Travel Guide to the Top of Abra del Gallo

Travel Guide to the Top of Abra del Gallo

Argentina, south-america

Length

98 km

Elevation

4,630 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra del Gallo in Salta Province, Argentina, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a high-altitude experience, topping out at a whopping 4,630m (15,190ft) above sea level – one of the highest roads you'll find in Argentina.

Get ready to ditch the pavement because Ruta Provincial 129 (RP129) is all about that raw, unpaved life. Think ripio, gravel, and maybe a little sand to keep things interesting. Don't worry, though, while it climbs, the surface is usually pretty decent.

This epic stretch of road runs for 98km (61 miles) from the Salar de Pocitos to Chorrillos, carving its way through the rugged northwest of the country. And the views? Let's just say Nevado Queva to the west will blow your mind. Seriously, pack your camera!

Where is it?

Travel Guide to the Top of Abra del Gallo is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -34.6706, -61.9492

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Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
98 km
Max Elevation
4,630 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-34.6706, -61.9492

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