Can I drive my vehicle to Abra Fundición?
Argentina, south-america
51.2 km
4,743 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving an adrenaline rush with a side of mind-blowing scenery, you HAVE to check out Abra Fundición in Salta, Argentina. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a staggering 4,743 meters (15,561 feet)!
Located way up in the northwest, Ruta Provincial 69 (RP69) will take you on a wild ride. Forget smooth asphalt; this is an all-dirt affair, so high clearance is a must, and 4x4 is your best friend, especially if it's been raining.
This 51.2 km (31.81-mile) stretch runs from the quaint village of Nazareno all the way to the Jujuy Province border. But don't think it's just a scenic drive. This road is NARROW — think one-car-width in sections — with seriously exposed drop-offs. Meeting another vehicle can be a real nail-biter!
The views, though? Unreal. Picture yourself surrounded by mountains painted in every color imaginable, with crazy eroded rock formations that look like they're straight out of a sci-fi movie.
But a word of warning: this isn't for the faint of heart. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, the weather can change on a dime, and those steep inclines will put your driving skills to the test. Abra Fundición is a challenge, but the rewards are totally worth it for experienced drivers seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 51.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,743 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is San Francisco Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Paso de San Francisco! This high-altitude gem straddles the border between Argentina and Chile, clocking in at a breathtaking 4,760m (15,616ft). We're talking serious altitude here! Nestled deep in the Andes, it connects Argentina's Catamarca province with Chile's Atacama Region, winding through a landscape of towering volcanoes, jagged peaks, shimmering salt flats, and serene lagoons. The Argentinian side (Route N 60) is a fully paved 201 km (125 miles) run from Fiambala, a winding climb that'll test your driving skills. Over in Chile, Route CH-31 offers a smooth 280 km (174 miles) paved journey from Copiapó, taking you past the stunning Maricunga salt flat in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and the otherworldly Laguna Verde. Keep your eyes peeled – the scenery is absolutely epic!
moderateIs Abra Blanca paved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for Abra Blanca, a high-altitude mountain pass soaring over above sea level, right in the heart of Yep, it's paved! The road to the summit is smooth sailing , thanks to some work done back in the , which replaced a former gravel road called That original gravel route? Supposedly a beast, tackling a with a seriously intense switchback of You'll find Abra Blanca as part of called Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51) taking you from San Antonio de los Cobres When you hit the summit, keep an eye out for a , and maybe even a few ! The views are unreal, especially the San Antonio de Los Cobres plateau way down below. You're only about 13 kilometers from the town of San Antonio de Los Cobres, a cool spot to explore. This isn't just any road trip, though. Back in the day, Abra Blanca used to be a record holder. When this part of the country was still under the Government of the Andes , Abra Blanca became the highest drivable road , thanks to a daring drive by Governor Mayor Brígido Zavaleta But times have changed and it became the world’s highest drivable road It may not be a record-breaker anymore, but there’s a and – usually – a bunch of left by fellow adventurers to mark the spot. Trust me, Abra Blanca is still worth a detour
extremeHU-110: Driving the high-altitude lake route in the Peruvian Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for a wild ride on the HU-110, a high-altitude adventure deep in the Peruvian Andes! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 42.7 km (26.5 mile) stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss (or maybe not-so-bliss if you're not prepared!). Picture this: you're cruising (slowly!) from Antacolpa towards the Lima region border, surrounded by some seriously stunning glacial scenery. The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. It's mostly dirt and gravel, so a high-clearance vehicle is your best friend here. Trust me. This baby climbs high, really high – topping out near 4,700 meters. So, yeah, altitude sickness is a real thing to consider. And don't be surprised if your engine feels a little sluggish. The HU-110 is narrow, like squeeze-past-another-car-with-inches-to-spare narrow. Expect some steep climbs, hairpin turns, and zero guardrails. But the views? Oh, the views! The highlight reel features a string of incredible high-altitude lakes. As you rumble along (north to south), you'll pass Laguna Ichikqucha, Laguna Hatunqucha, Laguna Qullqiqucha, and finally Laguna Puywanqucha. Each lake is nestled in a raw, glacial landscape, with the road often hugging the shoreline. Now, let's talk reality. The altitude isn't the only challenge. The weather here is about as predictable as a toddler. Rain, snow, fog – it can all happen in a heartbeat, turning that dirt road into a muddy mess. There are absolutely no services along the way. No gas stations. No help. You need to be totally self-sufficient and check conditions beforehand. Basically, if a big storm rolls through, you might be stuck. So pack smart, drive safe, and get ready for an epic Andean adventure!
extremeWhere is Paso Sanchez?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Paso Sanchez in Bolivia's La Paz Department, nestled high in the Apolobamba mountain range, near the Peruvian border and within the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. This isn't your Sunday drive. Forget pavement; this is a raw, unadulterated dirt road experience, clocking in at roughly [insert length] from Ruta Nacional 16, near Villa Gral Pérez to Cueara. Think tight turns, hairpin switchbacks clinging to the mountainside, and seriously steep inclines that will test your mettle (and your vehicle). Speaking of vehicles, you'll need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. We're talking serious off-road conditions here. But the reward? Unparalleled views from over [insert elevation] above sea level. Just be prepared for a challenging journey – this remote route demands respect and a sense of adventure. You will be near the Curiquinca Volcano, so you know the scenery will be epic.