Abra de Quiron
Argentina, south-america
N/A
4,182 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a real Argentine beauty? I'm talking about Abra de Quiron, a high-altitude pass soaring to a cool 4,182 meters (that's 13,720 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the stunning Salta Province.
Now, be warned: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Ruta Provincial 129, the gravel road that gets you there, can be a bit of a beast, especially after rain or snow. A 4x4 might be your best friend on some sections. Keep an eye out for potential hazards – avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides can happen anytime, and icy patches can make things extra dicey. You'll also encounter plenty of sand and those fun corrugated sections, but overall, the climb is pretty manageable. Trust me, the views are absolutely worth it.
Where is it?
Abra de Quiron is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.6775, -62.1445
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,182 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -39.6775, -62.1445
Related Roads in south-america
extremeLlanganuco Chinancocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising up Carretera de Yungay (or Carretera 106), headed towards the insanely gorgeous Laguna Chinancocha in the Peruvian Andes. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a gravel track clinging to the side of a mountain, with a serious drop on one side and towering stone cliffs on the other. Get ready for some seriously tight hairpin turns and switchbacks as you climb to 3,850m (12,631ft). You'll be smack-dab in a narrow glacial valley, surrounded by the giants of the Cordillera Blanca – Huascaran, Huandoy, and a whole crew of other peaks. The scenery is mind-blowing, with views of the María Josefa path and the Quebrada Demanda, all within the Huascaran National Park. Now, a word of caution: this road ain't for the faint of heart. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, or heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Even experienced drivers will find this route challenging, and the altitude will definitely test you. Oxygen gets thin up there, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness. And those unprotected drops of hundreds of meters? Yeah, they're real. One wrong move and… well, let's just say pay attention! It is not a road for beginner drivers. It is not recommended to travel this road in severe weather. It's steep, the air is thin, and there are no guardrails, so take it slow and steady!
moderateWhere is Uspallata Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: a high-altitude adventure in the heart of Argentina, specifically Mendoza Province, where the Uspallata Pass awaits! We're talking serious elevation here. This isn't just a Sunday drive, folks. Also known as Camino Cristo Redentor, this road is nestled near the breathtaking Paso Internacional de los Libertadores and serves mostly as a tourist route to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. So, how long will this epic journey take? Be prepared for a trek –it's a drive with some serious gradients, ready to put your driving skills to the ultimate test! And a heads-up: if you're not a fan of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. Now, for the million-dollar question: when can you tackle this beast? This pass is a fair-weather friend, which means summer is your golden window, when the snow is gone. But keep an eye on the forecast; conditions can change rapidly, and heavy snowfall can shut things down without warning. So, while the scenery is absolutely stunning, remember to respect the mountains and drive smart!
hardConquering the scenic Y290 road in the Chilean Patagonia
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Carretera Y290 in Chilean Patagonia, straddling Torres de Paine and Última Esperanza with Argentina just a stone's throw away. This road is a total hidden gem! Most of the 70.3 km (43.68 miles) is paved, making it doable in pretty much any car when it's dry. It connects the main paved highway CH-9 with the dirt road Y-150. Budget around 1.5 to 2 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll want to stop! This is the Camino Milodon Porteño (or Carretera Cueva del Milodon, if you prefer!) and the scenery is absolutely unreal. Just remember, you're heading into the wild, so come prepared. The road gets seriously steep in places, climbing up to 255m (836ft) at Mirador Grey. Winter can be intense, so chains are a good idea. Honestly, the sweet spot is December to February – that's when Southern Hemisphere summer kicks in, and the weather's at its best for an epic road trip.
hardAbra Canchenita
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Carhuaz Province of Peru's Ancash Region, you HAVE to check out Abra Canchenita. This mountain pass tops out at a staggering 15,836 feet! The road, Carretera 34E, is a gravel track, decently wide but seriously steep! Word to the wise: avoid it after a rainstorm. It gets super muddy and slick. But the views? Totally worth it! You're headed toward the incredible Laguna Uchucchacua, deep in the Andes. It's a raw, wild ride you won't soon forget. Get ready for an adventure!