Exploring the Remote and Rugged Abra de La Honda o del Portillo: A High Andean International Pass

Exploring the Remote and Rugged Abra de La Honda o del Portillo: A High Andean International Pass

Argentina, south-america

Length

90.1 km

Elevation

4,156 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

Where is Pato Canyon?extreme

Where is Pato Canyon?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, exploring the Ancash Region, and you stumble upon the Cañón del Pato – Duck Canyon. Seriously, this place is unreal! This road snakes through a canyon carved out by the Rio Santa, right at the northern tip of the Callejón de Huaylas. Starting near Caraz and heading up to Yuracmarca, this 52-kilometer (32-mile) stretch is an adventure. Now, here’s the kicker: you're driving along a route carved into the cliff face, peering down into a massive gorge, and passing through *54* tunnels. And get this—they're all hand-cut into the rock! Most of the road is paved, but it’s super narrow. Forget passing another car easily; it’s a squeeze! Be warned: it's not for the faint of heart. During the rainy and snowy seasons, it can get shut down. Plus, falling rocks are a real hazard. These tunnels? Mostly one lane and rough as anything. The elevation climbs from 500m to over 2000m, so buckle up. The road just keeps getting narrower, tunnel after tunnel, with some serious drop-offs—we're talking 1000m drops! You'll need to keep your wits about you on this one. But, oh man, the views! It's an experience you won't forget.

Cuesta de la Chilcaextreme

Cuesta de la Chilca

🇦🇷 Argentina

Guys, Ruta Provincial 48 in Catamarca Province, Argentina, is insane. They call it Cuesta de la Chilca, and it’s a totally improbable dirt road clinging to a cliff edge. Think twenty-seven hairpin turns stacked practically on top of each other as you claw your way up! Seriously, this narrow path is not for the faint of heart. Got vertigo? Stay home. Afraid of landslides? Nope. Expect traffic, rain, and fog pretty much all the time. The mist can get so thick you can barely see, so drive carefully. And maybe skip the big lunch – all those twists and turns at high altitude might make you queasy. Oh, and did I mention there are zero guardrails protecting you from drops of hundreds of meters? Yeah, fun times! Cuesta de la Chilca is only 14.5 km, but packs a serious punch. You start at 1,175m above sea level and end up at 1,875m, gaining 700 meters in elevation. That's an average grade of 4.82%, but with sections hitting 10%! The gravel surface is often loose, so watch your tires. Because you’re climbing thousands of feet through remote areas, come prepared. This track can get super muddy and slippery after rain, and even 4x4s might not make it through. If there’s a storm, the road might be completely impassable. Basically, it’s epic... if you're up for it!

How challenging is the road to Abra Mañazo?extreme

How challenging is the road to Abra Mañazo?

🇵🇪 Peru

Hit the heights in Puno Province, Peru, on the Abra Mañazo pass, soaring to a staggering 4,518m (14,822ft)! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a proper Andean adventure, deep in the desolate heart of southern Peru. Picture this: You're cruising (or, let's be real, carefully navigating) through the Altiplano, surrounded by rocky peaks as far as the eye can see. Don't let the "Panamericana" signs fool you; this is a raw, unadulterated mountain track where alpacas outnumber cars. This 55.2 km (34.29 miles) stretch of road demands respect. A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is a must. While the average slope is a gentle 2%, the surface is rough and ready to test your driving skills. The real kicker? Serious drop-offs. The track can be narrow, and without barriers, it’s just you, your tires, and a long way down. Extra caution is key, especially when the rains come and turn the gravel into a slippery nightmare. But hey, the views! This east-west route connects the town of … to the 34C road junction and serves up some seriously breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Andes. Keep your eyes peeled for Laguna Pumacocha, two high-altitude lakes teeming with surprisingly diverse birdlife. It’s a quiet, remote, and stunning drive that embodies the Peruvian highlands, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Where is Laguna Colorada?hard

Where is Laguna Colorada?

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, picture this: Bolivia, high up in the Potosí department. You're cruising along a totally unpaved road in your 4x4, surrounded by the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. This ain't your average Sunday drive! You're at over 4,000 meters above sea level (that's seriously high!), tackling about 50 km of wild, unadulterated road that stretches from Villa Alota all the way south to the Chilean border at Ollagüe. Keep your eyes peeled, because this area is home to a bunch of endangered flamingos chilling in the red waters. That vibrant, reddish hue? It's all thanks to a crazy mix of algae and minerals that puts on a show in the afternoons. Trust me, you won't forget the Laguna Colorada anytime soon.