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
moderateA salt road to Isla Incahuasi in the middle of Salar de Uyuni
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising across the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, a mind-blowing, 10,500 square kilometer sea of salt in the Potosí Department, practically on the crest of the Andes at a whopping 3,656m (11,995ft) above sea level. It's like driving on a giant, untouched snowfield, except it's all salt! You're heading to Isla Incahuasi, which translates to "house of the Inca" – a rocky island smack-dab in the middle of this surreal landscape. The "road" itself? Pure, unadulterated salt. Seriously, it's like driving on another planet. Now, be warned, this isn't a luxury trip. Think basic refuges for accommodation and seriously chilly weather, especially at night. And remember, during the wet season when the salt flat floods, Isla Incahuasi becomes an actual island and is totally inaccessible. But trust me, the otherworldly scenery and the sheer scale of it all make it an adventure you'll never forget. It's harsh, it's basic, but it's absolutely worth it.
hardIs the road to Cerro Pachón paved?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Cerro Pachón! Nestled way up high in the Chilean Coquimbo Region, this peak tops out at a breathtaking 2,696 meters (8,845 feet). The road up, Camino Centro Astronómico, is about 14.9 kilometers (9.25 miles) long, starting from the D317. Get ready for a climb, because you'll gain 951 meters in elevation, averaging a 6.38 percent gradient. The road itself is mostly paved, with some concrete sections thrown in for good measure. Just a tiny bit at the very end – the last 200 meters – is a well-maintained dirt road. But what's at the top? Prepare to be amazed! Cerro Pachón is home to some serious astronomical firepower: the Gemini South Telescope, the SOAR Telescope, and the soon-to-be-operational Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This new observatory, with its massive 8.4-meter mirror and gigantic camera, promises to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. A word of caution: due to the extreme altitude, this drive isn't recommended for those with hypertension, cardiovascular issues, or lung problems. And leave the little ones at home – no one under 6 is allowed up. But if you're prepared, the views and the astronomical wonders are totally worth the trip!
moderateWhere is Pehuenche Pass?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about Paso Pehuenche, an epic high-altitude pass straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking 2,557 meters (8,389 feet) above sea level, people! This beauty connects Mendoza Province in Argentina with Chile's Maule Region. The best part? It's paved! Smooth sailing (relatively speaking!) all the way to the top since they finished paving it in 2018. You'll find it marked as Ruta Internacional CH 115 on the Chilean side and Ruta Nacional 145 once you cross into Argentina. The whole shebang stretches for about 167 kilometers (104 miles) from Las Loicas, Argentina, to San Clemente, Chile. Plan for a solid 2.5 to 3.5 hours of driving time if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially as you climb higher. And speaking of climbing, get ready for some seriously steep sections – some ramps hit an 11% gradient! Keep in mind, this pass is a seasonal star. Usually, it's open from December to March, but Mother Nature calls the shots, so check conditions before you go. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. You're deep in the Andes, surrounded by dramatic peaks and landscapes. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is Chiquián?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure awaits in Chiquián, a cool mountain town way up at 11,187 feet! This is the capital of Bolognesi Province, so you know it's got some importance. Now, about getting there: the road's paved, which is a huge plus, but don't get complacent. We're talking twelve hairpin turns, and some seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients of up to 16%. Locals call it the "Chonta Pass," and it peaks at a lung-busting 13,959 feet. Keep your eyes peeled for rock slides, especially after rain. The whole drive is just over 10 miles, but you'll climb almost 2,800 feet – that's an average gradient of about 5%! And hey, once you are there, you are super close to Paron Lagoon. Get ready for some killer views!