Mecoya-Mecoyita Pass
Argentina, south-america
N/A
2,373 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Paso de Mecoya-Mecoyita, straddling the Bolivian-Argentinian border at a lung-busting 2,373m (7,785ft)!
On the Bolivian side, you'll be tackling the RN45, while its Argentinian counterpart remains nameless. Prepare for some serious climbing, folks! The altitude is a real beast, so listen to your body – altitude sickness is no joke up here.
Connecting Mecoya in Bolivia with Ruta Provincial 5 near Santa Victoria in Argentina, this gravel track demands respect. Expect loose surfaces, especially near the edges, and be warned – rain turns it into a slippery, muddy mess. Storms can render it impassable, even for 4x4s.
But hey, the views! Imagine panoramic mountain vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. Just be aware that some sections are seriously narrow, requiring expert reversing skills if you meet oncoming traffic. And if you're afraid of heights, this might not be your cup of tea: sheer drops of hundreds of meters are common, with no guardrails to save you!
Where is it?
Mecoya-Mecoyita Pass is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -40.3660, -63.3443
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,373 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -40.3660, -63.3443
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is the Paramount logo mountain?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in Peru's Huaylas Province, nestled within the Caraz District, lies a majestic peak: Artesonraju. Sound familiar? Some say this beauty is the real-life inspiration behind the iconic Paramount Pictures logo! You'll find it in the Ancash Region, part of the breathtaking Cordillera Blanca range in the Peruvian Andes. Picture this: a perfect pyramid with ridiculously steep, clean slopes leading straight to a tiny summit. Stunning! Getting there? Buckle up! The road winds through Huascaran National Park and let me tell you, the drive is an experience in itself. We're talking hairpin turns—over 100 of them! But the views? Absolutely worth it. You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of Chacraraju, Pisco, and the mighty Huandoy mountains, all while chasing the legend of the Paramount logo. The route carves through a spectacular canyon, flanked by granite walls that soar 1000 meters high! Just be prepared for a challenging ride!
hardIs the road to Abra del Colorado paved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cruising through San Juan Province in Argentina? You absolutely HAVE to experience Abra del Colorado! This high mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,629m (8,625ft) and is a must-see. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, the landscape is seriously unreal. Think dry, desert vibes with reddish soil that gives the area its "Colorado" nickname. The views? Epic panoramic shots of the towering Andean peaks. It's a vital route connecting the valleys of Iglesia and Calingasta to the provincial capital. The Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149) is your path to adventure. The entire 88.3 km (54.86 miles) is fully paved and in awesome condition. You'll be cruising smoothly from north to south, connecting to RP436. Just a heads up: the mountain environment can throw some curveballs. Keep an eye out for sudden wind gusts — the notorious Zonda wind — that can be a bit wild. Why is this spot a cycling hotspot? Abra del Colorado is a legendary stage in the Vuelta a San Juan, a major race on the UCI World Tour. Even if you're not a pro cyclist, the climb is manageable, with gradients that rarely go above 5-6%. The real challenge? The length and the San Juan heat! The last 15 kilometers wind through a rocky canyon and it's super scenic. This climb is pure Argentinian Andes magic!
moderateWhere is Kahuish Tunnel?
🇵🇪 Peru
Cruising through Ancash, Peru? You HAVE to check out the Tunel de Kahuish! This baby sits at a whopping 14,816 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest tunnels on the planet. You'll find it nestled in the northern part of the country, right inside Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Keep an eye out for the awesome Christ statue (Cristo Blanco) overlooking the valley right after you exit. Built as part of a big road project that kicked off way back in 1927, constructing this tunnel was no joke! Lots of dynamite and some serious risks went into blasting through the rock. Finally completed in 1941, it got a facelift in 2007. The AN-110 highway runs right through it, connecting Huaraz and Chavin. It carves its way through the valley of the Santa River, over the Cordillera Blanca, and down to the Marañon valley. Expect pavement on the west side of the tunnel, but things get a little more rugged with mostly unpaved sections on the east side. At 1,587 feet long, this unlit tunnel marks the highest point of the main road and is one of the longest in the country. Cyclists, be warned: there’s no alternate route, you have to go through the tunnel!
moderateWhere is Abra Lliullita?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Peru's Southern Sierra, heart pounding, as you climb towards Abra Lliullita, perched way up high. This isn't just any road; it's a historic route that once bustled with mule drivers carting goods between Chuquibambilla and Abancay. It's still there, winding up toward the sky. The road's not paved, so maybe leave the sports car at home. The views are totally worth the bumpy ride, though. Keep an eye out for the Laguna de Lliullita near the top. It's perfect for spotting wildlife. The whole stretch from Vilcabamba to Abancay, clocking in at a fair distance, will test your mettle, especially when you consider the altitude. Take it slow, and listen to your body. Altitude sickness is real, folks. But if you're prepared for adventure, this road is a total knockout!