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

Driving the infamous road from Autisha to Chacllaextreme

Driving the infamous road from Autisha to Chaclla

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Lima Region of Peru and fancy a drive you won't forget, check out the Autisha-Chaclla road. This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road; it's a proper mountain adventure between Autisha and Chaclla, and let's just say it's earned a reputation. Think gravel tracks, seriously tight hairpin turns, and edges that drop off hundreds of meters. Seriously, keep your eyes on the road! It's about 14 km of pure adrenaline, not for the faint-hearted (or those prone to vertigo). Pictures don't capture the sheer drop and the wildness of it all. Nestled high in the Andes, the scenery is breathtaking, but the road demands respect. Landslides are a possibility, so be aware of your surroundings. Starting at 2,320 meters above sea level in Autisha, you'll climb a whopping 1,161 meters for an average gradient of 8.35%. This baby is STEEP! One slip and... well, let's just say you don't want to think about it. So, if you're up for a challenge and some seriously epic views, this Peruvian road might just be your next adventure!

Where is Tequendama Falls?hard

Where is Tequendama Falls?

🇨🇴 Colombia

Okay, so you're headed to Tequendama Falls in Colombia, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Bogotá? Buckle up for a quick but potentially wild ride! The paved road is only about 16 miles, running generally east-west from the main highway, but those curves are no joke – super tight and can be a bit treacherous, so keep your eyes on the road. The falls themselves are seriously impressive, plunging over 400 feet! But there's more than just water here. Check out the old Hotel del Salto – it's got a fascinating (and slightly dark) history. Perched right on the cliff edge, it once offered killer views, but sadly, it became a popular spot for... well, let's just say it has a *very* haunted vibe now. They've turned it into a museum, so you can explore the history (and maybe spot a ghost!). Legend has it the falls were created by Bochica, a Muisca deity who broke the ground with his staff. Whether you believe the legend or not, the scenery is stunning. Just remember to take it slow on those curves!

Where is Cerro Estrella?extreme

Where is Cerro Estrella?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Cerro Estrella, also called Lastarria, sits right on the border between Argentina (Salta Province) and Chile (Antofagasta). We're talking serious altitude here – the summit hits a whopping 17,680 feet (5,389m)! Up top, you'll find the remains of Mina La Julia, an abandoned sulfur mine that was buzzing from the '50s to the late '70s. Now, it's a ghost town, a stark reminder of a bygone era. Getting to the top is no joke! This isn't your Sunday drive. The road is an old mining track that demands a 4x4. Be ready for some seriously steep inclines. A word of caution: this climb isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). The extreme altitude means less oxygen, which can be tough on the body. If you have any heart or breathing issues, seriously reconsider this one. Even if you're fit, be aware of altitude sickness – it can hit anyone! The air up there has only about 60% of the oxygen you're used to at sea level, so even simple tasks become a workout. Oh, and heads up – this road is typically impassable during the winter months. The Andes throw everything they've got at it – heavy snow, blizzards that kill visibility, and crazy wind. Even in summer, be prepared for unexpected snow or sudden cold snaps. Powerful winds are pretty much a constant companion.

Unduavi Tunnelmoderate

Unduavi Tunnel

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Tunel de Unduavi! This beast of a tunnel sits way up high in the Bolivian Andes, at a lung-busting 11,161 feet. You'll find it in the La Paz Department, smack-dab in the Cordillera Real. Seriously, this is one of the highest tunnels on the planet! It's not super long—only about 280 meters—but it's unlit, so get ready for a brief dive into darkness. You'll find it right on Ruta 3, and the good news is, the road is paved. The not-so-good news? Be prepared to share the road with plenty of big rigs. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!