
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
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