Driving an unpaved mining road to Abra Qillwa Quta in the Andes

Driving an unpaved mining road to Abra Qillwa Quta in the Andes

Bolivia, south-america

Length

24.1 km

Elevation

4,940 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Bolivia? Abra Qillwa Quta pass is waiting for you at a breathtaking 4,940 meters (16,207 feet)! This isn't just any road; it's one of Bolivia's highest, nestled north of Sunchulli Pass in the La Paz Department, practically kissing the Peruvian border within the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve.

Forget smooth asphalt; this is raw, unpaved terrain that might just test your mettle after a good rain. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a necessity. This is a mining road, so expect narrow passages, hairpin turns, and some seriously steep climbs.

Before you rev your engine, a heads-up: you'll need permission from the SERNAP office in La Paz. Once you're cleared, you're in for a treat. This 24.1 km (14.9 miles) stretch runs from Hilo Hilo to San Miguel de Thapi, carving through the stunning Apolobamba range of the Andes.

Where is it?

Driving an unpaved mining road to Abra Qillwa Quta in the Andes is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.2802, -62.2623

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Bolivia
Continent
south-america
Length
24.1 km
Max Elevation
4,940 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-16.2802, -62.2623

Related Roads in south-america

Laguna Chuspiextreme

Laguna Chuspi

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in Peru and craving some serious altitude with killer views, you HAVE to check out Laguna Chuspi. We're talking a sky-high lake sitting at a whopping 14,419 feet! Getting there is half the fun... or maybe half the terror, depending on your driving skills. You'll be tackling Route 120, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, super narrow stretches, and mud – especially after it rains! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. But wait, there's more! Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting with potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. Oh, and did I mention the ice patches? Yeah, be extra careful. The climb is brutal, and the air gets thin. Seriously, that lack of oxygen is a beast. And altitude sickness? Most people start feeling it way before you even reach the lake, around 8,000-9,000 feet. But the views? Absolutely worth it. Just be prepared for a wild ride!

Is Abra Huayraccasa the highest road pass in the Americas?extreme

Is Abra Huayraccasa the highest road pass in the Americas?

🇵🇪 Peru

Get ready for an epic adventure on Abra Huayraccasa, a seriously high mountain pass in Peru's Huancavelica region! Forget paved roads – this is a 63.2km (39.27 miles) dirt track running between the 28D road and Lircay. At a staggering 4,971m (16,309ft) above sea level, some claim it's even higher, but whatever the exact number, you'll definitely feel the altitude! The sign at the pass might still boast a higher figure, but trust me, it's an experience regardless. Be warned: this road, also known as Wayra Q'asa, isn't for the faint of heart. It's rough, unpaved, and can get incredibly treacherous after rain or snow. Winter temperatures can plummet, so pack accordingly! Expect a 3-4 hour drive of potholes, hairpin bends, and heart-stopping drops. But hey, if you're an experienced driver craving jaw-dropping views of the Andes, this is your ultimate thrill ride! The surrounding scenery is absolutely amazing. Just be prepared for a wild, unforgettable journey.

Chollay-Punta Colorada Roadhard

Chollay-Punta Colorada Road

🇨🇱 Chile

Get ready for a breathtaking Chilean adventure on the Chollay-Punta Colorada road! Seriously, this drive is gorgeous. Think stunning mountain vistas and hairpin turns galore – we're talking over 30 of them winding through the Andes. Clocking in at 209km, this route links Chollay in the Atacama Region to Punta Colorada in the Coquimbo Region, hugging the Argentinian border. The good news is the road was recently asphalted, so the surface is smooth. The challenge? You're climbing high, really high. The highest point hits 3,573m (11,722ft), so be prepared for thin air. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, so take it easy! Extreme weather can also play a role, so keep an eye on the forecast. But trust me, the scenery is worth it!

Laguna Conocochaextreme

Laguna Conococha

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, high in the Andes, about to stumble upon Laguna Conococha, a stunning lake shimmering at a whopping 4,050 meters (that's 13,287 feet!). You'll get there via Carretera 3N, a paved road that'll have your jaw dropping. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Being so high up, this road can get snowy real quick, so closures happen. Plus, the mist can roll in thick, making visibility a real challenge. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides – oh my! Patches of ice are common, too. The climb itself is a beast, seriously testing your lungs with that thin air. Altitude sickness is a definite possibility here; most people start feeling it way before you even reach the lake. But trust me, the wild, untamed beauty is so worth it.