
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
moderateWhere is Parinacota?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Want to experience driving at a seriously high altitude? Head to Putre in the Arica and Parinacota Region, snuggled way up in the Lauca National Park. We're talking 4,400 meters (that's 14,400 feet!) above sea level, making this one of the highest drivable towns on the planet. The drive itself? Get ready for breathtaking scenery. Think snow-capped volcanoes piercing the sky, steaming hot springs bubbling away, and incredible high-altitude lakes reflecting the vastness of it all. Keep your eyes peeled for the unique plants and animals that call this place home! The road leads to Parinacota, a small village that's actually the capital of the General Lagos commune. This is more than just a drive; it's an immersion into a landscape unlike any other.
moderateWhere does the Trans-Chaco Highway start and end?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: the Trans-Chaco Highway, or Ruta PY09 as the locals call it, stretching a whopping 775 kilometers (481 miles) across Paraguay, from José Falcón near Asunción all the way to the Bolivian border at Fortín Sgto. Rodríguez. You'll cruise through Central, Presidente Hayes, and Boquerón, eventually linking up with Argentina's National Route 11 and Bolivia's National Route 6. Once upon a time, this road was legendary for all the wrong reasons – think vehicles swallowed whole by mud during the rainy season! It got a full paving in 2007, but the asphalt didn't last, so be ready for a bumpy ride filled with dust, cracks, and potholes galore. The thin pavement really struggles with all the heavy trucks that use the road! While it's mostly straight, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled every second to dodge those sneaky potholes. Driving at night? Maybe not, especially if it's your first time. The poor conditions make it extra risky. Plus, it's a pretty remote area – low traffic, sparse population – so stock up on extra food and water in case you run into trouble. Prepare for heat and a wild ride!
moderateWhere is Ruta Provincial 26?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the heart of Argentina, ready for an off-road adventure. That's where you'll find Ruta Provincial 26! This isn't your everyday smooth highway – we're talking a full-on, 86-mile dirt track. Don't let that scare you, though; it's generally well-maintained. This rough-and-tumble shortcut links a couple of key spots in the Puna Jujeña region. But a word of caution: the Cuesta del Farallon section is strictly for seasoned pros with serious off-road skills! Get ready for a bumpy ride and unbelievable scenery – this road is a real test, but the views are totally worth it.
extremeThe breathtaking road to Cerro La Gitana in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro La Gitana! This hidden gem sits way up high in the Coquimbo Region of Peru, scraping the sky at a whopping 4,696 meters (15,406 feet). We're talking serious altitude, making it one of Peru's loftiest routes! You'll find this beauty nestled near the Argentinian border in central Peru. Legend has it that the name comes from the mountain's shape and vibrant mineral colors, reminding locals of a gypsy's dress. Now, for the road itself: forget smooth asphalt, this is pure, unadulterated dirt-road action. Think mining road vibes, starting from Ruta 41 on the way to Agua Negra Pass. It’s only 9 km (5.59 miles), but don’t let the short distance fool you. Get ready for a white-knuckle drive with narrow stretches, crazy steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore! Because of the altitude, this road is typically only open during the summer months (December to April), but always check conditions, because snow can close it down. Be prepared for wind and serious cold! Reach the summit and BAM! You're rewarded with panoramic views of some of the Elqui range's most impressive peaks, like Cerro Tórtolas, Nevado de Olivares, Glaciar El Tapado, and Cerro Coquimbo. Trust me, the vistas are worth every bump and turn.