
Abra El Arenal: an epic road on a lunar landscape
Ecuador, south-america
32.5 km
4,407 m
moderate
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
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 32.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,407 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -1.7724, -78.7702
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