The road to Loma de las Antenas isn’t an easy one
Ecuador, south-america
11.7 km
4,218 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Just west of Quito, Ecuador, lies Loma de las Antenas, a sky-high peak reaching a whopping 13,838 feet! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Think 7.27 miles of unpaved, bumpy, gravelly goodness (or badness, depending on your suspension). Rainstorms have taken their toll, so expect dust when it's dry and mud when it's wet.
Word to the wise: this mountain demands respect. We're talking remote terrain, unpredictable weather, and that altitude sickness that can really knock you for a loop. Seriously, if rain's in the forecast, bail. Lightning up here is no joke. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 with some serious clearance to make it.
But oh, the views! As you climb, Quito unfolds below, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. The summit itself? A forest of antennas, marking your victory. Be warned, the final stretch is STEEP, and your engine's gonna feel the thin air. Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape and get ready for some seriously breathtaking scenery... if you dare!
Where is it?
The road to Loma de las Antenas isn’t an easy one is located in Ecuador (south-america). Coordinates: -2.5084, -77.9878
Road Details
- Country
- Ecuador
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 11.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,218 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -2.5084, -77.9878
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Jama Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: Paso de Jama. It's this crazy-high mountain pass chilling right on the border of Chile and Argentina, clocking in at a whopping 4,283 meters (that's 14,051 feet!). This epic route is your go-to if you're trying to get from Jujuy in Argentina to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Think of it as the ultimate shortcut between these two countries. Plus, it drops you super close to that tri-country point where Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina all meet. Once you're past the border, you've still got about 160 kilometers (100 miles) to go before you hit San Pedro de Atacama, cruising through parts of the stunning Los Flamencos National Reserve. You'll probably see some big rigs too, since this pass is a major truck route linking northern Argentina and Paraguay with Chile's northern ports. The road's been open since '91, and thankfully, it's been paved smooth since 2005. You can usually drive it year-round, but keep an eye out for snow closures. One minute you're baking in 30°C sunshine, the next you're freezing your tail off – especially at night and in winter. Oh, and hold onto your hats – the wind can get pretty intense up there! You're in the Andes, remember? It's a pretty desolate, semi-desert landscape, and you're riding high at an average altitude of 3000 meters. Pro tip: pack warm clothes, and don't stuff your face before you head up – altitude sickness is real! The road is CH-27 in Chile and National Route 52 in Argentina. The highest point on the Chilean side is even higher, like 4,832m (15,853ft), about 100 km west of the border. From Jujuy, it's pretty much uphill the whole way to Jama, about 349 kilometers. After the pass, it's another 160 kilometers of smooth, downhill cruising to San Pedro de Atacama. Boom.
hardAbra del Acay is said to be the highest road pass in America
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're headed to Abra del Acay in Argentina's Salta Province. This legendary mountain pass tops out at a staggering 16,259 feet (4,956 meters). It's rumored to be the highest point you can reach on a national highway anywhere in the Americas! Part of the iconic Ruta 40, Argentina's longest road, the stretch leading to Abra del Acay is a proper off-road adventure. Think unpaved, narrow gravel roads demanding your full attention. Those tight bends and steep drops? They're real! Watch out for strong winds, and remember, you're going off-grid. No cell service here, so pack accordingly – essential repair gear, plenty of food and water, and top up that gas tank whenever you can. The 83-mile (133 km) journey between Payogasta and San Antonio de los Cobres should take around 3 hours non-stop. Keep in mind that winter can bring icy and snowy conditions that may block parts of the road. While the conditions are tough – think poorly maintained surfaces and unpredictable weather – the views are out of this world. Prepare for breathtaking scenery that will reward every daring traveler!
hardLago Zongo
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lago Zongo in Bolivia's La Paz Department is calling your name, but only if you're up for a serious off-road challenge. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 4,776m (15,669ft) in the heart of the Cordillera Real of the Andes. The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta "tippy and bumpy" moments, plus hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Definitely a 4x4 situation, and honestly, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Snow can shut this bad boy down anytime, so check conditions before you go! Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? Seriously, don't look down if you're scared of heights. This trail is STEEP, and if it's wet, you're looking at some serious mud-slinging. The lack of oxygen at this altitude is real, too. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness — most people start feeling it below the summit. But hey, if you're looking for an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping drive with views that'll blow your mind, Lago Zongo might just be your next adventure.
hardChollay-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!