Driving the unpaved Illampu Circuit through Abra de la Calzada in the Andes
Bolivia, south-america
140 km
5,062 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de la Calzada in Bolivia is calling your name. This epic mountain pass punches in at a staggering 5,062m (16,607ft) – seriously high! You'll find it nestled north of La Paz, right in the heart of the Andes.
This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The Illampu Circuit, as it's known, is a rough and rugged 140km (87 miles) unpaved track starting in Sorata. Think old mule trail meets modern mining road. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. But don't let that distract you.
We're talking serious altitude here – constantly hovering between 4,000 and 5,000 meters. Expect steep climbs, four passes, and tracks that have seen better days. Acclimatization is KEY. Only tackle this one if you’re prepped, fit, and ready for a challenge. Oh, and heads up, this pass is usually snow-covered, so good weather is a must!
Where is it?
Driving the unpaved Illampu Circuit through Abra de la Calzada in the Andes is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.6508, -63.0755
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 140 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,062 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -16.6508, -63.0755
Related Roads in south-america
extremeRoad 101
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up! If you find yourself in the Pallasca province of Peru and fancy a drive on the wild side, Carretera 101 is calling your name. But fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a high-altitude mountain road, mostly sitting around 3,500m above sea level. Picture this: roughly 87 kilometers of a mix of gravel and asphalt, twisting and turning with hairpin curves carved right into the mountainside. The road narrows constantly, demanding a steady hand. Oh, and did I mention the dizzying drops of up to 1,200m? Seriously, don't look down if you're prone to vertigo! Some sections are so narrow that passing another car can involve a multi-kilometer reversing ballet to find a wider spot. After rain, the asphalt gets super slick, adding another layer of challenge. Keep an eye out for potholes from a past asphalting project, and be aware of security concerns in the region. Extreme caution with kidnapping and banditry occur often in the region and ongoing armed assaults with some attacks targeting tourists and convoys. But if you're brave enough to tackle Carretera 101, you'll be rewarded with absolutely stunning scenery. Just be prepared for an adventure – this road will test your skills and your nerves!
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!
hardTravelling through Huahum Pass, one of the lowest passes of the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Paso Huahum! This Andean beauty straddles the border between Chile and Argentina, clocking in at a cool 625 meters (2,051 feet). It's one of the lower crossings in the southern Andes, making it a pretty accessible option. Also known as Paso Pirihueico, this route connects San Martín de los Andes (Argentina) and Panguipulli (Chile). You'll be cruising Ruta CH-203 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 48 on the Argentinian side. Heads up: both are gravel roads! Expect it to be rocky and steep on the Chilean side. To reach the pass from Chile, you’ll need to hop on a ferry across Lake Pirihueico. The Hua Hum ferry makes daily trips between Puerto Fuy and Puerto Pirihueico, and the ride itself is a scenic 1.5-hour mini-adventure. This pass is the main route from Chile's Los Ríos Region into Argentina's Neuquén Province. And the best part? It stays open year-round, so snow won't stop you!
extremeSouth Yungas Road is a scenically rewarding but dangerous trip
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up! Let’s talk about South Yungas Road in Bolivia’s La Paz Department. Nestled in the Sud Yungas region, this totally unpaved beauty stretches for about 15 miles, connecting Ruta Nacional 25 near Huancané to Ruta Nacional 40, just south of Coripata. Forget your average Sunday drive – this route boasts over 50 hairpin turns and climbs to a dizzying 6,131 feet above sea level. Oh, and did I mention the precarious creek crossing? This narrow, winding road is jam-packed with switchbacks and boasts stomach-dropping 1,830-foot drops. Navigating oncoming traffic requires a bit of finesse. Remember, uphill vehicles have the right-of-way (starting on an incline isn’t fun). And if there’s space to pass, drivers switch positions so they can gauge the distance to the edge. Pro tip: Check the rainfall forecast before you go and prepare accordingly!