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
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is El Aguilar?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on a crazy road trip to El Aguilar, a seriously high-altitude town nestled in the Jujuy Province of Argentina, practically spitting distance from Bolivia. This place is a real gem, where life revolves around mining and the air is thin. The road in, oh boy, it's a doozy! We're talking about 45.4 km of pure Argentinian backroad bliss, also known as Ex Ruta Nacional 40. Prepare for a bone-rattling, bumpy ride through the Puna Jujeña, a truly wild landscape in the Andes. Get ready for some spectacular scenery, but keep your eyes peeled – this road demands your full attention! Just remember you are climbing to some of the highest altitudes in Argentina.
hardA Steep, Challenging Road to Abra Tres Cruces
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Tres Cruces in Bolivia is calling your name. This isn't just any road; we're talking about a sky-high pass topping out at a whopping 4,729 meters (15,515 feet)! Seriously, you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Located on Bolivia's western edge, this road slices right through the breathtaking Tres Cruces (or Quimsa Cruz) mountain range. Picture this: epic views that will blow your mind! The whole shebang is about 120 km (74 miles) long, winding from Konani to Jutalla by way of Quime. The climb from Konani is smooth sailing on paved roads, nothing too crazy steep. BUT...hold on tight for the descent! Things get a little wild with unpaved sections, some seriously steep drops, and keep an eye out for potential landslides. Worth it for the views, though, right?
hardA wild mining road to Abra de La Deidad in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in Chile's Coquimbo Region and crave some serious altitude, you HAVE to check out Abra de La Deidad. This bad boy clocks in at a whopping 4,907 meters (that's 16,099 feet!), making it one of Chile's highest roads. Nestled in the heart of the Andes, practically kissing the Argentinian border near Los Cuartitos, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved, rugged mining road. Expect a challenging journey, folks – think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and hairpin turns galore. But here's the catch: due to its extreme elevation, you can only tackle this beast during the summer months (December to April). The rest of the year, Mother Nature slams the door shut with heavy snow. And even in summer, be prepared for biting winds and bone-chilling cold. The views? Absolutely epic. The bragging rights? Totally worth it.
extremeDriving the Chilean Carretera Austral is a lifetime adventure
🇨🇱 Chile
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on the Carretera Austral in Chilean Patagonia! This epic road, opened in 1988, carves its way through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Stretching 1,240 km (770 miles) from Puerto Montt down to Villa O'Higgins, this north-south route, also known as Ruta CH-7, immerses you in a world of mountains, lakes, glaciers, and forests. Prepare to be amazed! But here's the thing: about 70% of the road is unpaved. You'll experience everything from decent gravel to seriously bumpy sections. While a 4WD isn't strictly required, your car will definitely feel the journey! Expect to hop on a ferry or two along the way. Keep your speed in check, and watch out for dust clouds kicked up by passing vehicles. Locals often drive faster than conditions allow. The Carretera Austral area is a true wilderness, so be prepared for wild weather! Picture yourself surrounded by dense forests, deep fjords, shimmering glaciers, winding canals, and towering mountains. You'll find endless stretches of empty dirt roads, scenic villages, awesome free campsites, and rejuvenating hot springs. Traffic is light, especially off-season. The best time to explore this incredible road is between November and April. So, are you ready for the ride of your life?