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
extremeHow to drive to Laguna Casiri Hembra and Casiri Macho?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're in the Arica and Parinacota Region of Chile, practically breathing Bolivian air, and you're about to tackle one of the highest drives in the country. Destination? The unreal Laguna Casiri Hembra and Laguna Casiri Macho, two high-altitude lakes that'll blow your mind. Starting from the sleepy village of Caquena, you've got about 16 kilometers of pure, unadulterated off-roading ahead. Over that distance, you’ll climb 540 meters, so buckle up for some serious uphill action. The reward? Reaching the shores of Casiri Hembra (at a cool 4,825m) and Casiri Macho (slightly higher at 4,856m). Forget smooth asphalt, this is all gravel and loose volcanic rock. Think "tippy" and bumpy, with sections so steep you'll need your A-game. Seriously, a 4x4 isn’t just recommended, it’s mandatory. If you're not comfortable with technical off-roading, maybe sit this one out. Now, the altitude. At almost 4,900 meters, both you and your engine will feel the burn. Hypoxia is real, folks! Plus, this road is usually a no-go in winter due to snow. And even in summer, be wary of sudden thunderstorms that can turn the gravel into a muddy nightmare in minutes. But oh, the views! Towering volcanoes, jagged peaks, and a landscape that feels straight out of another world. Laguna Casiri Macho even has an underwater algae garden you can spot from the shore! Weirdly, despite the harshness, you'll find mosquitoes chilling by the lagoons, all framed by these crazy ancient volcanic rock formations. Word to the wise: this is remote. Like, REALLY remote, near the Bolivian border. Be completely self-sufficient, make sure your ride is in tip-top shape, and pack extra supplies. The road itself? Narrow, winding, with hairpin turns and rocky embankments that demand your full attention. It's intense, but if you're prepared, it's the adventure of a lifetime.
hardHere's How to Have the Ultimate Road Trip to Abra del Gigante
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra del Gigante, a seriously epic mountain pass clinging to the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northern Argentina! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a wild, unpaved track that climbs to a staggering 4,485m (14,714ft). Think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and more switchbacks than you can count. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. The 37km (23-mile) route stretches from Varas in Jujuy, heading north towards Volcán Higueras in Salta. Prepare for views that will blow your mind, alongside the adrenaline rush of tackling a truly challenging road. This one’s for the memory books!
moderateDriving to Punta Callan through one of the windiest roads ever built
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Punta Callán in the Ancash Region of Peru is calling your name. Perched way up in the Cordillera Negra mountains at a whopping 4,228 meters (that's 13,871 feet!), this mountain pass is an experience. You'll be cruising on Carretera 14A, a fully paved road that's famous for being seriously twisty. I'm talking thousands of turns! So, if you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to incredible panoramas of the Cordillera Blanca peaks. This epic road stretches for 83.1 km (about 51.63 miles) from Huaraz to Pariacoto, running east to west. Punta Callán marks the highest point before the road descends all the way down to sea level near Casma on the Pacific coast. Get ready for a wild ride!
hardA treacherous border road to Salar de Ollague Pass in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! You HAVE to hear about Paso Salar de Ollagüe, a seriously epic high-altitude pass chilling out at 3,695m (12,122ft) on the Chile-Bolivia border. Nestled right in the heart of the Andes, inside Chile's Reserva Nacional Alto Loa, this route links the Antofagasta Region of Chile with Bolivia's Potosi Department. Word to the wise: it's only open from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. Now, let's talk about the road itself. Forget smooth tarmac – this baby is all about that rugged, unpaved life! Known as CH-21 in Chile and Carretera 701 in Bolivia, both sides are gravel and can be pretty gnarly. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? The good news is it's usually open year-round. Clocking in at 254km (157 miles) from Calama (Chile) to Maicota (Bolivia), this journey is REMOTE. Like, seriously out there. Unless you're a seasoned off-road pro, hooking up with a local driver is HIGHLY recommended. Trust me, the views are worth it, but you want to soak them in, not stress about navigating tricky terrain! Get ready for some unforgettable scenery.