Where is Abra Tres Cruces?
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Bolivia? Let me tell you about Abra Tres Cruces. This mountain pass punches through the western edge of Bolivia, right in the Cordillera Occidental mountains. We're talking serious altitude here — it's sky-high!
The road itself stretches about from south to north. The ascent from is usually pretty gentle, nothing too crazy. However, once you get into the heart of it, be warned! A lot of it is unpaved, and those sections can get a bit hairy with steeper climbs and roads that can be seriously rough in bad weather.
But forget the bumps for a second and look around! The scenery up here is absolutely breathtaking. You'll be driving through some of the most incredible landscapes Bolivia has to offer. Just take your time, keep your eyes on the road (especially on those unpaved bits!), and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
extremeDriving the high-altitude RN76 to Pircas Negras Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ride of your life on National Route 76 (RN76) in La Rioja, Argentina! This 259 km (161-mile) stretch of pure adventure winds its way from Villa Unión to the Chilean border at the Pircas Negras Pass. Imagine yourself cruising through the Reserva Natural Laguna Brava, a protected haven of shimmering salt lakes and flocks of pink flamingos. As you climb higher and higher, the views become absolutely unreal – think Cerro Bonete (one of the Andes' tallest giants) and Cerro Veladero. This is a world of intense quiet, sparkling turquoise lagoons, and weather that keeps you on your toes. RN76 throws some serious challenges your way with two high-altitude passes that'll test your mettle. First up, the Portezuelo de Laguna Brava at 4,379m (14,366ft), your gateway to the high plateau. Then, brace yourself for Abra Cerro Veladero, hitting a staggering 4,483m (14,708ft)! These stretches are entirely unpaved and seriously demanding. Think loose gravel, crazy steep inclines, and thin air that'll leave you breathless. This isn't a drive to take lightly. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance and a solid plan. The weather here is no joke – winter brings snowfalls over 2 meters, shutting down Laguna Brava Provincial Park to private vehicles. Even in summer, keep an eye out for sudden storms that can trigger landslides or create icy patches. This is remote, so pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Altitude sickness is a real concern here, as you'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good chunk of the trip. Expect the 259 km drive from Villa Unión to take a full day. The terrain is rough, and you'll want to stop often to adjust to the altitude. While the road is mostly gravel, be prepared for slippery mud near the salt flats, even after a little rain. But trust me, the reward is HUGE: some of the most incredible landscapes in South America, culminating at the Pircas Negras Pass. Before you go, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and double-check the border crossing status, as it's only open during the summer months when the route is clear of snow.
extremeCan you drive to Machu Picchu?
🇵🇪 Peru
So, you wanna hit up Machu Picchu? Buckle up, because the road there is an adventure in itself! We're talking about the Carretera a Machu Picchu, or as some call it, the Hiram Bingham Highway. This isn't your typical smooth ride, though. Imagine a totally unpaved, zigzagging road snaking its way up to the historic site. Only authorized vehicles are allowed, so hop on a bus in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). This little town, nestled at the foot of the mountain, is worth a visit, with hotels, restaurants, and natural hot springs (yep, that's where the name comes from!). The road climbs a solid 8.9km (5.53 miles) to Machu Picchu. Don't let the term "highway" fool you – it's more like a rollercoaster built into the side of a mountain. Expect a thrilling series of 14 hairpin turns that are super narrow and steep, with gradients hitting a maximum of 27%! Talk about a climb! It's definitely not for the faint of heart. Picture this: two buses meeting on one of these tight turns. One has to reverse uphill just to find a spot wide enough for them to squeeze past each other. You'll be gripping the armrest, but the views along the way are incredible. The road also crosses a bridge over the Vilcanota River. The Hiram Bingham Highway isn't just a road; it's an experience, a rite of passage before you even set foot in Machu Picchu. Get ready for a wild ride!
moderateRuta 40
🇦🇷 Argentina
# The Ultimate Argentine Road Trip: Ruta Nacional 40 If you're looking for one of the most epic road trips on the planet, Ruta Nacional 40 is it. This legendary highway stretches over 5,000 kilometers from Cabo Virgenes at the very tip of Patagonia all the way up to La Quiaca on the Bolivian border. Running the entire length of Argentina's western edge alongside the Andes, it's an absolute masterpiece of a drive that passes through 20 national parks, crosses 18 rivers, and takes you over 236 bridges. You'll experience landscapes that range from the wild, windswept steppe of Patagonia to otherworldly high-altitude deserts in the Puna. The southern Patagonian section? That's where things get *real*. This is the most notorious and challenging part of the route—endless stretches of emptiness with hardly a soul around. Fuel stations are few and far between, sometimes separated by hundreds of kilometers, and the famous Patagonian winds will seriously test your driving skills with gusts that can hit over 100 km/h. The road itself is a mixed bag of smooth paved sections and rough gravel, especially once you venture into the really remote southern territories. The stretch between El Chalten and Perito Moreno is some of the most isolated drivable terrain you'll find anywhere in South America. Head north and the scenery completely transforms. You'll wind through Mendoza's stunning wine country with perfectly manicured vineyards and the snow-topped Andes looming dramatically in the distance. Push further north into the Puna's high desert, and the elevation starts climbing seriously—you'll reach over 5,000 meters at Abra del Acay, one of the highest points on any national highway in the world. Plan on two to three weeks to tackle the whole thing. Trust us, it's a bucket-list road trip you won't forget.
hardWhere is La Cumbre Choroni?
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, picture this: you're in Venezuela, about to tackle La Cumbre Choroni, a wild ride up to 1,611 meters (5,285 feet)! This mountain pass snakes through Aragua state, right in the heart of Henri Pittier National Park. The road, Carretera Maracay (also known as Via Choroni or Carretera Local 6), is paved—though with some concrete sections to keep things interesting. It's a throwback, originally built way back in the 1920s, but fully paved only by 1990. Get ready for 50 kilometers (32 miles) of twisty, narrow mountain road. You'll start in Maracay, the lively capital of Aragua, and wind your way north down to Puerto Colombia, one of Venezuela's best Caribbean beach getaways. Now, don't let the beautiful scenery fool you. This road is not for the faint of heart. Expect cracks in the road, random obstacles, and be on alert for floods and landslides, especially after rain. Seriously, it’s narrow, windy, and packed with hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. You'll be navigating cloud forests one minute and descending towards the sea the next. Even taxis bomb around blind corners like they’re auditioning for a stunt driving movie. Buckle up and keep your eyes on the road!