A Steep, Challenging Road to Abra Tres Cruces
Bolivia, south-america
120 km
4,729 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Tres Cruces in Bolivia is calling your name. This isn't just any road; we're talking about a sky-high pass topping out at a whopping 4,729 meters (15,515 feet)! Seriously, you'll feel like you're on top of the world.
Located on Bolivia's western edge, this road slices right through the breathtaking Tres Cruces (or Quimsa Cruz) mountain range. Picture this: epic views that will blow your mind!
The whole shebang is about 120 km (74 miles) long, winding from Konani to Jutalla by way of Quime. The climb from Konani is smooth sailing on paved roads, nothing too crazy steep. BUT...hold on tight for the descent! Things get a little wild with unpaved sections, some seriously steep drops, and keep an eye out for potential landslides. Worth it for the views, though, right?
Where is it?
A Steep, Challenging Road to Abra Tres Cruces is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -14.5270, -62.3101
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 120 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,729 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -14.5270, -62.3101
Related Roads in south-america
extremeLaguna Viscacha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Laguna Viscacha! This stunner of a high-altitude lake sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the Mariscal Nieto Province. We're talking a whopping 4,614 meters (that's 15,137 feet!) above sea level. The road up, known as 36A, is paved but don't let that fool you – it's a seriously steep climb. Pro tip: avoid it completely if the weather looks sketchy. This road has a reputation for sudden snowstorms and whiteout conditions, which can make driving seriously intense. The ascent is brutal, and the air gets thin FAST. Most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you get to the top, so be prepared. And near the summit? Oxygen is definitely optional!
moderateWhere is Abra Chaucha?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes, right on the border of JunÃn and Lima regions, smack-dab in the middle of the country's highlands. You're heading towards Abra Chaucha, a seriously high mountain pass. The road? Well, it's paved...sort of. Let's just say you'll want to give your suspension a pep talk before you start! We're talking some potholes that could swallow a small car whole. Seriously, think twice about driving this at night. This pass is a piece of a much longer east-west route, linking Cerro de Pasco (the capital of Pasco) to Lima. Along the way, you'll cross several other high mountain passes, so buckle up for some seriously stunning highland scenery. It's an epic drive, full of drama and views that will make your jaw drop.
extremeRoad CH-21
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ruta CH-21 in northern Chile's Antofagasta Region! This high-altitude route is a real journey, taking you entirely above 2,300m. Starting in Calama, a super-dry city in the Atacama Desert (we're talking a measly 5mm of rain a year!), you'll begin on smooth asphalt before transitioning to gravel. For 199km, it's a mix of textures under your tires as you climb from Calama (2,300m) to Ollagüe, a frontier village at a cool 3,700m. The road tops out at 3,830m, so be prepared for thin air and stunning views! While generally open year-round, keep an eye on the weather. This region can throw some serious curveballs, with avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides possible. Ice patches can also be a hazard. With that said, in good weather, a high-clearance 2WD can handle this route at a slow and steady pace. Get ready for long, straight stretches across an unforgettable landscape!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Cruz de Paramillo in Mendoza
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cruz de Paramillo, nestled way up in the Argentinian Andes in Mendoza Province, is calling your name. We're talking about a wild, unpaved ride called Ruta Provincial 52, but locals know it as Ruta del Año (Route of the Year) and for good reason! This 93km (58-mile) rollercoaster from Uspallata to Mendoza boasts a mind-blowing 365 turns. Seriously, hairpin heaven! You'll climb to 2,960m (9,711ft), where a white cross and cute little chapel mark the summit – a monument to those old Jesuit missionaries. But wait, there's more! Feeling extra adventurous? Take the 3.6 km (2.23 mile) gravel track that branches off to the north. It winds its way up to a scenic lookout point at 3,149m (10,331ft), complete with communication towers. It’s a short but sweet climb, with an average gradient of 5.25%. The reward? Jaw-dropping views, including the majestic Aconcagua peak. Get ready for some serious scenery on this one!