A memorable road trip to Alto de Pasa
Ecuador, south-america
8.5 km
4,123 m
hard
Year-round
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!
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Alto de Pasa is located in Ecuador (south-america). Coordinates: -2.1041, -78.6045
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 8.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,123 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -2.1041, -78.6045
Related Roads in south-america
extremeThe Road To Cerro Cañapa Has It All
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Cerro Cañapa is a seriously high mountain peak chilling at 5,629m (18,467ft) above sea level. You'll find it in the Potosí region of Bolivia, not far from the Chilean border. Think of it as one of Bolivia's loftiest drives! The road to the top? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. It's more of a rugged track than a road, winding its way up to a mine. You'll need a 4x4 with serious clearance. Landslides and rockfalls can make it impassable in a heartbeat. Up here, the weather is no joke. Strong winds and sudden changes are the norm. Pack for cold and wind – they're year-round guests. Even in summer, snow can happen. Winter? Brutally cold. The road can get icy or snowy, even in summer, so drive super carefully. And did I mention it's one of the highest roads in South America? Heads up: If you've got breathing problems or heart issues, this isn't your road. Babies under four months should skip this trip too. The air is THIN. Most people start feeling altitude sickness around 2,500-2,800 meters. Engines struggle with the lack of oxygen too. Altitude sickness can hit anyone, no matter how fit. The summit has about 40% less oxygen than sea level, making breathing tough. Your heart will race, and every move feels harder. With the altitude sickness risk, the crazy weather, steep climbs, and general remoteness, this drive is both difficult and dangerous.
hardA Memorable Road Trip to Abra Huacullo in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Huacullo in the Apurímac region of Peru is calling your name. Seriously, this mountain pass clocks in at a staggering 5,002 meters (that's 16,410 feet!), making it one of Peru's highest routes. Tucked away near Cusco in southern Peru, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement – Carretera 111 is all about that raw, unadulterated dirt road experience. Word to the wise: a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST. Think sandy stretches, seriously steep inclines, and hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. Plus, it's a mining road, so expect plenty of truck traffic. But hey, the views! Perched high in the Wansu range of the Andes, this 68.5-kilometer (42.56-mile) stretch of road running from Río Jeuñamarca to the AR-105 is absolutely epic. Prepare for landscapes that will blow your mind. Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and soak it all in!
hardDriving the defiant Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino in Salta
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, smack-dab in the middle of Salta province, ready to tackle the incredible Piedra del Molino Pass. Get ready for an adventure because this baby tops out at a breathtaking 3,367 meters (11,046 feet)! The summit's got a cool story, named for a massive grinding stone that supposedly broke in half way up here back in '27. It was meant for a valley, but fate (and gravity) had other plans! You'll find this stunner nestled in Los Cardones National Park. Most of the route is paved but don't get complacent – it's a wild, winding ride on Ruta Provincial 33, famously known as Cuesta del Obispo, in honor of Bishop Julián Cortazar. Clocking in at 105 km (65 miles) from Payogasta to El Carril, this road is not for the faint of heart (or stomach!). Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and some jaw-dropping drop-offs. But trust me, it's worth it! Just before you hit the summit, there's an amazing lookout point. You'll get panoramic views of those crazy hairpin turns and the Quebrada del Escoipe. And at the top? A sweet little chapel dedicated to St. Rafael. Road trip gold!
moderateAn awe-inspiring road to Pino Hachado Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Argentina-Chile border, smack-dab in the southern Andes, at an elevation of 6,190 feet! That's Paso Pino Hachado for you, one of the main routes through these stunning mountains. The whole road is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. You'll be following RN-22 on the Argentinian side and 181-CH when you hit Chile. We're talking about a 43-mile stretch from Llancacura, Chile, to Las Lajas, Argentina. Just a heads up, this pass is usually open from December to May. Oh, and remember to factor in time for customs and immigration on both sides of the border! The scenery is absolutely worth it.