Abra del Calvario

Abra del Calvario

Argentina, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,423 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for Abra del Calvario in Jujuy, Argentina! This mountain pass is a beast, topping out at a staggering 4,423 meters (14,511 feet). You'll find it along Ruta Nacional 40, and fair warning, it's a gravel and sand road.

The good news is that it's usually maintained well enough that a 2WD with decent clearance can handle it, as long as you take it slow and steady. But listen up: altitude is a *serious* factor here. The air is thin, *really* thin. If you've got any respiratory or heart issues, maybe skip this one. Even if you're in great shape, be prepared to feel the altitude. We're talking about 40% less oxygen than you're used to! Your heart will be pounding, and even simple movements will feel like a workout.

Between the elevation, unpredictable weather, steep grades, and remote location, this pass is no joke. But if you're prepared for a challenge and want some seriously epic views, Abra del Calvario might just be your next unforgettable adventure. Just be sure to listen to your body and take it easy!

Where is it?

Abra del Calvario is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -38.1276, -65.8363

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
4,423 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-38.1276, -65.8363

Related Roads in south-america

Where Is Abra Arcata?moderate

Where Is Abra Arcata?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just found the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience in the Arequipa region of Peru: Abra Arcata. At a staggering 16,735 feet above sea level, this pass is one of the highest roads in the whole country! You'll find it snaking through the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve in the southwestern part of Peru. The entire road is unpaved, taking you past the Arcata gold and silver mine at about 15,419 feet. The climb is pretty intense until you hit the mine, but after that, it mellows out into a gentler, seriously gorgeous ascent to the summit. Expect some seriously rocky sections, water crossings, and tight switchbacks, but don't worry, the surface is generally pretty decent, and the gradients won't kill you. Just be warned that the road does cut through a mine at one point—how wild is that?! The whole route is a great experience that plunges you into total isolation before beginning its descent into the valley.

Puente Mal Paso: The Historic Icon of the Escoipe Gorgeextreme

Puente Mal Paso: The Historic Icon of the Escoipe Gorge

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Northwest Argentina, Salta province to be exact, and BAM! You hit Puente Mal Paso, a seriously cool historic bridge. Think of it as the ultimate entrance to the legendary RP33, the road that winds its way up to Cuesta del Obispo and the dreamy Calchaquí Valleys. Trust me, this bridge is epic. Nestled in the Quebrada de Escoipe, this bridge is surrounded by dramatic reddish rock formations. It's located on Provincial Route 33 (RP33). While the fancy new road now swooshes right next to it, the original bridge is still standing proud, ready for its close-up. "Mal Paso" literally means "Bad Pass", and back in the day, it lived up to its name. Imagine horse-drawn carriages and mule teams trying to navigate this narrow gorge – river crossings were a nightmare, and the steep terrain made it super treacherous. These days, you won't actually drive *over* the old Puente Mal Paso when you're heading from Salta to Cachi. They built a wider road right alongside it for safety and smoother traffic. But the old bridge? Total photo op. The rugged structure against those red mountains? Insta-gold. Even though the modern road bypasses the bridge itself, the drive through the gorge is still a bit of an adventure. The road is paved, but it's narrow, with towering cliffs on one side and the Escoipe River on the other. And watch out during the summer months (December to March) – flash floods can still make "Mal Paso" live up to its reputation.

How is the road to Portezuelo Maricunga?extreme

How is the road to Portezuelo Maricunga?

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: you're in northern Chile, deep in the Atacama Desert, about to tackle Portezuelo Maricunga. This ain't your average Sunday drive! We're talking seriously remote, high-altitude adventure in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park. This pass clocks in at a lung-busting altitude, so take it easy. The weather? Wild! Think scorching days followed by freezing nights, plus winds that'll knock your socks off. Road-wise, you're looking at roughly 62 miles of pure grit. Starting about 62 miles from La Puerta, it's a 4x4-only situation, trust me. Route C-601 is mostly gravel and sand, and it gets gnarly near the top. Prepare for eight tight switchbacks that'll have you earning that summit view. Bring everything you need — there's nothing out here. Hazards? Oh, we got 'em. Those rare desert rains can turn the sand into a mud pit, trapping even the toughest rigs. The altitude will mess with your head and your engine. Pack extra fuel, tons of water, and a way to call for help. But the views? Epic. You'll be driving through some of the most incredible, desolate landscapes the High Andes has to offer. Seriously, this is one for the bucket list.

Abra Blanca, the world's highest road in 1915hard

Abra Blanca, the world's highest road in 1915

🇦🇷 Argentina

Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra Blanca! This high-altitude pass, chilling at 4,102m (13,458ft), is nestled in the Salta Province of Argentina. You'll be cruising on smooth, paved roads (with a few concrete sections thrown in for good measure) along Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), heading from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres. This pass is the highest point on that route! Coming in at 48km (29 miles) long, stretching from Muñano to Santa Rosa de Tastil, Abra Blanca boasts a large parking lot at the summit – perfect for soaking in those mind-blowing views of the San Antonio de Los Cobres plateau way down below at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). Keep an eye out for the occasional souvenir shop, too. Fun fact: Back in the day, this pass was *the* highest drivable road in the world! While that record might not stand anymore, you can still find a little monument up there, covered in traveler stickers, marking the historic event. Trust me, even though it's understated, it's worth a stop. Plus, the nearby town of San Antonio de Los Cobres is just 13 kilometers away if you need to stock up on snacks! Get ready for some seriously epic landscapes.