Why is Papallacta famous?
Ecuador, south-america
76.7 km
3,300 m
easy
Year-round
Located in the Napo Province of Ecuador, Papallacta is the highest town in the country, situated at an elevation of 3,300m (10,827ft) above sea level. It’s
one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth
Why is Papallacta famous?
Surrounded by mountain slopes,
between the Antisana and Cayambe Volcanoes, the town is known and most visited for its hot springs.
Locals say that “Papallacta” translates as “Land of Potatoes” (Tierra de Patatas). It’s a popular day trip for visitors from Quito.
Is the road to Papallacta paved?
The road to the town is entirely paved. It’s called E20 and crosses the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras.
How long is the road to Papallacta?
The road is 76.7 km (47.65 miles) long, running west-east from Pifo to Baeza.
Is the road to Papallacta worth the drive?
Located on the main road from Quito, which leads into the Amazon jungle,
the scenic drive to Papallacta passes through several towns and small villages before ascending to a peak of over 4,000 m, from where mountains and glaciers are visible.
Travel guide to the top of Tres Cruces in Azuay
The road to Cotopaxi Refuge is not for timid drivers
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
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
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 76.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,300 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Argentina and Bolivia, hitting an altitude of 3,645 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!). This is the Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass, a high mountain road connecting the wild northwest of Argentina's Jujuy Province with the stunning landscapes of Bolivia's Sur Lípez. The 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) route snakes its way between the tiny Argentinian town of Ciénega de Paicone and Río Mojón in Bolivia. While the road is entirely unpaved, it's generally in good shape. Get ready for some serious off-road vibes and views that'll make your jaw drop!
hardWhere is Ruta del Año?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for Ruta Provincial 52 in western Argentina, near the Chilean border! Locals call it "Ruta del Año" – Route of the Year – and trust me, it lives up to the name. This baby throws 365 curves at you, and most are hairpin turns. You’ll find it snaking through the Las Heras department, nestled in the northwest corner of Mendoza Province. It’s about 93.7 km (58 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure from Uspallata to Mendoza. Now, here’s the thing: it's unpaved but generally doable in most cars. Just don't expect to break any speed records; you'll be lucky to hit 30 km/h. But trust me, you won't want to rush. The scenery is mind-blowing! However, maybe skip this one between July and October as it can get seriously dicey. This mountain road climbs to a lofty 2,960m (9,711ft), so be prepared for those high-altitude views! The road ultimately leads you to Villavicencio, a cool old resort spa north of Mendoza with thermal waters and garden paths. The resort is currently unused, but it adds character to your journey. If you can handle the twists and turns, this is one drive you won't soon forget.
moderateDriving the wild road to Refugio Volcán Guagua Pichincha
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Ecuadorian Andes, just a stone's throw (8km!) from Quito, awaits the Refugio Volcán Guagua Pichincha. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rugged, unpaved, 14 km (8.69 miles) climb to a staggering 4,557m (14,950ft) above sea level! Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4 (high clearance a MUST!), and a winding dirt track that's seen its share of rainstorms. Think dusty in the dry season, muddy when it's wet. This road throws a 10.95% average grade at you, gaining 1.534 meters in elevation — seriously steep! You're heading to the slopes of the active Pichincha Volcano, so fill up that gas tank, because power lag is real at this altitude! The refuge itself is a cozy spot with basic bunks, but the real reward? A 40-minute hike to the volcano's summit. Keep an eye on the weather, though, conditions up here can change in a heartbeat. Trust me, this road trip is an unforgettable experience.
moderateIs the road to Cruz del Cóndor paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, high up in the Andes in the Department of Arequipa. You're headed to Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, a spot that sits at a whopping 3,794m (12,447ft)! This place is *the* place to be if you want to witness the legendary Andean Condor soaring through the sky. The drive itself? Mostly smooth sailing on paved roads (we're talking AR-109, baby!), but keep an eye out for some unpaved sections to keep things interesting. It's a 22km (13.67 miles) hop from Pinchollo to Cabanaconde, winding through incredible mountain scenery. Seriously, this is one of Peru's top spots for a reason. You're not just looking at a canyon (one of the deepest in the world, by the way), but also breathtaking views of the whole region. And, of course, the condors! Get there early (7-9am is prime time) to beat the crowds and get the best views of these magnificent birds. You'll find a cross marking the spot, and a small wall for safety. Hit it up between May and November for the best weather. Plus, you're near Oquepuño Pass and Patapampa Pass, some of the highest paved roads and passes in South America, so you can make a real adventure of it!