Abra Paves: An Awe-Inspiring Road through Extremely Remote Areas
Argentina, south-america
13.57 km
4,239 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventure seekers! If you're craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience, let me tell you about Abra Paves. This high-altitude pass in Jujuy, Argentina, tops out at a lung-busting 4,239 meters (13,907 feet)!
You'll find this wild crossing south of the Cuesta del Lipán–Abra Potrerillos, deep in the northern part of the country.
Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, a rugged track of loose rocks that demands a 4x4. The real challenge isn't the steepness (though there are some 10% grades near the top!), but the extreme altitude, harsh climate, and sheer isolation of the Puna region.
Be prepared to battle:
* **Thin Air:** Seriously, the oxygen is scarce up here. Take it slow to avoid altitude sickness!
* **Crazy Weather:** The Puna throws unpredictable weather changes and fierce winds your way. Hold onto that steering wheel!
* **Middle-of-Nowhere Vibes:** We're talking seriously remote. No cell service, no emergency services nearby. Breakdown? You're on your own. That 4x4 isn't just for fun – it's your lifeline!
The adventure starts from Ruta Provincial 52 (RP52), with a 13.57 km (8.43 mi) climb, gaining 388 meters in elevation. Averaging around 2.85%, it's steady, but those altitude and terrain factors make it a proper test.
Where is it?
Abra Paves: An Awe-Inspiring Road through Extremely Remote Areas is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -36.9080, -62.3563
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 13.57 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,239 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -36.9080, -62.3563
Related Roads in south-america
extremeIs the road to Volcán Ollagüe unpaved?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Volcán Ollagüe, a beast of an andesite volcano straddling the Chile-Bolivia border at a staggering 5,868m (19,251ft). Forget paved paradise; this road is a raw, unadulterated dirt track clinging to the volcano's northern flank. This extreme, old mine road, once crucial for a now-defunct sulfur mine, is a white-knuckle ride all the way. The trail ends at a breathtaking, but oxygen-deprived, 5,705m (18,717ft). This is strictly 4x4 territory, people! Don't even think about attempting this in anything less. Starting from the humble Chilean village of Ollagüe, the road throws you into a relentless 24.7km (15.34 miles) of pure adrenaline. Hold on tight for 35 hairpin turns that’ll have you questioning your sanity, combined with a seriously steep average gradient of 8.04%. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops of hundreds of meters with zero guardrails? Yeah, this climb isn't for the faint of heart. Keep a keen eye on the weather! Avalanches, blizzards, and landslides are real threats, especially during January and February's storm season. Speaking of threats, altitude sickness is a major concern. The air's incredibly thin up here (40% less oxygen than at sea level), so if you have respiratory or heart issues, seriously reconsider this adventure. Even the toughest engines struggle with combustion at this altitude, so prep yourself and your vehicle. But here's the payoff: the views. Oh my, the views! You'll be gazing out at landscapes so surreal, so starkly beautiful, they'll be seared into your memory forever. You'll also see persistent steam plume emanate from a fumarole on the south side of the summit dome. Volcán Ollagüe is a challenging, dangerous, and utterly unforgettable experience. Are you brave enough?
hardHow to get by car to Cumbre Chuchu in the Andes?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cumbre Chuchu in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a sky-high mountain pass hitting a whopping 15,265 feet (4,653m). Locals also call the summit Ch’uch’u Apachita or Abra Chuchu. You'll find this beast in the Larecaja Province, tucked into western Bolivia. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a pure, unadulterated dirt road experience. Get ready for a serious workout – think endless twists, hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, plus narrow stretches and some seriously steep climbs. Trust me, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. This epic 18-mile (30km) stretch kicks off from Sorata and winds its way north of the main Cordillera Real range in the Andes. The scenery is breathtaking, but keep your eyes on the road!
extremeCan you drive to Machu Picchu?
🇵🇪 Peru
So, you wanna hit up Machu Picchu? Buckle up, because the road there is an adventure in itself! We're talking about the Carretera a Machu Picchu, or as some call it, the Hiram Bingham Highway. This isn't your typical smooth ride, though. Imagine a totally unpaved, zigzagging road snaking its way up to the historic site. Only authorized vehicles are allowed, so hop on a bus in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). This little town, nestled at the foot of the mountain, is worth a visit, with hotels, restaurants, and natural hot springs (yep, that's where the name comes from!). The road climbs a solid 8.9km (5.53 miles) to Machu Picchu. Don't let the term "highway" fool you – it's more like a rollercoaster built into the side of a mountain. Expect a thrilling series of 14 hairpin turns that are super narrow and steep, with gradients hitting a maximum of 27%! Talk about a climb! It's definitely not for the faint of heart. Picture this: two buses meeting on one of these tight turns. One has to reverse uphill just to find a spot wide enough for them to squeeze past each other. You'll be gripping the armrest, but the views along the way are incredible. The road also crosses a bridge over the Vilcanota River. The Hiram Bingham Highway isn't just a road; it's an experience, a rite of passage before you even set foot in Machu Picchu. Get ready for a wild ride!
moderateCrossing the beautiful Puente del Rio Electrico
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, smack-dab in Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz Province. You're cruising down Ruta Provincial 23, not far from the Chilean border, and BAM! You hit the Puente del Rio Electrico. This isn't just any bridge; it's a short wooden marvel stretching 35 meters over the Electrico River. Seriously, this thing is beautiful. The wooden surface adds to the rustic charm, and the views are absolutely unreal. Keep your eyes peeled though! While the views are stunning, you're still driving. Stay alert and soak it all in! This isn’t just a drive; it’s an experience.