Where is Abra del Condor?
Argentina, south-america
47.4 km
3,942 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, let me tell you about Abra del Cóndor! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in Argentina, a whopping 3,942 meters (that's 12,933 feet!) above sea level.
You'll find this beast straddling the Jujuy and Salta provinces in the northwest of the country. The road itself? Forget smooth asphalt! We're talking rough and rugged RP133 and RP13 roads, the highest point on this wild route.
Clocking in at 47.4 km (almost 30 miles), this isn't a Sunday drive. Starting from the paved RN9 north of Humahuaca, it'll take you all the way to the charming village of Iruya. Expect a serious workout for your steering wheel: think endless curves, hairpin turns, and scary drop-offs. Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording rivers?
But trust me, the views are worth it! Picture incredible mountain scenery, secluded villages, and crazy off-road trails. The valley views are insane, with cultivated terraces, colorful mountains, and bizarre rock formations sculpted by the wind and time.
The road is usually dry, but watch out for those summer rainstorms that can turn it into an impassable mud bath. Aim for June to October for the best weather window. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 47.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,942 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeDriving the road to Katantika Pass in La Paz is for brave drivers only
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Katantika, aka Paso de Keansani, is calling your name! This Bolivian bad boy tops out at a staggering 4,717m (15,475ft) in the Franz Tamayo Province. We're talking La Paz Department, way up in the northwest corner of the country, practically winking at Peru inside the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. Nestled high in the Apolobamba range, this 19km (12-mile) stretch from Pelechuco to Hilo Hilo is strictly unpaved, seriously challenging, and weaves its way through abandoned mines. Forget your sedan; a 4x4 is a MUST. And leave the oversized vehicles at home – things get tight. Speaking of tight, if you have a fear of heights, this isn't your road. Think narrow ledges and unprotected drops of around 600 meters, especially around those summit hairpin turns. Locals often prefer to walk it – that tells you something! Oh, and after the snow melts, be prepared to ford some seriously rushing waterfalls. Respect the water's power! But hey, for views and bragging rights, it's an absolute winner.
extremeLaguna Chichis
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up (literally, and maybe mentally) because Laguna Chichis in the Peruvian Andes is calling your name... if you're brave enough! Situated way up high in the province of Huarochirí, we're talking a lung-busting 4,539 meters (that's almost 15,000 feet!). This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about the LM-116 – a 4x4-only adventure. Imagine a narrow, gravel road clinging to the side of a cliff, with absolutely no guardrails to save you from a truly epic fall. The ascent is BRUTAL; the air gets thin, and trust me, you'll feel it. Altitude sickness can kick in way before you even get close, so be prepared. One wrong move here and… well, let’s just say you won't be posting about it on Instagram. We're talking a dizzying vertical drop. Seriously, skip this one if it's windy. And definitely avoid it in bad weather. Avalanches, snow, landslides – they're all real possibilities, plus patches of ice can appear out of nowhere. The gravel surface is often loose, especially near the edge. Since it's so remote and so high up, being prepared for anything is key. Oh, and did I mention that this wild ride to Huayunca stays above 4,900 meters for a solid 25 kilometers? So, are you ready to push your limits and experience some seriously stunning scenery?
hardCan I drive to the Paramount Pictures logo mountain?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the Ancash Region of Peru, winding your way through Huascaran National Park towards the stunning Paron Lagoon. This isn't just any drive; it's a climb through a spectacular canyon, the granite walls towering 1000m above you. And hold on tight, because you'll be tackling over 100 hairpin turns! But the real payoff? The views! You'll be treated to epic vistas of Chacraraju, Pisco, and the Huandoy mountains. And then, BAM! There it is: Artesonraju. That perfectly pyramidal peak that might just be the inspiration for the Paramount Pictures logo. Seriously, this mountain is a knife-edged beauty from any angle, with slopes so steep they'll take your breath away. Keep an eye out for those ski lines, if you're into that sort of thing. This road isn't just a drive, it's an adventure for the senses!
extremeWhere is the road to Laguna Pallarcocha?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in the Peruvian Andes, Condesuyos Province, Arequipa Region, about to tackle a serious off-road adventure up to Laguna Pallarcocha, a stunning lake chilling at a crazy elevation of 4,740 meters. We're talking the AR-107, a 52-kilometer stretch of pure, unadulterated wilderness heading north-south. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a rough-and-tumble dirt track carved into the Cordillera Ampato's volcanic slopes. It's a vital link for remote communities, but "primitive" is definitely the word. You absolutely NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this. Seriously. Regular cars need not apply unless you fancy getting stuck. The road's eroded, washboarded, and follows the ridge lines, so you'll be picking your way around rocks and ruts the whole time. Now, the weather? It's the boss up here. Avoid this route during bad weather at all costs! Snow, rain, and dust storms can appear out of nowhere. High winds are constant, and in winter, expect snowdrifts and freezing temperatures (think -15°C!). Oh, and altitude sickness is a real thing – over 15,000 feet will mess with your concentration, and your engine will feel the lack of oxygen too. This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. You're totally isolated out here. No services, no cell signal, and very little traffic. The drive demands your full attention. But reaching that lake? It's a serene moment of pure silence, with volcanic peaks reflecting in the water. Just remember to bring enough fuel for the return trip, plus emergency oxygen and warm gear. The weather at Pallarcocha is about as predictable as a toddler after cake.