
Abra Blanca, the world's highest road in 1915
Argentina, south-america
13 km
4,102 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra Blanca! This high-altitude pass, chilling at 4,102m (13,458ft), is nestled in the Salta Province of Argentina.
You'll be cruising on smooth, paved roads (with a few concrete sections thrown in for good measure) along Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), heading from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres. This pass is the highest point on that route!
Coming in at 48km (29 miles) long, stretching from Muñano to Santa Rosa de Tastil, Abra Blanca boasts a large parking lot at the summit – perfect for soaking in those mind-blowing views of the San Antonio de Los Cobres plateau way down below at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). Keep an eye out for the occasional souvenir shop, too.
Fun fact: Back in the day, this pass was *the* highest drivable road in the world! While that record might not stand anymore, you can still find a little monument up there, covered in traveler stickers, marking the historic event. Trust me, even though it's understated, it's worth a stop. Plus, the nearby town of San Antonio de Los Cobres is just 13 kilometers away if you need to stock up on snacks! Get ready for some seriously epic landscapes.
Where is it?
Abra Blanca, the world's highest road in 1915 is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -36.3713, -62.5012
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 13 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,102 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -36.3713, -62.5012
Related Roads in south-america
hardCerro Blanco
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cerro Blanco in the wild Argentinian Andes! We're talking about a whopping 4,174 meters (13,694 feet) above sea level in the Catamarca Province. The road in? Pure sand, baby! This isn't a Sunday drive; you NEED a 4x4. You'll kick things off from Ruta Provincial 43 and grind it out for 96.3 km. Cerro Blanco sits pretty on the Robledo caldera's southern edge, surrounded by cool pumice deposits. Heads up: this track gets seriously muddy and slick after rain. Like, "maybe impassable even with 4x4" kind of slick. And since you're out in the boonies, be prepped for anything. Expect a high desert climate, scorching sun, and super dry conditions. But the views? Totally worth it.
extremeThe Wild Road to Embalse El Yeso
🇨🇱 Chile
# Embalse El Yeso del Cajón del Maipo Nestled in Chile's Santiago Metropolitan Region at a breathtaking 2,605 meters (8,546 feet), Embalse El Yeso is a stunning turquoise reservoir that'll make your jaw drop. Built back in 1964 when they dammed up the Yeso River, this high-altitude gem sits in the Andes foothills where the air is so clean and crisp that the sky turns a deep, brilliant blue. The water itself? Pure turquoise perfection—perfect for fishing or windsurfing if you're feeling adventurous. Getting there is half the adventure (or misadventure, depending on your perspective). Camino Embalse El Yeso is a completely unpaved road that starts at San Gabriel and stretches for 23 kilometers (14.29 miles)—and honestly, it feels like driving through an alien landscape straight out of Star Wars. As long as the weather's dry, any regular passenger vehicle can handle it. Here's where it gets real: this road doesn't mess around. You'll gain 1,300 meters in elevation with an average grade of 5.65%, navigating hairpin turns, narrow sections, and steep drops that'll make your palms sweat. This single-track mountain road has humbled plenty of confident drivers. When you round a bend and suddenly face an oncoming car on what's basically a one-lane squeeze, things get sketchy fast. The dramatic canyon drops hundreds of meters below, and low visibility combined with those nerve-wracking curves means you need to stay sharp. Winter brings serious challenges—snow and ice can make this road impassable, though a 4x4 might get you partway through lighter snow. The weather here is wildly unpredictable, especially during autumn, winter, and spring. Fog, rain, or the notorious "White Wind" (vicious storms mixing wind, ice, and snow) can turn dangerous quickly. Pro tip: never tackle this road solo or in bad weather. Drive slowly, watch for oncoming traffic, and always check the forecast first.
moderateSalar del Hombre Muerto
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in northwest Argentina, Catamarca province, standing on a salt flat called Salar del Hombre Muerto. We're talking serious altitude here, like 13,123 feet above sea level! The road in, RP43, is a gravel track, so a 4x4 is definitely recommended. This place is famous for its lithium-rich brine (yep, that stuff in your phone battery!), but be warned, if it's wet, that road can turn into a muddy mess. Heading south, the road gets a bit rougher as you climb towards Antofagasta. Expect plenty of sandy and corrugated sections – it's hard work! If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Heights bother you? Steer clear! The southern part of the road is usually in better shape though, so there's that. Get ready for some incredible scenery and a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure!
extremeWhen was Vetas founded?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! We're headed to Vetas, Colombia, rumored to be the highest town in the whole country, perched way up at 3,350 meters (that's nearly 11,000 feet!). Founded way back in 1551 amidst a major mining zone, getting here is half the fun. Forget smooth asphalt, this is an unpaved, 21.8 km (13.54 miles) rumble starting from Berlin on the Bucaramanga-Pamplona road (66). A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential! The climb is seriously intense, the air gets thin, and the gravel can be super loose, especially near the edges. Trust me, this isn't a Sunday drive. This remote route climbs thousands of feet through seriously isolated landscapes, often shrouded in mist. Make sure you're prepped for a real adventure because the views? Totally worth it.