
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
extremeThe road with 65 hairpin turns to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the ride of your life! We're heading to Cristo Redentor de los Andes, a colossal 4-ton statue perched way up at 3,832m (that's 12,572ft!) straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. This used to be the OG route linking the two countries through La Cumbre Pass, before some tunnel came along and stole its thunder in 1980. Think of it as connecting Mendoza, Argentina, with Valparaíso, Chile. Now, the road itself? Epic. We’re talking about the scenic Paso Internacional de los Libertadores. Heads up, though – it's only open in the summer. Winter brings crazy snow and bone-chilling temps down to -30°C. Even in summer, it can randomly close because of snow or rockfalls. This unpaved stretch of road connects Las Cuevas (Argentina) and Parada Caracoles (Chile), clocking in at 17.1km (or 10.62 miles). Don't let the distance fool you—it's a wild one! Get ready for 65 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 15% in places! Budget about 50 minutes to conquer it, assuming you don't stop to soak in the insane views. It’s a challenging drive, no doubt. We’re talking curves, steep climbs, hairpin nightmares, and dramatic drop-offs, sometimes with zero guardrails! Despite all that, it's become a popular tourist route, all for that incredible statue. And about the statue: the bronze Cristo Redentor de los Andes was erected back in 1904 to celebrate Argentina and Chile calling a truce on a border dispute. It's one of the highest monuments on the planet, and a symbol of peace.
easyThe wild road to Huayunca doesn’t drop below 4.900m for 25km
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure awaits at Huayunca Pass! Perched way up in the Peruvian Andes, right where the Cusco and Apurimac regions meet, this beast hits a staggering 5,115 meters (16,781 feet). Yeah, you're gonna feel that altitude! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 25.1 km (15.59 mile) unpaved stretch kicking off from Abra Culipampa, heading east towards Abra Azuca. Think mind-blowing views in the Wansu range, especially on the initial climb. Seriously gorgeous! Heads up, though: The actual summit's a bit of a letdown. You've gotta check in at the Azuca silver mine (yep, at 5,000m!), and the views from the very top aren't the greatest. The descent isn't super scenic either. BUT that initial climb? Totally worth it. The road's generally in good shape, and the slopes aren't too crazy most of the way. Just make sure you're used to the altitude before you even think about tackling this one!
hardHow to Drive Across the High Desert of Siloli?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: southwest Bolivia, near Chile, way up in the Andes. We're talking serious altitude – almost 15,000 feet! This is the Desierto de Siloli, and getting here is an adventure in itself. Think off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your perspective!), a total South American highlight reel. We're smack-dab in Sud Lípez Province, surrounded by volcanoes, weird wind-carved rock formations, and endless plains. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde? Neighbors. Pavement? Forget about it. The "road" is more like a network of tracks cutting through sand, dodging volcanic ridges, and snaking around crazy rock formations. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to handle the soft ground, the bumps, and that pesky altitude. Also, pro-tip: zero services out here, so pack accordingly. Most folks jump on a guided 4x4 tour leaving from Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama. From Uyuni, it's a couple days south, cruising past the Uyuni Salt Flats and those crazy colored lagoons. From San Pedro, it's your first day's adventure after crossing the border. Either way, get ready for wide-open desert, salt flats, and seriously high mountain passes. Highlight reel? The "Stone Tree" (Árbol de Piedra) – a rock formation shaped by wind that looks like, well, a tree made of stone. Volcanoes everywhere, many sporting colorful slopes. Epic desert vistas. Plenty of chances to hop out and scramble around on the rocks for even better views. Heads up: altitude is no joke here. Limited oxygen, scorching sun. Be prepared for altitude sickness, and bring sunscreen! The real danger is the combo of high altitude and isolation. The driving itself isn't super technical, but the lack of services and emergency help means you gotta be prepared. Weather can turn on a dime – think sudden strong winds or freezing temps. A breakdown out here could mean a long wait with no help nearby.
hardWhere is Abra Loncopata?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Loncopata in the Arequipa region of Peru! This high-altitude beast clocks in at a whopping 5,100m (16,732ft) above sea level, making it one of Peru's highest roads. You'll find this gem tucked away in the southwestern part of the country, right inside the Reserva Cotahuasi. Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking pure, unadulterated dirt road (AR-105, if you're mapping). It's seriously steep in sections, hitting gradients of up to 20%, especially towards the end, so be prepared for a workout for your vehicle. The upside? You'll probably have the entire road to yourself! The whole route stretches for 128km (almost 80 miles) from Road 111 down to Puica, running north-south, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. Just remember to pack the essentials: water, snacks, extra fuel, a warm jacket (trust me!), and solid GPS navigation with maps. This is a ride you won't soon forget!