How to drive the unpaved road to Rhity Apacheta Pass in La Paz Department?
Bolivia, south-america
123 km
4,874 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Paso Rhity Apacheta in Bolivia's La Paz Department! At a staggering 4,874m (15,990ft), this pass is seriously high up there — one of Bolivia's loftiest!
You'll find it nestled within the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve, north of the wild Paso Sanchez, near the Peruvian border, in Franz Tamayo Province. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks!
The entire 123km (76 miles) route, stretching from Ruta Nacional 16 (near Villa Gral Pérez) to Cueara, is unpaved and seriously rugged. Expect hairpin turns, super steep climbs, narrow stretches, and curves galore. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential!
Seriously, if you crave getting *way* off the grid in the heart of the Apolobamba mountain range, this is your calling. Get ready for views and a drive you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
How to drive the unpaved road to Rhity Apacheta Pass in La Paz Department? is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.7977, -62.8970
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 123 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,874 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -16.7977, -62.8970
Related Roads in south-america
extremeAbra del Calvario
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for Abra del Calvario in Jujuy, Argentina! This mountain pass is a beast, topping out at a staggering 4,423 meters (14,511 feet). You'll find it along Ruta Nacional 40, and fair warning, it's a gravel and sand road. The good news is that it's usually maintained well enough that a 2WD with decent clearance can handle it, as long as you take it slow and steady. But listen up: altitude is a *serious* factor here. The air is thin, *really* thin. If you've got any respiratory or heart issues, maybe skip this one. Even if you're in great shape, be prepared to feel the altitude. We're talking about 40% less oxygen than you're used to! Your heart will be pounding, and even simple movements will feel like a workout. Between the elevation, unpredictable weather, steep grades, and remote location, this pass is no joke. But if you're prepared for a challenge and want some seriously epic views, Abra del Calvario might just be your next unforgettable adventure. Just be sure to listen to your body and take it easy!
extremeA curvy paved road to Tipon ruins
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in southeastern Peru, practically breathing the crisp Andean air near the Urubamba Valley. You're headed to Tipon, an Inca ruin that's not just stones, but a living, breathing testament to ancient engineering. We're talking water flowing through carved canals – seriously cool stuff! To get there, you'll climb to a whopping 11,684 feet above sea level. The road? It's paved, but hold on tight! It's a wild ride with tons of twists and turns, and yeah, some spots feel a little exposed. Think dramatic views and a bit of an adrenaline rush as you wind your way east from Cusco. Plus, once you arrive, the views and terraces are simply stunning. Word to the wise: Mother Nature can throw curveballs. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides aren't unheard of, so be aware of potential closures. The real fun starts in Choquepata: a 3.9km climb featuring four seriously tight hairpin turns, and it's steep!
hardWhere is Oquepuño Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, because Abra Oquepuño in Peru is about to blow your mind! We're talking serious altitude here: 4,883 meters (that's 16,020 feet!). Some say it's one of the highest paved roads in all of South America. Find this gem in the Puno region, way down south. The road itself, Ruta Nacional PE-34B (Carretera Interoceanica), is completely paved, stretching 44 km (27.34 miles) from Macusani to Puerto Arturo. Heads up: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. You're way up in the Andes, so the air gets thin. Take it easy to avoid altitude sickness! The climb is steep, with gradients hitting 11% in places, and there are 10 hairpin turns to navigate. At the top, you'll find a tiny chapel called Santísima Cruz. The views? Absolutely killer!
extremeAbra de la Santa Cruz: Driving the 4,597m Jujuy-Salta Boundary (RP13A)
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic road trip? Then you HAVE to check out Abra de la Santa Cruz, a crazy-high mountain pass nestled way up in the Argentinian Andes. We're talking a lung-busting 4,597 meters (15,082 feet!) above sea level, so yeah, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll find this beast straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northern Argentina. Route 13A will lead you on this wild, 46-kilometer (28-mile) ride from Abra del Sauce to Casillas. Now, fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The whole thing is unpaved and throws EVERYTHING at you – think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and more hairpin turns than you can count! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential to conquer the ever-changing terrain of loose gravel and jagged rocks. But the biggest challenge? The altitude! At that height, altitude sickness is a real threat, so come prepared. Also, you're pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so don't expect to find gas stations or emergency services around every corner. Pack extra water, fuel, and a first-aid kit, and ALWAYS keep an eye on the weather forecast, because things can change on a dime up there. But hey, the payoff? Unforgettable, panoramic views of the stunning high-altitude Andes scenery that'll leave you breathless (literally!).