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
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