How to drive the steep 4x4 road to Alto de Salinas in Ecuador?
Ecuador, south-america
16.6 km
4,344 m
hard
Year-round
Alto de Salinas in central Ecuador is not just a road—it’s an Andean adventure reaching a dizzying 4,344m (14,251ft)! Forget the tourist traps; this is a raw, unfiltered dive into the heart of Bolívar province.
This high-altitude lifeline links Salinas de Guaranda (aka Salinas de Tomabela), a village famed for its salt, to the even higher alpine plateaus. Think windswept grasslands and an ever-present, mysterious mist—a taste of the wild Ecuadorian paramo. Ditch the Pan-American Highway for a real glimpse into the volcanic soul of the Andes.
This isn't your Sunday drive. From Salinas de Guaranda heading east towards Route 491, it’s 16.6 km (10.31 miles) of pure off-road grit. We’re talking loose gravel, dirt, and some seriously steep sections—some ramps clock in at an intense 18% grade! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential to conquer this beast.
The weather here has a mind of its own. Even when it's supposedly dry season, expect fog, rain, and mist. Temperatures plummet as you climb above 4,300 meters, often flirting with freezing. The combination of altitude, insane inclines, and poor visibility makes this one of the toughest drives around. Be prepared for anything—heavy rains can turn this track into a slippery, muddy mess in minutes!
Where is it?
How to drive the steep 4x4 road to Alto de Salinas in Ecuador? is located in Ecuador (south-america). Coordinates: -2.0721, -78.2122
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 16.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,344 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -2.0721, -78.2122
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving through the defiant Garganta del Diablo
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Garganta del Diablo ("Devil's Throat") in the Lima Region of Peru! This road punches right through the Ushco canyon in the Yauyos province, and it’s an unforgettable experience. You'll find this gem winding its way through the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve as part of Route 24. The pavement is smooth, but don’t let that fool you. This 10.8 km (6.71 miles) stretch is seriously narrow, with sections only 3.2m wide and rock overhangs dipping down to around 3.4m. Night driving? Double the adrenaline, double the danger! Picture this: a stunning, winding canyon with rock formations that seem to whisper secrets as you pass. The road snakes along the bottom, super deep and narrow. But hold on – there are three unlit tunnels to navigate. They're so tight, only one car can pass at a time. Hope you're good at reversing, because meeting oncoming traffic is common, and someone's gotta yield! This isn't a drive for the faint of heart, but if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it.
hardWhere is Lagunillas del Farallón?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're way up high in the extreme northwest of Argentina, practically touching the sky. You're headed to Lagunillas del Farallón, a tiny mountain town perched at a mind-blowing 13,720 feet above sea level. The road in, called Camino a Lagunillas de Farallón, is about 28.83 miles of pure adventure. You can usually make it in a regular car, but after it rains, you might want something with a little more clearance. Seriously, this area gets shaky with earthquakes! Oh, and as you roll into town, keep an eye out for a sculpture honoring a young boy named Eusebio Churquina – a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life at this altitude. But don't let that get you down, the scenery is incredible! You're in Jujuy, after all. This is Ruta Provincial 70, a drive you won't soon forget.
extremeThe road with 65 hairpin turns to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the ride of your life! We're heading to Cristo Redentor de los Andes, a colossal 4-ton statue perched way up at 3,832m (that's 12,572ft!) straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. This used to be the OG route linking the two countries through La Cumbre Pass, before some tunnel came along and stole its thunder in 1980. Think of it as connecting Mendoza, Argentina, with Valparaíso, Chile. Now, the road itself? Epic. We’re talking about the scenic Paso Internacional de los Libertadores. Heads up, though – it's only open in the summer. Winter brings crazy snow and bone-chilling temps down to -30°C. Even in summer, it can randomly close because of snow or rockfalls. This unpaved stretch of road connects Las Cuevas (Argentina) and Parada Caracoles (Chile), clocking in at 17.1km (or 10.62 miles). Don't let the distance fool you—it's a wild one! Get ready for 65 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 15% in places! Budget about 50 minutes to conquer it, assuming you don't stop to soak in the insane views. It’s a challenging drive, no doubt. We’re talking curves, steep climbs, hairpin nightmares, and dramatic drop-offs, sometimes with zero guardrails! Despite all that, it's become a popular tourist route, all for that incredible statue. And about the statue: the bronze Cristo Redentor de los Andes was erected back in 1904 to celebrate Argentina and Chile calling a truce on a border dispute. It's one of the highest monuments on the planet, and a symbol of peace.
extremeDriving Ruta 3N with vertigo-inducing depths of up to 1.000m
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Carretera 3-N in the Ancash region of Peru! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously stunning (and slightly terrifying) drops of up to 1,000 meters! You'll find this wild ride snaking through the northern part of the country, mostly unpaved. The real heart-pumper is a 22-kilometer stretch between Cañon del Pato and the tiny town of La Pampa. Imagine a road getting narrower and narrower, a never-ending series of hairpin turns carved by hand into the mountainside. Seriously, some of these bends are tight! You'll need laser focus and a smooth touch on the steering wheel. Forget about passing another car – or especially a truck – easily. And watch out, because the road turns into a washboard of rocks, especially during the rainy or snowy season when it might even be closed. But hey, the views? Absolutely epic!