How to get by car to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo?
Ecuador, south-america
9.5 km
4,155 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a road for you: Cerro Atacazo in Ecuador's Pichincha province. This stratovolcano clocks in at a whopping 4,155m (13,631ft), making this one of the highest drives in the country.
Find it southwest of Quito, smack-dab in the north-central part of Ecuador. Trust me, the views of the city from up here are worth the climb, especially with all those cool antennas at the summit.
Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is entirely unpaved – think bumpy gravel, eroded by epic rainstorms. It's dusty when dry, a muddy mess when wet. This is a tough, remote mountain road, and the altitude will test you. So, bring your trusty 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape because you *will* notice the power lag up here.
The climb to those antennas is *steep*. We're talking 9.5km (5.9 miles) from Guamani, gaining 943m in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 10%! Get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
How to get by car to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo? is located in Ecuador (south-america). Coordinates: -1.6294, -78.4568
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 9.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,155 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -1.6294, -78.4568
Related Roads in south-america
easyThe Ultimate Road Trip from Chivay to Arequipa
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about the Chivay-Arequipa road in the Arequipa region of Peru! This beauty clocks in at about 93 miles, linking the charming mountain town of Chivay with the vibrant city of Arequipa. You'll be cruising on Route 34A and AR-109 through the heart of the Colca Valley. While it's mostly paved, be ready for some rough patches as you climb higher. But hey, don't sweat it too much – the road isn't too gnarly, the traffic's usually light, and the hills aren't super steep, so it's a pretty smooth ride overall! The real reward? The unbelievable views! You'll be soaring to a staggering 16,007 feet above sea level at Abra Patapampa, where the scenery is absolutely epic. Keep your eyes peeled for vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and Andean ducks hanging out in their natural habitat. Seriously, this drive is a feast for the senses!
hardWhat are the highest roads in Chile?
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Chile, that sliver of a country hugging the bottom of South America, is a land of extremes. Picture this: the endless Pacific Ocean on one side, and the colossal Andes Mountains on the other, creating a playground for epic road trips. Forget flat, boring highways! In Chile, you're either cruising along the stunning coastline or tackling insane mountain climbs. We're talking seriously high international passes and rugged mining tracks that carve their way through some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll ever see. The Andes practically run the entire length of the country, so expect some serious elevation changes and views that'll knock your socks off. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeAlto de Tapacocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Alto de Tapacocha, a Peruvian peak soaring to 15,524 feet! You'll find this bad boy in the Recuay province. The road to the top? Gravel, baby! But don't think it's gonna be a leisurely cruise. This climb is seriously steep – think up to an 18% grade. And pro tip: skip it if the weather's looking dicey. Even in summer, ice and snow can be a real problem, so keep your wits about you. Winter snowfalls can shut it down completely. Heads up – the altitude is NO joke. We're talking seriously thin air. If you've got any heart or breathing issues, maybe sit this one out. Most people start feeling altitude sickness way lower, around 8,000-9,000 feet. Up here, there’s about 40% less oxygen than at sea level, so breathing gets tough, your heart races, and even walking feels like a workout. Altitude sickness can hit anyone, so be prepared. Oh, and your engine might struggle with the lack of oxygen too! Definitely bring a 4x4. Things get muddy after it rains. The high elevation, the risk of altitude sickness, the crazy steepness, and how remote it is all combine to make this a tough trip. The views, though? Totally worth the challenge.
moderateDriving the paved road to La Raya Pass in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just discovered the most incredible mountain pass in Peru! Abra la Raya, also called Apu Chimboya, sits way up high at 4,352m (14,278ft), right on the border between Puno and Cusco regions. This beauty is totally paved – yep, smooth sailing on Carretera 3S, nicknamed the "Route of the Sun"! The drive stretches for 107km (66 miles), connecting Sicuani (Cusco) to Ayaviri (Puno). Perched high in the Andes’ La Raya range, this pass is generally open year-round. Weather can be dicey in winter, so keep an eye out for potential closures. December and January are usually the wettest months. Picture this: you're cruising from Cusco towards the legendary Lake Titicaca, winding through a surreal landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, and shimmering pools. When you reach the top, BAM! Epic panoramic views. There’s even a local bazaar where you can snag awesome Andean crafts (hello, alpaca wool!). From here, the snow-dusted Chimboya peak pops into view. A word to the wise: the altitude will hit you. Take it easy; even if you're used to the Andes, the thin air is no joke. Forget jogging – one step at a time is the way to go. Rushing can lead to headaches, dizziness, or breathlessness. So, chill out and soak in the unbelievable scenery of La Raya Pass.