Abra Chapoco

Abra Chapoco

Chile, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,400 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Abra Chapoco is calling your name! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at a whopping 4,400m (14,435ft) in the Parinacota Province of Chile. Nestled high in the Andes, the road from Visviri to Tacora is a mix of gravel and rocky terrain – expect a tippy, bumpy ride!

This route (also known as A-23) isn't for the faint of heart. It's open to all vehicles, but a 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended. Even though it’s not a super long climb, some of the inclines are seriously steep.

The views? Absolutely stunning! You'll be treated to vistas of Volcan Tacora and the surrounding mountains on the Chile-Peru border. Plus, you'll probably have the road all to yourself. Just remember, the air gets thin up there! Altitude sickness can kick in above 2,500 meters, so be prepared.

Where is it?

Abra Chapoco is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -37.1629, -70.8098

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Chile
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
4,400 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-37.1629, -70.8098

Related Roads in south-america

How to get by car to Abra Condor?hard

How to get by car to Abra Condor?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra Cóndor, a mountain pass that'll steal your breath – literally and figuratively! We're talking serious altitude here, a whopping 4,495 meters (14,747 feet) above sea level in the wild, beautiful landscapes of northern Argentina. You'll find this beauty straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces. The road, Ruta Provincial 69 (RP69), is unpaved, so get ready for some dust! But don't worry, it's generally in good nick and easily tackled by most vehicles. Just be prepared for narrow stretches, some seriously steep climbs, and enough hairpin turns to make you dizzy (in a good way, of course!). This epic route stretches for 88.2 km (54.80 miles), running from San José (a cute little town in Jujuy near the Bolivian border) down to the charming village of Nazareno in Salta. Get ready for views that'll make your jaw drop!

Ruta Provincial 13extreme

Ruta Provincial 13

🇦🇷 Argentina

Ready for an Argentinian adventure? Provincial Route 13, snaking through the Andes in Mendoza Province, is a gravel road that will leave you breathless. Think epic scenery as you crawl along dry riverbeds and conquer mountain passes. This 86.2 km (53.5 miles) track connects Mendoza (888m/2,913ft) with Uspallata near the Chilean border (1,898m/6,227ft). Forget your sports car; this is 4x4 territory! Seriously, unless you're itching for a new ride, leave the 2WD at home. Locals call it Camino Las Lajas or The Route of the Telegrapher – an old route that used to link Argentina and Chile. Legend says it has 365 turns! The highest point soars to 3,110m (10,203ft), so snow can shut things down anytime. And watch out for heavy mist; visibility can drop to zero. The road is rough, narrow, and steep. Never go solo. A GPS is crucial, and be prepared for a 3-4 hour journey. Avoid severe weather at all costs, because avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides happen. Patches of ice are common. But if you're experienced and prepared, Route 13 will be an unforgettable experience.

Papallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Eartheasy

Papallacta 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!

Dare to drive the dangerous road to Abra del Condorhard

Dare to drive the dangerous road to Abra del Condor

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra del Cóndor in Argentina is calling your name! We're talking a staggering 3,942 meters (12,933 feet) above sea level, perched right on the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in the wild northwest. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about Ruta Provincial 133 and 13, AKA Carretera de Iruya, a mostly unpaved path stretching nearly 48 kilometers (30 miles) from the RN9, just north of Humahuaca, all the way to the charming village of Iruya. Get ready for a wild ride, because this road throws everything at you: endless twists and turns, hairpin curves that'll make your head spin, and seriously steep drops where you'll be hugging the mountainside. Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording rivers? But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Imagine yourself surrounded by mind-blowing mountain landscapes, quaint, secluded villages, and off-road trails begging to be explored. You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of valleys dotted with cultivated terraces, all framed by vibrant, multi-colored mountains and bizarrely eroded rock formations. Keep an eye on the weather, though! It's usually pretty dry, but summer storms can turn this road into a muddy mess. Your best bet? Plan your trip for June through October. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!