
Abra de Zamora: enjoy a road among the clouds
Ecuador, south-america
59.7 km
2,802 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, Ecuador road trippers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Abra de Zamora, a sky-high mountain pass straddling the Zamora-Chinchipe and Loja provinces in southern Ecuador. We're talking about a dizzying 2,802 meters (that's 9,192 feet!) above sea level.
The good news? The entire Ruta Panamericana (E45 and E50) route is paved and in great shape. This scenic stretch is nearly 60 kilometers (37 miles) long, winding from Loja in the west to Zamora in the east.
Be prepared for some serious climbing! The ascent from Loja alone stretches over 14 kilometers, with a 757-meter gain in altitude. That's an average gradient of over 5% – get ready for those views, though!
Keep in mind that the Troncal Amazonica is the easternmost main road in Ecuador, so be prepared for some remote, unforgettable scenery! This drive truly is one for the books!
Where is it?
Abra de Zamora: enjoy a road among the clouds is located in Ecuador (south-america). Coordinates: -2.5830, -78.3595
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 59.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,802 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -2.5830, -78.3595
Related Roads in south-america
hardQuebrada de Camarones
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Quebrada de Camarones in Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a gravel road that climbs to a cool 1,391 meters (that's 4,563 feet for you imperial system folks). This route links Camarones and Cochisa. Imagine a seriously steep climb with hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. Oh, and did I mention there aren't any guardrails? Yeah, this one's not for the faint of heart. But hey, the views? Totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road (and maybe a buddy to spot those tight turns!).
hardA memorable road trip to Curiquinca Volcano
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Curiquinca! This road hugs the border between Bolivia and Chile, winding up a stratovolcano in the Atacama Desert. We're talking serious altitude here – 5,625m (18,454ft)! This isn't just a Sunday drive, it's a gravel access road to a sulfur deposit, so expect a rough climb that will test your limits. The air gets thin FAST. Be prepared for altitude sickness, especially since most people start feeling it way before you even get close to the top. And near the summit, oxygen is scarce! Add in the brutal combo of strong, dusty winds and intense sunshine (sunglasses are a MUST), and you've got yourself a real challenge. Bring tons of water, and seriously, pack at least two spare tires – you'll be grateful you did. A 4x4 isn’t just recommended, it’s essential for navigating this beast. The views, if you can catch your breath to enjoy them, are absolutely unreal!
hardWhat are the highest roads in Peru?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: Peru. Not just the beaches, but the real heart of it – the Andes Mountains! We're talking about almost 1,500 miles of pure, unadulterated mountain majesty. These aren't just hills, people; these are colossal, ice-crowned peaks scraping the sky at over 20,000 feet. Seriously breathtaking. Now, to experience this firsthand, you've gotta drive. And let me tell you, the roads here? Epic. Think winding, high-altitude routes that'll challenge your driving skills and reward you with views you won't believe are real. We're talking some of the highest, most remote roads on the planet. Get ready for an adventure!
hardWhere are Acantilados de Ocoña?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the southern coast of Peru, provinces of Camaná and Caravelí, on the Pan-American Highway, but this isn't your average highway. This is the Acantilados de Ocoña – a 74.6-kilometer (46.35 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss and a little bit of a thrill! Imagine a road carved right into the side of dramatic cliffs, twisting and turning from Quilca to Ocoña. We're talking serious hairpin action as you climb and descend. The whole road is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but keep your eyes peeled! Now, I won't sugarcoat it: this route is known as one of the more challenging roads in Peru. In sections, you're hugging the cliff edge with a dizzying 200-meter (656ft) drop, without guardrails! But trust me, the reward is worth it. The panoramic ocean views are simply breathtaking. Expect some tunnels along the way. Just be mindful of the trucks, because landslides are also a potential hazard.