Abra El Arenal: an epic road on a lunar landscape

Abra El Arenal: an epic road on a lunar landscape

Ecuador, south-america

Length

32.5 km

Elevation

4,407 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra El Arenal, a sky-high pass straddling Guaranda and San Juan in Ecuador's Chimborazo Province! We're talking seriously high – 4,407 meters (14,458 feet) above sea level, making it one of the country's loftiest routes.

Snuggled within the Cordillera Occidental range of the Andes and the Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo, this 32.5 km (20.19 mile) beauty is paved the whole way. Picture this: you're cruising from Route E491 to Ruta E492, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, it’s your gateway to tackling Chimborazo, Ecuador's colossal, active volcano!

Just a heads-up: winter brings snow, which can make things a little slick. But hey, a little challenge never hurt anyone, right? Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!

Where is it?

Abra El Arenal: an epic road on a lunar landscape is located in Ecuador (south-america). Coordinates: -1.7724, -78.7702

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Ecuador
Continent
south-america
Length
32.5 km
Max Elevation
4,407 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-1.7724, -78.7702

Related Roads in south-america

Laguna Rajucoltahard

Laguna Rajucolta

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, picture this: you're in the Ancash Region of Peru, Huaraz Province to be exact, and you're about to embark on an adventure to Laguna Rajucolta. This isn't just any lake; it's a glacial beauty sitting pretty at a whopping 4,280 meters (14,041 feet) above sea level! Now, the road to get there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumps along the way. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast, and a good dose of confidence behind the wheel. It's steep in places, and if it's wet, expect some seriously muddy conditions. Plus, it's right under Mount Huantzan (6395m), so the views are epic, but the road can be impassable in winter. Seriously, if you're scared of heights or unpaved roads, maybe skip this one. But if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a thrill and some incredible turquoise water scenery, Laguna Rajucolta is calling your name!

Laguna del Inca o del Portillohard

Laguna del Inca o del Portillo

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up into the Chilean Andes, near the Argentina border, on Ruta 60. This isn't just any drive; you're headed to Laguna del Inca (or del Portillo, if you prefer), a stunning lake shimmering at a cool 9,360 feet above sea level. The road itself? Paved, but hold on tight! It's a steep climb with hairpin turns galore that'll test your driving skills. Weather is a serious factor here. We're talking potential -30°C in winter, so definitely check conditions before you go. But trust me, the views are worth it. The stark mountain scenery reflecting in the lake's surface is something you won't soon forget!

Where is Tequendama Falls?hard

Where is Tequendama Falls?

🇨🇴 Colombia

Okay, so you're headed to Tequendama Falls in Colombia, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Bogotá? Buckle up for a quick but potentially wild ride! The paved road is only about 16 miles, running generally east-west from the main highway, but those curves are no joke – super tight and can be a bit treacherous, so keep your eyes on the road. The falls themselves are seriously impressive, plunging over 400 feet! But there's more than just water here. Check out the old Hotel del Salto – it's got a fascinating (and slightly dark) history. Perched right on the cliff edge, it once offered killer views, but sadly, it became a popular spot for... well, let's just say it has a *very* haunted vibe now. They've turned it into a museum, so you can explore the history (and maybe spot a ghost!). Legend has it the falls were created by Bochica, a Muisca deity who broke the ground with his staff. Whether you believe the legend or not, the scenery is stunning. Just remember to take it slow on those curves!

A challenging unpaved road to Abra Falda Cienagamoderate

A challenging unpaved road to Abra Falda Cienaga

🇦🇷 Argentina

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Falda Cienaga in Argentina's Catamarca Province! This baby tops out at a whopping 4,436 meters (14,553 feet), so get ready for some thin air. Also known as Abra Puntas Gordas, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking Ruta Provincial 43 (RP43), and "unpaved" is the name of the game. Seriously, you'll NEED a 4x4 for this one. Heights not your thing? Maybe grab a travel magazine instead. The stretch from Salar del Hombre Muerto to Antofagasta is rough, with plenty of sand and washboard sections to keep you on your toes. Perched high in the northwest, some sections are being upgraded with asphalt. Word on the street is the south side descent is smoother sailing. Get ready for some insane scenery!