Driving an unpaved mining road to Abra Qillwa Quta in the Andes
Bolivia, south-america
24.1 km
4,940 m
hard
Year-round
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Bolivia? Abra Qillwa Quta pass is waiting for you at a breathtaking 4,940 meters (16,207 feet)! This isn't just any road; it's one of Bolivia's highest, nestled north of Sunchulli Pass in the La Paz Department, practically kissing the Peruvian border within the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve.
Forget smooth asphalt; this is raw, unpaved terrain that might just test your mettle after a good rain. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a necessity. This is a mining road, so expect narrow passages, hairpin turns, and some seriously steep climbs.
Before you rev your engine, a heads-up: you'll need permission from the SERNAP office in La Paz. Once you're cleared, you're in for a treat. This 24.1 km (14.9 miles) stretch runs from Hilo Hilo to San Miguel de Thapi, carving through the stunning Apolobamba range of the Andes.
Where is it?
Driving an unpaved mining road to Abra Qillwa Quta in the Andes is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.2802, -62.2623
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 24.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,940 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -16.2802, -62.2623
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaguna Milluni
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to Laguna Milluni, a stunning alpine lake chilling at a whopping 4,565 meters (that's nearly 15,000 feet!) high in the Bolivian Andes' Cordillera Real. The road to Milluni Grande, as it's also known, is a gravel track that winds its way up with several hairpin turns. Be warned, though – this climb is a beast! The air gets thin *real* fast up there, so be prepared to feel the altitude. Most people start feeling the effects at around 2,500-2,800 meters. Plus, at this altitude, the road can get snowed in anytime, so check conditions before you go. But trust me, the views of the lake and surrounding peaks are totally worth the challenge.
moderateDriving the defiant 4x4 road to Chila in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a spot for you that'll blow your mind: Chila, a beast of a mountain peak way up in the Peruvian Andes, clocking in at a staggering 5,260m (that's 17,257ft!). You'll find it nestled in the Castilla Province, Arequipa Region, down south in Peru. Picture this: You're winding your way up a completely unpaved, rugged track – 4x4 essential, folks! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a working mining road, so keep your eyes peeled. The climb starts near Laguna Ticlla, stretching for 5km (3.1 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun. And the payoff? A stunning lagoon near the summit called Laguna Chila. Trust me, the views from up there are absolutely worth the bumpy ride. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateRoad R-925-S
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Chile's AraucanÃa Region, you NEED to experience the R-925-S. We're talking about a seriously scenic route nestled at the foot of the Andes, right in the heart of ConguillÃo National Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The road stretches for about 65 kilometers of raw, unadulterated beauty—think gravel and black sand under your tires. Expect stunning vistas at every turn, but keep your eyes peeled and hands steady on the wheel. The elevation will give you that high-mountain thrill. Be prepared for a ride that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. It’s a true feast for the eyes and a test for your adventurous spirit!
moderateUnbuilt Sections of BR-101: A Jungle Dilemma
🇧🇷 Brazil
Deep in the rainforest of São Paulo, Brazil, lies the eerie Viaduct Petrobras – an abandoned concrete giant! Imagine this: you stumble upon a colossal concrete structure rising out of the dense jungle, only to have it vanish just as quickly. Talk about mysterious! Back in the day, Brazil dreamed big with the BR-101, a nearly 3,000-mile highway. But the stretch from Rio to São Paulo? It was swallowed by the jungle. Then came the 70s, with even bigger plans! The Viaduct Petrobras was meant to be a game-changer, built over the jungle along paths carved out for pipelines. Picture this: nestled in the Sierra do Mar mountains near the southeast coast, this viaduct was built in tough conditions. Think heat, bugs, trees, the works! This key piece was meant to shave off over 30 miles of coastal road between Rio and São Paulo. The asphalted viaduct soars 131 feet above the jungle floor and stretches nearly 1,000 feet long. But as fate would have it, economic troubles hit, and this awesome structure was abandoned, left to fade into the mists. Today, it's a haunting reminder of dreams left unfinished, a concrete ghost in a green paradise.