Abra de la Santa Cruz: Driving the 4,597m Jujuy-Salta Boundary (RP13A)
Argentina, south-america
46 km
4,597 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic road trip? Then you HAVE to check out Abra de la Santa Cruz, a crazy-high mountain pass nestled way up in the Argentinian Andes. We're talking a lung-busting 4,597 meters (15,082 feet!) above sea level, so yeah, it's not for the faint of heart.
You'll find this beast straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northern Argentina. Route 13A will lead you on this wild, 46-kilometer (28-mile) ride from Abra del Sauce to Casillas.
Now, fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The whole thing is unpaved and throws EVERYTHING at you – think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and more hairpin turns than you can count! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential to conquer the ever-changing terrain of loose gravel and jagged rocks.
But the biggest challenge? The altitude! At that height, altitude sickness is a real threat, so come prepared. Also, you're pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so don't expect to find gas stations or emergency services around every corner. Pack extra water, fuel, and a first-aid kit, and ALWAYS keep an eye on the weather forecast, because things can change on a dime up there. But hey, the payoff? Unforgettable, panoramic views of the stunning high-altitude Andes scenery that'll leave you breathless (literally!).
Where is it?
Abra de la Santa Cruz: Driving the 4,597m Jujuy-Salta Boundary (RP13A) is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.9148, -61.9457
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 46 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,597 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -38.9148, -61.9457
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