Is the road to Alto de Salinas difficult to drive?
Ecuador, south-america
16.6 km
4,344 m
hard
Year-round
Alto de Salinas is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,344m (14,251ft) above sea level, located in the Bolívar province of central Ecuador. Ranking as one of the
highest roads in the country
, it offers a dramatic ascent into the heart of the Andean paramo.
The road is a vital high-altitude corridor that connects the unique community of
(also known as Salinas de Tomabela) with the higher alpine plateaus. This region is famous for its high-altitude grasslands and unpredictable weather, where the landscape is often shrouded in thick mist. Driving this route provides a raw look at the volcanic terrain of the Andes, far from the typical tourist paths of the Pan-American Highway.
Road facts: Alto de Salinas
Bolívar Province, Ecuador
16.6 km (10.31 miles)
Is the road to Alto de Salinas difficult to drive?
The journey to the summit is a true
16.6 km (10.31 miles)
, the road runs west-east from the famous salt-producing village of Salinas de Guaranda towards the 491 Road. The track is
and consists of loose gravel and dirt. It is a notoriously steep drive, with some ramps hitting a staggering
. Due to the high altitude and the technical nature of the climb, a
4x4 vehicle is highly recommended
to ensure enough traction and power on the steepest sections.
What are the weather conditions like at Alto de Salinas?
Tucked away in the high Andes, the weather at Alto de Salinas is notoriously unstable. Drivers should expect
foggy, rainy, and misty conditions
even during the dry season. The temperature drops significantly as you approach the 4,300-meter mark, often hovering near freezing levels. The combination of high altitude, steep inclines, and low visibility makes this one of the most demanding drives in central Ecuador. Travelers are advised to be well-prepared for the "paramo" climate and to check local conditions, as heavy rains can quickly turn the unpaved surface into a muddy and slippery track.
Pic: Daniel Alejandro Arroyo
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Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 16.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,344 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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