Where is Abra Paves?
Argentina, south-america
13.57 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a wild ride for you in the Jujuy province of Argentina, south of Cuesta del Lipán–Abra Potrerillos, deep in the northern part of the country. We're talking about Abra Paves, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart.
Forget smooth tarmac – this baby is all unpaved, with rocks aplenty. It's not so much the steepness that'll get you (though it can hit 10%), but the sheer altitude, the crazy climate, and the middle-of-nowhere isolation.
We're talking extreme oxygen deprivation here. Seriously, you need to take it slow and give your body time to adjust. The weather can change on a dime in this semi-arid Puna region, and the winds? They're strong enough to throw your vehicle around!
And get this: it's remote. Like, really remote. No cell service, no emergency services. If your ride breaks down, you're on your own. That's why a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential for survival.
So, how long is this epic journey? From the paved Ruta Provincial 52, it's about 13.57 km (8.43 mi) uphill, climbing . The average gradient is around 10%.
But trust me, the views are worth it. Just be prepared for a challenge – this road is an adventure in every sense of the word!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 13.57 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA wild unpaved 4x4 road to Chuanuma in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Chuañuma is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5,283m (17,332ft) above sea level, located in Chachas District, in the Castilla Province of Peru. It’s one of the highest roads in the country. The mountain, also known as Ch'uwañuma, is situated in the Arequipa Region, in the southern part of the country. The road to the summit, located southeast of the mountain Huañacagua in a valley named Puncuhuaico, is totally unpaved. 4x4 vehicles only. It’s an old mining road. Set high in the Chila range of the Andes, the road to the summit is 15km (9.32 miles) long, starting on the road to Chila peak. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map 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 here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardThe Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Caliz, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, is calling your name. This crazy-high mountain pass straddles the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces in Peru, clocking in at a staggering 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!) above sea level. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in Peru. You'll find it nestled in the Cusco Region, way up in the southern highlands, practically breathing the same air as the snow-capped Quesso Queperina and the Quelccaya Glacier. Think stunning Cordillera Vilcanota range scenery! Word of warning: winter here means game over. Snow makes it totally impassable. So, peep that weather forecast like your life depends on it (because, well, kinda!). Road 1406 is the name, and unpaved is the game. This 50-kilometer (31-mile) stretch from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) to CU-125 Road is no Sunday drive. Expect gnarly drop-offs, super-skinny sections, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? Oxygen's thin up here, so pack your common sense and prep for potential AMS. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, this north-to-south trek is an absolute must. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this planet has to offer.
hardHighest roads of Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Bolivia, a South American giant the size of California and Texas put together, is a land of extremes! Think Himalayas-level mountains but smack-dab in the Andes. This country's got it all: sky-high peaks, the desolate Altiplano plateau, and crazy-steep, humid valleys. If you're a driver seeking adventure, you're in the right place. Prepare for some seriously high-altitude driving, with roads that hug cliff faces and hairpin turns that will make your jaw drop. You'll find some of the highest, most remote, and utterly breathtaking mountain passes you could ever imagine on this continent. Some top contenders for epic drives include the Portezuelo Sairécabur, the road to Minas San Pablo Lipez, the international Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass, and tackling Ollague Volcano—one of South America's highest routes. Get ready for the ride of your life!
extremeEl Angosto is one of the deadliest roads in the world
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for El Angosto de Villamontes – the Pilcomayo canyon road in Bolivia's Tarija Department! Tucked away near the Paraguayan border, this isn't your average Sunday drive. "Angosto" means "narrow," and trust me, they weren't kidding. Carved out during the Chaco War back in the 30s to supply troops, this 13.8 km (8.57 mile) stretch of Ruta 11 from Villamontes to Palos Blancos is seriously intense. Picture this: an unpaved, winding track hugging the edge of a massive 450-meter drop. No guardrails, nada. This road is so skinny that passing another vehicle can turn into a multi-kilometer reversing challenge. The views are breathtaking, but the road demands respect. Countless crosses serve as somber reminders of past tragedies. Drive slow, drive steady, and maybe say a little prayer. Fog loves to roll in, too, so visibility can be a real issue. Despite all the risks, it's a surprisingly busy route, packed with buses and trucks. Plus, you're driving right through oil country! Not for the faint of heart, or anyone with a fear of heights, El Angosto is an unforgettable experience.