Exploring the Remote and Rugged Abra de La Honda o del Portillo: A High Andean International Pass
Argentina, south-america
90.1 km
4,156 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de La Honda, or del Portillo, is a seriously epic international mountain pass straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 4,156 meters (that's 13,635 feet!).
This beast connects the Coquimbo Region of Chile with the Calingasta department in Argentina, deep in the Andes Mountains. The pass gets its name from the stunning Honda valley, so you know the views are going to be incredible.
Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The entire 90.1 km (56.4 miles) from La Vega is unpaved and seriously rugged. We're talking narrow roads, hairpin turns that will test your skills, steep climbs, and complete remoteness. Seriously, you might not see another soul out there. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. This wild route leads to an unnamed international pass where the road ends, so plan accordingly!
Where is it?
Exploring the Remote and Rugged Abra de La Honda o del Portillo: A High Andean International Pass is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -39.3789, -61.8135
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 90.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,156 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.3789, -61.8135
Related Roads in south-america
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Ulla Qhaya
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Ulla Qhaya in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about a mountain peak soaring to a dizzying 16,660 feet! It's one of Bolivia's highest roads, nestled in the stunning Apolobamba range inside the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. The road? Think rugged, unpaved goodness – strictly 4x4 territory. Winter? Forget about it; this road laughs in the face of snow. Seriously though, remember you're playing in the big leagues here. High altitude means thin air, and the weather can turn on a dime. Keep an eye on it. But hey, the views? Absolutely unreal.
extremeLaguna Paucarcocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road experience in Peru, Laguna Paucarcocha is calling your name. This stunning high-altitude lake sits way up at 14,055 feet! Getting there? Buckle up for Route 120. We're talking a gnarly gravel track, super narrow, and a mud-fest after any rain. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. Keep your eyes peeled for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides (yikes!), plus sneaky patches of ice that can throw you for a loop. The climb is brutal, and the air gets thin, real thin – altitude sickness is a real possibility. But the scenery? Oh man, the views are worth the white-knuckle drive. Just don't expect a leisurely cruise!
hardWhere is Nevado del Tolima?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Nevado del Tolima (south of the peak, that is), buckle up for an unforgettable drive. This volcano hides in Los Nevados National Natural Park in Colombia, and getting close is half the fun. The 27.1 km (16.83 miles) stretch to the El Silencio–Nevado del Tolima parking lot is an experience. Most cars can handle it, but be warned: it’s seriously steep and narrow, especially as you climb higher. You'll be soaring to some serious elevation! Keep your eyes peeled not just for the views, but for the road itself. You'll cross the old and precarious Puente Negro, which is a bit of an adventure in itself. You have been warned - this is a road you won't soon forget!
moderateAndahuaylas Airport
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in the Apurímac Region of Peru, heading to Andahuaylas Airport. Buckle up, because you're in for a ride! We're talking about a high-altitude landing strip sitting pretty at 11,300 feet. The road you'll be on? It's known as 30B, and it’s mostly gravel. Think of it as a wide, steep mountain track that definitely keeps you on your toes. Local buses brave this route daily to and from Ayacucho, but be warned – it's a solid 10-hour trek on a dusty road. But hey, don’t let that scare you! The views are absolutely worth it. The bus crawls along, giving you heaps of time to soak in the incredible mountain scenery. This place is seriously stunning, plus you can brag you’ve been to one of the highest airports on the planet! Besides the usual flights, you'll probably see some chartered planes coming and going too.