The road to Loma de las Antenas isn’t an easy one
Ecuador, south-america
11.7 km
4,218 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Just west of Quito, Ecuador, lies Loma de las Antenas, a sky-high peak reaching a whopping 13,838 feet! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Think 7.27 miles of unpaved, bumpy, gravelly goodness (or badness, depending on your suspension). Rainstorms have taken their toll, so expect dust when it's dry and mud when it's wet.
Word to the wise: this mountain demands respect. We're talking remote terrain, unpredictable weather, and that altitude sickness that can really knock you for a loop. Seriously, if rain's in the forecast, bail. Lightning up here is no joke. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 with some serious clearance to make it.
But oh, the views! As you climb, Quito unfolds below, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. The summit itself? A forest of antennas, marking your victory. Be warned, the final stretch is STEEP, and your engine's gonna feel the thin air. Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape and get ready for some seriously breathtaking scenery... if you dare!
Where is it?
The road to Loma de las Antenas isn’t an easy one is located in Ecuador (south-america). Coordinates: -2.5084, -77.9878
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 11.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,218 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -2.5084, -77.9878
Related Roads in south-america
moderatePunta Olimpica is the highest tunnel in the Americas
🇵🇪 Peru
Hey adventure seekers! Get ready to experience the incredible Punta Olimpica Tunnel in the Ancash region of Peru. Nestled high in the Cordillera Blanca mountains, this beauty connects the Callejón de Huaylas and Conchucos valleys. We're talking serious altitude here – 4,735m (15,535ft) above sea level! This fully paved tunnel is part of Ruta AN-107 and stretches for 1,384 meters. It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for occasional snow closures. Fun fact: it's named after Peru's epic football win against Austria at the 1936 Berlin Olympics! Built under crazy tough conditions, the tunnel opened in 2013 and totally changed the game. It bypassed the old Punta Olimpica Road (now a bit worse for wear with boulders and subsidence, so be careful!) and slashed travel time from a whopping 9 hours to just 2.5 hours for the 80 km distance. For years, it was the highest tunnel in the world! So, if you're up for breathtaking views and a serious adrenaline rush, add this to your bucket list!
moderateThe Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Ecuadorian Andes, in the province of Chimborazo, lies Refugio Edward Whymper, a mountain hut chilling at a staggering 4,855m (15,928ft). Seriously, it's one of the highest points you can drive to in Ecuador! Perched high in the Cordillera Occidental, this refuge – also known as Carrel Brothers Refuge – is your basecamp for tackling Chimborazo, that massive stratovolcano towering at 6,263m. Fun fact: its summit is actually the furthest point from the Earth's core. Whoa! Getting to this surprisingly well-maintained mountain hut is an adventure in itself. The road is unpaved, but usually in decent shape. You'll need a 4WD with good clearance to handle the steep 7.2 km (4.47 miles). Don't underestimate the altitude – your engine will feel the burn as you climb 485 meters, averaging a 6.73% gradient. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before you go. Mist and fog can roll in quickly, so keep your eyes peeled. But the views? Absolutely epic. Just imagine the bragging rights when you make it to that parking lot!
moderateHow long is the road from Cincha to Huanca?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, so you're looking for an adventure, huh? Check out the Cincha-Huanca road! This high-altitude route winds its way through the southern part of the country, staying above 2,500m the whole time. Clocking in at about 44km (27 miles), it's not a super long ride, but definitely a memorable one. You'll climb to a peak elevation of 3,434m (that's over 11,000 feet!). Word of warning: the road starts off paved, but don't get too comfy! It gradually degrades, turning into a rougher surface. Oh, and did I mention the views? You'll be cruising along the edge of the Ocoña Cliffs – so keep your eyes on the road, but definitely steal a glance at that stunning scenery when you can!
extremeWhere is Portachuelo Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Paso Portachuelo Llanganuco, a mountain pass that'll blow your mind. We're talking 4,717m (15,475ft) high in the Yungay province! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, called AN-106 (Carretera de Yungay), is about 70.8 km (44 miles) long and almost entirely unpaved, snaking its way from Yungay to Yanama. Brace yourself for around 50 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. It's no joke, with steep sections hitting an 11% gradient and some seriously sharp switchbacks. Expect sheer drops, stone cliffs, and maybe some loose rocks or mud, especially after rain. Keep an eye out for potential avalanches, too! This legendary route, used since pre-Inca times, carves through Huascaran National Park, north of the famous Punta Olimpica Tunnel. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to incredible sights of Mounts Huascaran, Huandoy, Chopicalqui, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Yanapaccha. This pass is usually open year-round, offering a unique corridor between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. Get ready for an unforgettable, breathtaking experience!