
Trans-Andean Highway, a drive you'll never forget
Venezuela, south-america
1.082 km
4,050 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans! Carretera Trasandina in Venezuela is calling your name. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-blown Andean adventure stretching 1,082km (672mi) from Caracas all the way to the Colombian border at San Antonio del Táchira.
Picture this: you're cruising on a paved road (with some sturdy concrete bits), a highway with a fascinating history dating back to 1925. You'll wind through the states of Mérida, Trujillo, and Táchira, climbing, climbing, climbing until you hit the absolute peak at Pico El Águila Pass, a staggering 4,050m (13,287ft) above sea level!
Keep an eye out for those infamous Andean landslides after a good rain, and sometimes heavy mist can roll in. Though it's usually open year-round, winter weather can cause temporary closures. Be prepared for some potholes and rough patches of asphalt, especially on the western side in Táchira – it's all part of the experience, right? This highway is a bit rugged.
Road Details
- Country
- Venezuela
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 1.082 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,050 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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