Travel guide to the top of Tres Cruces in Azuay
Ecuador, south-america
N/A
4,161 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk Tres Cruces in Ecuador! This high-altitude pass punches in at a whopping 4,161 meters (13,651 feet) in Azuay province. It's one of the highest drives you'll find in Ecuador!
The road itself? Think smooth (mostly concrete!) pavement as you cruise along Vía Colectora Cuenca-Puerto Inca (E582), connecting bustling Guayaquil with the charming city of Cuenca.
Hold on tight because this route is all about curves and serious elevation! We're talking hairpin turns galore. Be prepared for some moody weather, too – fog, rain, cold, and mist are all part of the experience. Afternoon showers are super common.
Nestled in the Andes within Parque Nacional Cajas, this stretch marks the western edge of the continental divide. At the summit (Tres Cruces – "Three Crosses"), you'll find a small parking area (which can get crowded on weekends) and a lookout point. There's a monument there too, dedicated to those who passed away crossing from the port to the mountains. The three crosses were placed to commemorate the fact that many people died at that point from altitude sickness. Trust me, the views are totally worth the climb!
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Tres Cruces in Azuay is located in Ecuador (south-america). Coordinates: -2.2191, -78.4889
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,161 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -2.2191, -78.4889
Related Roads in south-america
hardHighest roads of Argentina
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, Argentina, you wild thing! This country's the second biggest in South America and it's showing off with the Andes Mountains carving out its entire western edge. Think colossal peaks, including Aconcagua (basically the rooftop of the Americas!) and get ready for some serious high-altitude driving! We're talking rugged, unpaved roads that were mostly carved out for mining or sneaking across the border to Chile. These routes climb sky-high, sometimes topping out above 4,700 meters (that's 15,400 ft for those of you not using the metric system!). Buckle up for a mix of tough mountain passes and trails that'll leave you breathless (literally, thanks to the altitude). Think places like the Abra de Vacas Heladas (sounds chilly!) and the famous Paso de San Francisco. Picture yourself tackling the crazy narrow road to Iruya in Salta Province, or conquering the epic Cuesta del Lipán to Abra de Potrerillos in Jujuy. Argentina's high roads aren't just drives, they're full-blown adventures!
moderateTravelling through Estrada Santa Cruz do Rio Abaixo
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near eastern São Paulo, Brazil, you NEED to check out Estrada Santa Cruz do Rio Abaixo. This isn't your average drive; it's a 10km off-road escapade that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Picture this: a winding, unpaved path of gravel and sand, climbing to 1,000 meters above sea level. The views? Absolutely stunning! But be warned, this road's not for the faint of heart. When the heavens open up, this area is prone to flash floods, so keep an eye on the weather. You might find yourself wading through water or facing washed-out sections. So, if you're up for a challenge and craving some raw, untamed beauty, this Brazilian backroad is calling your name!
hardCerro Blanco
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cerro Blanco in the wild Argentinian Andes! We're talking about a whopping 4,174 meters (13,694 feet) above sea level in the Catamarca Province. The road in? Pure sand, baby! This isn't a Sunday drive; you NEED a 4x4. You'll kick things off from Ruta Provincial 43 and grind it out for 96.3 km. Cerro Blanco sits pretty on the Robledo caldera's southern edge, surrounded by cool pumice deposits. Heads up: this track gets seriously muddy and slick after rain. Like, "maybe impassable even with 4x4" kind of slick. And since you're out in the boonies, be prepped for anything. Expect a high desert climate, scorching sun, and super dry conditions. But the views? Totally worth it.
moderateA 4x4 mine road to Marancales Sur in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a volcano on wheels? Marancales Sur is calling your name! This beast of a road straddles the Argentina/Chile border, clocking in as one of the highest routes in either country. We're talking serious Andes Mountains vibes here, with the volcano acting as a natural boundary between Argentina's San Juan Province and Chile's Atacama Region. Now, hold on tight: the entire road to the summit is pure, unadulterated dirt. Forget your fancy sports car; you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this terrain. Word on the street is the area is loaded with copper and gold, so expect a rugged mining road experience. Fair warning: the climate is no joke. Think biting winds and frigid temperatures, classic high-altitude Andes stuff. And here's the kicker – this road is strictly a summer fling (December to April). The rest of the year, Mother Nature slams the door shut with a mountain of snow. So, plan your trip accordingly!