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
extremeTravelling the challenging Ruta A-23
🇨🇱 Chile
Get ready for the ride of your life on Ruta A-23 in the remote northern reaches of Chile! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture 114km (70 miles) of unpaved adventure that will take you over 6 hours to conquer. While technically a 2wd road (weather permitting!), you'll be navigating everything from smooth surfaces to teeth-rattling washboards. Starting near Putre at a lofty 3,500 meters, the climb is brutal. Expect your lungs to burn in the thin air as you hug the Tapaca Volcano, eventually reaching a staggering 5,242 meters above sea level. Snowfall can shut things down in a heartbeat, and heavy mist can make things seriously sketchy. The gravel and sand can turn treacherous and muddy after rain, so keep an eye on the forecast. Speaking of isolation, expect to see more vicuñas and alpacas than people after you leave Putre. The road ends in Visviri, near the Bolivian border. Be warned: this route earns its reputation for danger! Unpredictable snowstorms, avalanches, and landslides can strike without warning. Patches of ice are common, so only tackle this adventure in good weather. But if you're up for a challenge, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!
moderateWhere is Cerro El Amago?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled way up high in central Argentina is Cerro El Amago. Think a staggering elevation, perfect for soaking in panoramic views. So, here's the deal: Getting to the top isn't a walk in the park, it's a serious climb. The road, affectionately known as "Ruta a Cerro El Amago," stretches for a whopping 35.1 km (21.81 miles), heading north-south from San Francisco del Monte de Oro. The first leg is about 17.4 km (10.81 miles) of non-stop uphill action. Be warned: this ascent is *steep*, gaining you serious altitude with an average gradient that will test your mettle - watch out for the extreme ramps! The road surface? It's mostly gravel, with a few patches of concrete closer to the summit. And that final push? Prepare for some loose gravel under your tires. But it's all worth it! You're driving through the stunning Argentinian Precordillera, offering incredible views of Valle Reservoir Las Palmeras. Plus, you can check out those towering TV and telephone broadcast towers right at the peak. And if you're lucky, you might even spot the famous Abra Blanca viewpoint!
extremeThe wild road to the summit of Abra Quenco
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Quenco in the Arequipa Region of Peru! This ain't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about a gravel road that claws its way up to a staggering 5,020m (16,469ft), making it one of Peru's highest roads. Located within the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve, this pass isn't just high, it's a wild ride! Expect sandy patches, tight hairpin turns that'll test your nerves, and some seriously steep inclines that'll leave you breathless (literally, thanks to the altitude!). Watch out for those sneaky loose-gravel sections! Word to the wise: rain turns this road into a beast. Even a little drizzle can make things tricky, and heavy downpours can render the unpaved sections impassable. The oxygen is thin, the climb is relentless, and the views? Absolutely epic! Just beyond the pass, the road briefly touches 5,101m (16,735ft). Keep an eye out for the occasional mine vehicle. The road leading up to this epic point is known as Carretera C-105. Heads up for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Driving in those conditions is for experienced adventurers only!
hardPortezuelo El Gaucho
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Portezuelo El Gaucho! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Chile's Atacama Region, clocking in at a lung-busting 4,177 meters (that's 13,704 feet!). Forget smooth asphalt, we're talking gravel and rocks all the way, baby! This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a trail for serious off-roaders. If you're not comfy with steep, unpaved mountain tracks, steer clear. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. Oh, and if heights make your palms sweat, maybe grab a friend to do the driving. Watch out for those thunderstorms, they can turn the road into a real challenge, or even make it impassable in a heartbeat. The view from the top, though, is worth every white-knuckle moment – just remember, the trail ends at a mine. Get ready for some epic photo opportunities!