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
hardHow long is Y290 road in the Chilean Patagonia?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chilean Patagonia, near the Argentinian border, cruising along the Y290, also known as Camino Milodon Porteño or Carretera Cueva del Milodon. This road is a total gem, straddling the Torres de Paine and Última Esperanza provinces. The Y290 stretches for about 70.3 km (43.68 miles), connecting the smooth, paved Route CH-9 to the rugged, unpaved Y-150. Set aside about 1.5 to 2 hours of pure driving time if you aren't planning on stopping. Most of the road is paved, so you don’t need a special car in dry conditions. Be prepared because you're heading into some remote areas! This drive delivers seriously stunning views. Keep in mind it has some crazy steep parts, climbing up to 255m (836ft) above sea level near Mirador Grey. If you're thinking of going in the winter, pack your tire chains due to the unpredictable weather. The sweet spot to drive this road is between December and February—Patagonian summer—winters get pretty extreme!
hardDriving the defiant Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino in Salta
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, smack-dab in the middle of Salta province, ready to tackle the incredible Piedra del Molino Pass. Get ready for an adventure because this baby tops out at a breathtaking 3,367 meters (11,046 feet)! The summit's got a cool story, named for a massive grinding stone that supposedly broke in half way up here back in '27. It was meant for a valley, but fate (and gravity) had other plans! You'll find this stunner nestled in Los Cardones National Park. Most of the route is paved but don't get complacent – it's a wild, winding ride on Ruta Provincial 33, famously known as Cuesta del Obispo, in honor of Bishop Julián Cortazar. Clocking in at 105 km (65 miles) from Payogasta to El Carril, this road is not for the faint of heart (or stomach!). Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and some jaw-dropping drop-offs. But trust me, it's worth it! Just before you hit the summit, there's an amazing lookout point. You'll get panoramic views of those crazy hairpin turns and the Quebrada del Escoipe. And at the top? A sweet little chapel dedicated to St. Rafael. Road trip gold!
extremeTrampolín del Diablo is a spooky road in the Andes
🇨🇴 Colombia
# The Mocoa to San Francisco Road: Beauty and Danger in the Colombian Andes Nestled in Colombia's Putumayo Department, the winding route between Mocoa and San Francisco is equal parts breathtaking and terrifying. This 74.8 km stretch through the Valley of Sibundoy has earned some seriously ominous nicknames—"Devil's Trampoline," "Bye Bye My Life," and "Death's Trampoline"—and honestly, once you drive it, you'll understand why. Built way back in 1930 to move soldiers during the Colombia-Peru conflict, this mostly unpaved road is a serious test of driving skills. Plan on spending 3-4 hours behind the wheel if you want to tackle it without stopping. The narrow, single-lane gravel surface clings to steep mountainsides with minimal guardrails and plenty of sheer drops. Blind corners around every bend demand your complete attention, and you'll share the road with aggressive drivers who seem to have zero fear. What makes this route especially treacherous is the unpredictable nature of the mountains themselves. Frequent landslides threaten to send vehicles plummeting over the edge without warning. The road winds through dense forest with almost no signs of civilization, creating an isolated, wilderness atmosphere. The area sits perpetually shrouded in clouds and mist—don't count on clear skies here. The landscape is stunning, no question about it. But this beauty comes at a cost. The road has claimed hundreds of lives over the decades, with roadside crosses serving as somber reminders of its deadly history. If you're an experienced driver seeking an adrenaline rush and don't mind some serious risk, this Colombian mountain pass offers adventure you won't find anywhere else. Just remember: one mistake, and there's no second chance.
hardWhere is Llano Chajnantor?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, in the heart of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. You're heading towards the Llano Chajnantor plateau, way up in the Andes Mountains. This place is seriously remote, about 40 km east of San Pedro de Atacama, and the landscape is straight out of a sci-fi movie – so much so, they've even filmed Mars scenes here! The air is thin, almost lunar. This high-altitude spot, reaching a whopping 5,042 meters (16,541 feet), is home to ALMA, the world's largest astronomical observatory. Why here? Because the extreme dryness and clear skies are perfect for peering into the universe. Now, about getting there: the unpaved road stretches for 14.3 km (8.88 miles) from Ruta 27, winding its way up to the plateau. But here's the catch – this isn't your average road trip. The altitude is no joke. If you have respiratory issues or heart problems, seriously reconsider this one. And kids under 16? They're not allowed. Plus, only ALMA-certified vehicles and drivers with a special license can make the drive. While you may not be able to drive up there yourself, the views from the area will make your jaw drop.