an adventure in itself. The road is unpaved, but usually in decent shape. You'll need a 4WD with good clearance to handle the steep 7.2 km (4.47 miles). Don't underestimate the altitude – your engine will feel the burn as you climb 485 meters, averaging a 6.73% gradient. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before you go. Mist and fog can roll in quickly, so keep your eyes peeled. But the views? Absolutely epic. Just imagine the bragging rights when you make it to that parking lot!
hardThe road to Cotopaxi Refuge is not for timid drivers
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you’re itching for a high-altitude thrill ride in Ecuador, you HAVE to check out the road to Refugio José Rivas on Cotopaxi volcano! This epic spot sits at a staggering 4,639m (15,219ft), putting it way up there in the "highest roads in Ecuador" category. Located about 50 km (31 mi) south of Quito, nestled in the majestic Andes, the road to the "Refugio Cotopaxi," as the locals call it, is pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking a bumpy, gravel track that's been seriously roughed up by rain. Expect dust clouds in dry weather and a muddy slip-n-slide when it's wet. This road climbs to the parking lot for the refuge. Perched high on the northern slopes of Volcán Cotopaxi, Ecuador's second-highest volcano, inside Cotopaxi National Park, the views are absolutely unreal. On a clear day, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the volcano's iconic cone shape. This refuge sleeps 86 people, and you'll be in the shadow of an active volcano that’s erupted over 50 times since 1738! Be prepared for altitude sickness. Now, a word of warning: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The weather can be a real wildcard with wind and thunderstorms. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a 4WD with high clearance is a must. The thin air at this altitude can rob your engine of power, so make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ready for a challenge. Starting at Ovejería, the ascent is 8.2 km (5.09 miles) long with some serious inclines – we're talking gradients of up to 14% in places! Over this distance, you’ll climb 763 meters. Get ready for an unforgettable, if somewhat hair-raising, journey!
hardThe road to Loma de las Antenas isn’t an easy one
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Just west of Quito, Ecuador, lies Loma de las Antenas, a sky-high peak reaching a whopping 13,838 feet! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Think 7.27 miles of unpaved, bumpy, gravelly goodness (or badness, depending on your suspension). Rainstorms have taken their toll, so expect dust when it's dry and mud when it's wet. Word to the wise: this mountain demands respect. We're talking remote terrain, unpredictable weather, and that altitude sickness that can really knock you for a loop. Seriously, if rain's in the forecast, bail. Lightning up here is no joke. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 with some serious clearance to make it. But oh, the views! As you climb, Quito unfolds below, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. The summit itself? A forest of antennas, marking your victory. Be warned, the final stretch is STEEP, and your engine's gonna feel the thin air. Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape and get ready for some seriously breathtaking scenery... if you dare!
moderateTravel Guide to La Virgen Pass
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure awaits at La Virgen Pass, sitting pretty at a lofty 4,071 meters (13,356 feet) high in Ecuador! You might also hear it called Papallacta Pass. Find it just east of Quito, straddling the Pichincha and Napo Provinces, right in the heart of Cayambe Coca National Park. The E20 highway will take you right through, a fully paved road cutting through the Andes, just off the Eastern Cordilleras. This epic drive stretches for 85.3 km (53 miles) from Pifo to San Francisco de Borja as you head west to east. Heads up, you're on the road from Quito straight into the Amazon! At the top, that altitude is real. But the views? Absolutely unreal! Think majestic mountains and glaciers galore. Don't miss the little chapel there, known as Virgen del Paramo Papallacta. Feeling extra adventurous? A rugged, unpaved road heads north to Pico de las Antenas, peaking at 4,350 meters (14,271 feet). Buckle up for an unforgettable ride!
hardTravel guide to the top of Tres Cruces in Azuay
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk Tres Cruces in Ecuador! This high-altitude pass punches in at a whopping 4,161 meters (13,651 feet) in Azuay province. It's one of the highest drives you'll find in Ecuador! The road itself? Think smooth (mostly concrete!) pavement as you cruise along Vía Colectora Cuenca-Puerto Inca (E582), connecting bustling Guayaquil with the charming city of Cuenca. Hold on tight because this route is all about curves and serious elevation! We're talking hairpin turns galore. Be prepared for some moody weather, too – fog, rain, cold, and mist are all part of the experience. Afternoon showers are super common. Nestled in the Andes within Parque Nacional Cajas, this stretch marks the western edge of the continental divide. At the summit (Tres Cruces – "Three Crosses"), you'll find a small parking area (which can get crowded on weekends) and a lookout point. There's a monument there too, dedicated to those who passed away crossing from the port to the mountains. The three crosses were placed to commemorate the fact that many people died at that point from altitude sickness. Trust me, the views are totally worth the climb!
easyTroncal Amazonica is most easterly main road of Ecuador
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, picture this: Ecuador's eastern edge, and you're cruising down Troncal Amazónica, aka the E45, the country's ultimate Amazonian adventure! This isn't just a road; it's a 701 km (435 mile) thread weaving through Sucumbíos, Napo, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe provinces. Think serious immersion in the heart of the Amazon Basin. Starting up north at Puente Internacional San Miguel in Puerto El Carmen, right on the Colombian border, you'll head south all the way to Zamora, practically kissing the Peruvian border. It's mostly paved and heavily traveled, so you won't be totally off-grid, but the scenery? Untouched. Get ready for some serious natural beauty!
