Where does the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay start and end?

Where does the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay start and end?

Ecuador, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,161 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Tres Cruces is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.161m (13,651ft) above sea level, located in the province of Azuay, in Ecuador. It's

one of the highest roads in the country.

Where does the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay start and end?

Set high in the highlands of Ecuador, the road to the summit is totally paved, mostly with concrete. It’s called Vía Colectora Cuenca-Puerto Inca (E582) and links Guayaquil and Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador.

How is the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay?

The road is very curvy and steep, in good condition, with several hairpin turns. Expect foggy, rainy, cold and misty weather. It rains most habitually in the afternoons.

Is the road to Tres Cruces in Azuay worth the drive?

Tucked away in the southern Ecuador’s Andes mountains, within the Parque Nacional Cajas, this section is the most western part of the continental divide of South Americas. At the summit of Tres Cruces “Three crosses”, there is a small car park, which isn't always up to the demand, especially at weekends, leading to Mirador Tres Cruces, a high mountain overlook. At the summit there is a monument to the people who have died in the national park. Historically, people died in passage from the port of Guayaquil to the sierras. The three crosses were placed to commemorate the fact that many people died at that point from altitude sickness. The views are well worth the effort.

The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge

Papallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth

Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our

to discover the most spectacular roads of the world

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click

 to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Ecuador
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
4,161 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in south-america

Ruta Provincial 70 is a road you'll never forget in Jujuyhard

Ruta Provincial 70 is a road you'll never forget in Jujuy

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience in Argentina, Ruta Provincial 70 (RP70) in Jujuy province is calling your name! Picture this: you're in the extreme northwest of Argentina, practically straddling the borders of Chile and Bolivia, tackling a 41km unpaved road. Your journey begins where RP7 joins Ruta Provincial 7, near the mesmerizing Pozuelos Lake – a Biosphere Reserve with an area of 180,000 square meters. This natural monument sits high at 4320m above sea level! The route winds its way to Liviara, dropping you right onto the legendary Ruta Nacional 40 (RN40), Argentina's longest route and a world-class road trip in itself. But here's the kicker: this isn't just any road; it's a high-altitude challenge, peaking at 4343m above sea level in Médano de Fundiciones. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The best time to visit is year-round, though summer rains can throw a wrench in your plans. Be sure to check road conditions in Abra Pampa or Cieneguilla before you head out.

Punta Yahuarcochaextreme

Punta Yahuarcocha

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Punta Yahuarcocha in Peru! This insane mountain pass in the Huancavelica region hits a whopping 16,338 feet. Seriously, you'll be gasping for air in the Angaraes province! The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking super steep gravel that climbs like crazy east of the Santa Ines to Huancavelica highway. You're heading into the wild, remote Andes, so come prepared. Rain turns this road into a beast, and watch out for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – they can pop up anytime and ice is a constant threat. But hey, the views? Absolutely epic. Just keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you!

Cerro Carasillamoderate

Cerro Carasilla

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're hunting for a serious off-road challenge in Chile's Antofagasta Region (smack dab near the Bolivian border), then Cerro Carasilla needs to be on your radar. We're talking a lung-busting 5,047 meters (16,558 feet) above sea level. The road? Well, "road" is a generous term. It's more like a gnarly, rocky, gravelly path designed to test your mettle. Expect huge, jagged rocks that demand skillful driving to avoid shredding your tires. Seriously, come prepared! This isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart (or lungs!). If you've got respiratory issues or heart problems, sit this one out. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 beast with skid plates and diff lockers – stock vehicles need not apply! The elements are another beast altogether. Expect brutal winds and crazy fast weather changes. Pack for cold, even in summer, because snow is a real possibility. Winter? Forget about it – bone-chilling doesn't even begin to describe it. This is a mine road, so expect some industrial scenery along the way... but the raw, untamed beauty of the high-altitude desert is absolutely worth it. Get ready for an epic, unforgettable experience!

Conquering The Ultimate Driving Challenge: Navigating Brazil's Serra Do Rio Do Rastro Roadextreme

Conquering The Ultimate Driving Challenge: Navigating Brazil's Serra Do Rio Do Rastro Road

🇧🇷 Brazil

Okay, picture this: Serra do Rio do Rastro Road, Brazil. It’s not just a road; it’s an *experience*. You’ll find it snaking its way through southern Brazil, and get ready for some serious hairpin turns and views that'll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at around 24.5 kilometers, this beauty climbs to a staggering 1,460 meters above sea level. We're talking hundreds of curves, so keep your eyes peeled and your hands on the wheel! Now, this isn't just a Sunday drive. The road is narrow, and in spots, only one car can pass at a time! Sheer drop-offs are a real thing here, so stay focused. Oh, and fog? It rolls in thick and fast, so be prepared for limited visibility. But hey, don't let that scare you off! The scenery is absolutely epic. Think winding roads clinging to mountainsides with viewpoints begging for a photo stop. To conquer this road, a GPS is your best friend. Take your time, and be aware of your surroundings. The road surface is asphalt, and it is generally well-maintained, but potholes can appear out of nowhere, so keep your eyes peeled. Before you go, give your car a once-over, especially those brakes and tires. Smaller cars are ideal due to the narrow roads. So, are you ready to tackle one of the world's most iconic and challenging roads? The Serra do Rio do Rastro awaits!