How to Travel the Unpaved Road to Abra de la Cruz

How to Travel the Unpaved Road to Abra de la Cruz

Argentina, south-america

Length

17.86 km

Elevation

3,757 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Abra de la Cruz, a seriously stunning mountain pass tucked away in the Tilcara Department of Argentina.

We're talking Jujuy Province, way up in the north, where the views are absolutely killer. Imagine standing 3,757m (that's a whopping 12,326ft!) above sea level, gazing out over a breathtaking ravine with the charming town of Huacalera nestled below. Pure magic!

Now, the road itself is a bit of an adventure. It's all unpaved, a proper gravel road, but generally in decent shape, so most vehicles should be fine. Think winding cornice roads, narrow stretches, some pretty steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore, especially as you snake through Abra de Cortaderas.

The whole shebang is about 17.86km (or 11.1 miles) starting from Huacalera. In that short distance, you'll climb a hefty 1,121m, averaging a gradient of around 6.27%. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!

Where is it?

How to Travel the Unpaved Road to Abra de la Cruz is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.4109, -62.6288

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
17.86 km
Max Elevation
3,757 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-38.4109, -62.6288

Related Roads in south-america

The Rio Encuentro bridge crossing from Argentina to Chilehard

The Rio Encuentro bridge crossing from Argentina to Chile

🇦🇷 Argentina

Rio Encuentro International Pass is unlike any other Andean crossing. Forget scaling towering peaks! This border is all about a quick hop over the Encuentro River on a 30-meter bridge. It's this tiny span that links Argentina's Chubut Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region, providing a handy connection between the towns of Corcovado and Palena. Seriously, it's one of the most scenic bridges out there! Prepare for a road surface switch-up the second you cross the bridge. While the bridge itself is basic concrete, it’s where Argentina's gravel gives way to Chile's smooth pavement. Mostly you'll find locals and smaller vehicles using this route to cruise through Patagonia. The change is instant. You'll rumble along Ruta Nacional 259 and Ruta Provincial 44 on the Argentinian side – think classic Patagonian gravel. Then, boom, you're on the bridge, and suddenly you're gliding on the Chilean side via Ruta Internacional CH-235. It's paved perfection all the way to Palena! Keep in mind, this pass is for lighter vehicles only; leave the big rigs behind. You'll find the PDI, Customs (SNA), and the Agricultural Service (SAG) ready on the Chilean side, while the Gendarmería Nacional keeps things in order on the Argentinian side. The border crossing is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Since Rio Encuentro isn't about crazy high altitudes, it's often a safer bet in winter, assuming the Argentinian gravel roads aren't snowed under. Expect an easy drive across the river that naturally divides these two nations in a seriously remote and serene location.

Driving the curvy road to Mirador Cruz del Condor in the Andesmoderate

Driving the curvy road to Mirador Cruz del Condor in the Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Peru, you absolutely HAVE to check out Mirador Cruz del Cóndor in the Arequipa region. Perched way up at 3,794 meters (that's a whopping 12,447 feet!), this spot is legendary for condor watching. The road to get there, mostly paved but with some dirt sections to keep things interesting (route AR-109, if you're mapping it), winds for 22 kilometers (around 13.67 miles) between Pinchollo and Cabanaconde. Nestled high in the Andes, this isn't just any viewpoint. It’s THE place to soak in the Colca Canyon, arguably the second deepest canyon on the planet. And the real showstopper? The Andean Condors! These magnificent birds, the biggest flying birds *in the world*, put on an aerial display you won't forget. Aim to be there between 7 and 9 a.m. for the best viewing and fewer crowds. You'll also find a big cross and a little stone wall for safety while you're taking in the views. Prime time to visit? May through November for the best weather. Trust me, this is an experience you don't want to miss!

Volcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drivesmoderate

Volcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drives

🇵🇪 Peru

Get ready for an epic adventure through the Valley of Volcanoes in southern Peru's Arequipa province! This isn't your typical Sunday drive – it's a 44.3 km gravel track linking Andagua and the stunning Colca Canyon, and it's packed with more than 85 volcanic cones! The Valley of Volcanoes road serves up views for days as it weaves through crazy-deep river valleys and climbs over multiple 3,000-meter mountain passes. The road is maintained, so you can safely cruise along in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle (just take it slow on those long, straight stretches!). Trust me, this drive is a MUST. The geological formations are unreal, with volcanic rocks sculpted by nature into all sorts of animal shapes. And the photo ops? Forget about it! Seriously, charge those batteries, clear your memory cards, and prepare to snap some unforgettable shots. If you're hunting for a place that's wild, remote, and practically untouched by tourism, you've hit the jackpot!

The road to Abra Loncopata in Arequipa is pure adventurehard

The road to Abra Loncopata in Arequipa is pure adventure

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Loncopata in the Arequipa region of Peru is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) above sea level – that's high! Nestled in the Reserva Cotahuasi, this unpaved beauty, also known as AR-105, stretches for 128 km (almost 80 miles) of pure, unadulterated, north-to-south Peruvian bliss, connecting Road 111 to Puica. Prepare for some serious steepness! We’re talking gradients hitting 20% – your vehicle (and your lungs!) will definitely feel it. And the best part? You'll likely have this epic road all to yourself. Just be sure to pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, a warm jacket (altitude, remember!), and reliable GPS and maps are essential. Oh, and did I mention the scenery? Get ready for views that'll blow your mind! Seriously, this is a journey you won't soon forget.