Driving the unpaved Illampu Circuit through Abra de la Calzada in the Andes
Bolivia, south-america
140 km
5,062 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de la Calzada in Bolivia is calling your name. This epic mountain pass punches in at a staggering 5,062m (16,607ft) – seriously high! You'll find it nestled north of La Paz, right in the heart of the Andes.
This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The Illampu Circuit, as it's known, is a rough and rugged 140km (87 miles) unpaved track starting in Sorata. Think old mule trail meets modern mining road. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. But don't let that distract you.
We're talking serious altitude here – constantly hovering between 4,000 and 5,000 meters. Expect steep climbs, four passes, and tracks that have seen better days. Acclimatization is KEY. Only tackle this one if you’re prepped, fit, and ready for a challenge. Oh, and heads up, this pass is usually snow-covered, so good weather is a must!
Where is it?
Driving the unpaved Illampu Circuit through Abra de la Calzada in the Andes is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.6508, -63.0755
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 140 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,062 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -16.6508, -63.0755
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaguna Aguascocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a secret spot for you in the Peruvian Andes. We're talking Laguna Aguascocha, a stunning lake shimmering at a staggering 14,337 feet! You'll find this beauty nestled in the Cordillera Blanca, inside Huascarán National Park. Now, the road – AN844 – getting there is a bit of a beast. Think rugged gravel that demands a 4x4. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less. The climb is brutal, and the air gets THIN. We're talking oxygen deprivation that will put your body to the ultimate test. Most feel altitude sickness way before this point. Be prepared for some serious steepness. The views, though? Totally worth it. Just keep an eye on the weather, because avalanches, blizzards, and landslides can happen at any time. But trust me, if you're up for a challenge, the reward is an unforgettable Andean experience!
extremePortezuelo de Guaitiquina: Driving the remote 4,288m border pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Portezuelo de Guaitiquina, a whopping 4,288m (14,068ft) high, straddles the Chile-Argentina border, offering a wild and solitary experience unlike the busier Paso de Sico. This route carves through the stunning, high-altitude deserts of the Andes, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province. This pass links you from the area near San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile all the way to the village of Catua in Argentina. The road itself is about 58.1 km (36.1 miles) from the B-357 junction in Chile to the border with Salta. Think stark beauty: salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and endless horizons. It’s a forgotten corner, so prepare for minimal traffic and a whole lot of silence. Yep, it's all gravel. Known as RP37 in Chile, it morphs into an unnamed track on the Argentine side leading to Catua. Be warned, this climb is steep! And the thin air will definitely put your engine to the test. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, making those inclines extra challenging. While technically open to all vehicles, a high-clearance 4WD is your best bet for dealing with the washboarding and sand drifts. The altitude is the biggest challenge here. At 4,288 meters, altitude sickness is a real possibility. Acclimatize properly! But there's another, more hidden danger: landmines. Parts of this border area were mined back in the 70s. While areas near the main road have been cleared, it's crucial to stick to the track and avoid wandering off into the desert. If you're crossing the border here, it's usually open from 8 am to 6 pm. But, because it's so remote, hours can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is arid but can get brutally cold fast. Strong winds are common, and winter can bring snow and ice. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear because help is a long way off, and cell service is non-existent.
hardHow long is the road from Celendin to Yerbabuena?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Celendín-Yerbabuena road in the Cajamarca region of Peru! This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. We're talking a fully paved ribbon of tarmac stretching 163 kilometers (101 miles) between the towns of Celendín and Yerbabuena. But hold on, it's not all smooth sailing. Imagine impossibly narrow sections where it feels like your tires are flirting with the void – a sheer 1,000-meter drop on one side and a looming cliff on the other. Seriously, vertigo sufferers need not apply! There's a reason they call this a challenging drive. Think hundreds of hairpin turns clinging to the mountainside, and stunning vistas around every bend. But don't get *too* distracted by the scenery, because you'll need your full attention on the road. Expect some serious elevation changes, breathtaking scenery, and enough adrenaline to keep you buzzing for days. Just remember to breathe!
moderateA wild road to Laguna de Paton in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Laguna de Patón! This insane lagoon sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, like, 13,615 feet high! You'll find it in the province of Oyón, Lima. The road, mostly concrete and called LM-18, is surprisingly decent, taking you from the town of Oyón eastward to the PA-100 road. Don't let that fool you, though. This 27-mile (43.5 km) stretch is a beast! Think hairpin turns and switchbacks galore. But hey, you're rewarded with breathtaking scenery at every twist and turn. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience! Just keep your eyes on the road, because those views can be seriously distracting!