hardWhat are the highest roads of Ecuador?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Ecuador, nestled on South America's northwestern coast between Peru and Colombia, might be small, but it packs a punch! Think Colorado-sized, but with landscapes that'll blow your mind: desert coasts, Amazonian jungles, and the towering, snow-dusted Andes Mountains, all sliced right through by the Equator itself. The real adventure begins in the heart of it all—the Andes. Here, you'll find what locals call the 'Avenue of Volcanoes,' a dramatic mountain range that demands respect. The roads here aren't for the faint of heart, but the rewards are HUGE. Get ready to climb to insane altitudes and traverse some of the most breathtaking, geographically significant mountain passes on the entire continent. Trust me, this is one road trip you'll never forget!
hardWhere does the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay start and end?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Tres Cruces is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.161m (13,651ft) above sea level, located in the province of Azuay, in Ecuador. It's one of the highest roads in the country. Where does the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay start and end? Set high in the highlands of Ecuador, the road to the summit is totally paved, mostly with concrete. It’s called Vía Colectora Cuenca-Puerto Inca (E582) and links Guayaquil and Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador. How is the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay? The road is very curvy and steep, in good condition, with several hairpin turns. Expect foggy, rainy, cold and misty weather. It rains most habitually in the afternoons. Is the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay worth the drive? Tucked away in the southern Ecuador’s Andes mountains, within the Parque Nacional Cajas, this section is the most western part of the continental divide of South Americas. At the summit of Tres Cruces “Three crosses”, there is a small car park, which isn't always up to the demand, especially at weekends, leading to Mirador Tres Cruces, a high mountain overlook. At the summit there is a monument to the people who have died in the national park. Historically, people died in passage from the port of Guayaquil to the sierras. The three crosses were placed to commemorate the fact that many people died at that point from altitude sickness. The views are well worth the effort. The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge Papallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardWhere is Cerro Atacazo?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Cerro Atacazo is a stratovolcano at an elevation of 4.155m (13,631ft) above sea level located in highest roads in the country Where is Cerro Atacazo? The peak is located southwest of , in the north-central part of the country. What’s at the summit of Cerro Atacazo? , the summit is crowned with many antennas. The views of Quito are Is the road to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo unpaved? The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s a bumpy gravel road that has been eroded by rainstorms and is dusty in dry weather and muddy in wet. This is a demanding, tough road in remote mountains with uncertain weather, where altitude can cause real problems. You’ll need a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle . Your vehicle needs to be in good shape and be prepared for a lag in power. How long is the road to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo? The road to the antennas is very steep. It’s 9.5km (5.9 miles) long starting from . Over this distance, the elevation gain is 943m and the average gradient is Travel Guide to La Virgen Pass Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is La Virgen Pass?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
at an elevation of 4,071 m (13,356 ft) above sea level, located in Ecuador. Where is La Virgen Pass? The pass, also known as Pichincha and Napo Provinces , in the north-central part of the country, within the Parque Nacional Cayambe Coca Is the road through La Virgen Pass paved? The road through the pass is Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras How long is La Virgen Pass? The road through the pass is 85.3 km (53 miles) long west-east from Pifo to San Francisco de Borja Is La Virgen Pass worth it? Located on the road from Quito which leads into the , at the summit you can experience the stunning views of mountains and glaciers . The pass is home to a small chapel, known as Virgen del Paramo Papallacta . North of the pass, a defiant unpaved road climbs up to at an elevation of 4,350 m (14,271 ft) above sea level. How to get by car to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo? The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
easyWhy is Papallacta famous?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Located in the Napo Province of Ecuador, Papallacta is the highest town in the country, situated at an elevation of 3,300m (10,827ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth Why is Papallacta famous? Surrounded by mountain slopes, between the Antisana and Cayambe Volcanoes, the town is known and most visited for its hot springs. Locals say that “Papallacta” translates as “Land of Potatoes” (Tierra de Patatas). It’s a popular day trip for visitors from Quito. Is the road to Papallacta paved? The road to the town is entirely paved. It’s called E20 and crosses the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras. How long is the road to Papallacta? The road is 76.7 km (47.65 miles) long, running west-east from Pifo to Baeza. Is the road to Papallacta worth the drive? Located on the main road from Quito, which leads into the Amazon jungle, the scenic drive to Papallacta passes through several towns and small villages before ascending to a peak of over 4,000 m, from where mountains and glaciers are visible. Travel guide to the top of Tres Cruces in Azuay The road to Cotopaxi Refuge is not for timid drivers Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhy is it called Edward Whymper Refuge?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're in the Ecuadorian Andes, specifically in Chimborazo province, you HAVE to check out the road to Refugio Edward Whymper. This high-mountain hut, perched at a staggering 4,855 meters (15,928 feet), is named after Edward Whymper, the first guy to climb Chimborazo back in 1880. The road itself? It's a 7.2 km (4.47 miles) unpaved climb to the parking lot near the hut. Expect a steep ascent with an average gradient of 6.73%, gaining 485 meters in elevation. You'll definitely want a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle in good condition — the altitude will sap your power. The views are mind-blowing, but be warned: mist and fog roll in often. Keep an eye on your surroundings! This remote road requires a full tank of gas and a sense of adventure. From the hut, it's a launching point for tackling Chimborazo, the stratovolcano whose summit is the farthest point from the Earth's core. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!