Where is Condor Pass?
Bolivia, south-america
40 km
4,730 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Paso del Condor! This Bolivian beauty sits way up high in the Potosí Department at a whopping 4,730m (15,518ft) above sea level. We're talking seriously high altitude here!
You'll find this gem in the Sur Lípez Province, practically kissing the Chilean border, smack-dab in the Salvador Dalí Desert (aka Dalí Valley). Trust me, the landscapes are straight out of a surrealist painting – think bizarre rock formations and otherworldly vibes.
Now, let's talk road conditions. It's a 40km (24.85 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated, unpaved, sandy track. 4x4 is an absolute MUST! Coming from Laguna Blanca, the ascent isn't too bad, surface-wise. But the descent? Prepare for a bumpier ride! Keep an eye out for the mind-blowing Piedras de Dalí rock formations to the east - totally worth a detour.
The whole drive is an absolute feast for the eyes, with Laguna Blanca, Laguna Verde, and a whole gang of majestic volcanoes (Licancabur and Juriques, I'm looking at you!) stealing the show. Get ready to have your camera roll filled with epic shots!
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 40 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,730 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardQuebrada Blanca
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Quebrada Blanca in Chile's Tarapacá Region is calling your name! This insane mountain pass tops out at a staggering 4,389 meters (that's nearly 14,400 feet!), so get ready for some serious altitude. Nestled deep within the Andes, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think gravel, rocks, bumps galore – the A-85 road is a real off-road challenge. You'll definitely need a 4x4, and a healthy dose of courage. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. It's steep, it's high, and if it's wet, it's going to be muddy and tough. Winter? Forget about it, probably impassable. But hey, if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a thrill, this is your playground. The views from up here? Totally worth it.
hardWhere is Ruta Nacional 25?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Ruta Nacional 25 in Bolivia is a wild ride! This high-altitude beauty snakes its way across the country's western spine, south of the famous Salar de Uyuni. Think seriously epic mountain landscapes. What's cool is that RN25 connects the sleepy town of Colquechaca (the highest town in Bolivia, no less!) to the vibrant "City of Eternal Spring," Sucre. Starting near Sucre, you'll climb to a lung-busting altitude before dropping down to Colquechaca. Spanning around, this isn't your Sunday drive. Expect sections that are more like goat paths than roads, and be prepared to ford a river or two! The whole route is a rollercoaster of steep climbs, white-knuckle descents, and hairpin curves that demand your undivided attention. Seriously, think twice about tackling this one at night or in bad weather if you're not experienced. Rain can wash out sections faster than you can say "landslide!" Plus, prepare for non-stop switchbacks and solitude – traffic can be sparse. And if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale – those twists and turns are not for the faint of stomach!
extremeDriving the Camino a Pacaraos: A terrifying cliff road in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, picture this: you're in the Huaral Province of Peru, heading towards the remote mountain town of Pacaraos, perched way up at 3,331m (that's over 10,900 feet!). The only way up? Camino a Pacaraos. Don't let the mere 2.6 km fool you. This isn't just a quick jaunt; it's an adrenaline-pumping ride that will test your skills and your nerves. Starting from the junction with Carretera 20C, the road winds its way up, presenting technical and psychological challenges at every turn. Why so intense? Well, for starters, it's NARROW. Think "barely-one-vehicle-wide" narrow. And right beside you? A sheer 300-meter drop with absolutely zero guardrails. Yep, you read that right. The entire road is unpaved gravel. Add in a bit of Andean rainfall, and you've got yourself a seriously slippery situation. Thunderstorms can turn the track into a muddy nightmare, demanding 4x4 capabilities or potentially making the road impassable altogether. Sadly, this road has seen its share of accidents. Buses and cars have lost their grip, tumbling down those unforgiving cliffs. The psychological pressure of driving so close to the edge is immense, so caution is key! Speaking of vehicles, a 4x4 is highly recommended, especially if there's any moisture in the air. Those steep, winding sections combined with loose gravel can seriously compromise your traction. Trust me, words and pictures can't truly capture the intensity of this mountain drive!
hardAbra Muñano, a road less traveled
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Abra Muñano, a seriously high mountain pass chilling at 4,067 meters (13,343 feet) in Argentina's Salta Province. You'll find it in the Rosario de Lerma department. Now, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking a 16.6 km (10.31 miles) unpaved road – Route R12, if you're keeping notes. Get ready for a wild ride with a crazy amount of hairpin turns – 18 to be exact! Passenger cars and RVs can usually handle it, so no need for a monster truck. Keep in mind, though, this road got a bit overshadowed back in the '90s when the paved Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51) came along. It now travels from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres. But, if you want something off the beaten path, Abra Muñano is a great adventure.