Driving the road to Corazon Volcano is not a piece of cake
Ecuador, south-america
30 km
4,306 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Pichincha province of Ecuador, just southwest of Quito, lies Volcan Corazon, an old, snoozing volcano begging to be explored. Forget paved paradise, because you're gonna tackle a gnarly gravel road that winds its way up, up, up to a breathtaking 4,306 meters (that's a staggering 14,127 feet!). Seriously, this is one of Ecuador's highest roads!
Forget your fancy sports car; you'll need a 4x4 with some serious clearance for this slow-and-steady climb through the western Andes. Keep an eye on the sky, because those Andean weather patterns are wild! The rainy season often transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, but be prepared for anything – and pack warm clothes! Your starting point? The charming town of Machachi. Get ready for views that'll steal your breath (and maybe test your car's limits)!
Where is it?
Driving the road to Corazon Volcano is not a piece of cake is located in Ecuador (south-america). Coordinates: -1.4691, -78.4484
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,306 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -1.4691, -78.4484
Related Roads in south-america
extremeCerro Armazones, The Road That Has It All
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride to Cerro Armazones! This peak, scraping the sky at 3,060m (10,040ft), sits in the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert—seriously, it's about as remote and dry as it gets. The road itself? Asphalt, believe it or not, all the way to the top. It was built to service the European Extremely Large Telescope, a colossal, 2,500-ton steel beast that's currently under construction. Just a heads up: this road is STEEP! To even make the observatory possible, they carved the mountaintop into a plateau. But here's the real deal: the wind is a constant companion here, howling pretty much year-round. Don't be surprised if you see snow even in summer, and winter temps are brutal. High altitude means potential closures due to snowfall—so be prepared for anything. And watch out for heavy mist that can roll in, slashing visibility to near zero. Basically, if the weather looks iffy, save this adventure for another day. Even in good weather, ice and snow can linger, so take it slow and steady. Basically, between the elevation (hello, altitude sickness!), the weather's mood swings, the crazy steep grade, and just how far out there you are, Cerro Armazones isn't a Sunday drive. But trust me, the views (when you can see them!) are worth every white-knuckle moment.
extremeIs 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.
hardYantahuain
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled Yantahuain, a beast of a mountain pass hidden in the Peruvian Andes at a lung-busting 4,223m (13,854ft). Picture this: you're cruising along, leaving the pavement near Conococha behind, and suddenly you're on a rocky, gravelly track that's a real test of your off-road skills. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for it, a short climb brings you to the top. 4x4 highly recommended! The views? Epic. But be warned, the air gets thin up there. We're talking serious altitude, so listen to your body. Most feel it around 2,500-2,800 meters. If you're heading south, the road continues to Rajan and a breathtaking 2300m descent into Cañon. Trust me, this route is an unforgettable experience for any adventurous soul.
extremeIs Ruta Provincial 73 in Jujuy unpaved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the far northwest of Argentina and you're craving a serious off-road challenge, Ruta Provincial 73 is calling your name. Spanning Jujuy and Salta provinces, this 93km (58 miles) stretch from Humahuaca to Santa Ana isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking *completely* unpaved, lunar-landscape-level rough terrain. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll be cruising entirely above 3,000 meters, topping out at a staggering 4,617m (15,147ft) at Abra Azul. That's thin air, folks, so acclimatize and take it easy to avoid altitude sickness. Along the way, you'll conquer Abra del Viento (4,614m), Abra del Zenta (4,595m) and Abra Colorada (4,493m). Keep an eye out for avalanches, snow, and landslides—they can happen anytime. But if you're prepared for it, this road promises unbelievable scenery and bragging rights for days!