Travel Guide to the Top of Abra del Gallo

Travel Guide to the Top of Abra del Gallo

Argentina, south-america

Length

98 km

Elevation

4,630 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra del Gallo in Salta Province, Argentina, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a high-altitude experience, topping out at a whopping 4,630m (15,190ft) above sea level – one of the highest roads you'll find in Argentina.

Get ready to ditch the pavement because Ruta Provincial 129 (RP129) is all about that raw, unpaved life. Think ripio, gravel, and maybe a little sand to keep things interesting. Don't worry, though, while it climbs, the surface is usually pretty decent.

This epic stretch of road runs for 98km (61 miles) from the Salar de Pocitos to Chorrillos, carving its way through the rugged northwest of the country. And the views? Let's just say Nevado Queva to the west will blow your mind. Seriously, pack your camera!

Where is it?

Travel Guide to the Top of Abra del Gallo is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -34.6706, -61.9492

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
98 km
Max Elevation
4,630 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-34.6706, -61.9492

Related Roads in south-america

Abra Cuncushhard

Abra Cuncush

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Ancash Region of Peru and crave a serious off-road challenge, then the Cuncush Pass is calling your name. Nestled high in the Cordillera Huayhuash, this beast of a pass tops out at a staggering 4,601 meters (that's 15,095 feet!). The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Expect a gravel rollercoaster – rocky, bumpy, and maybe even a little tippy in spots. Winter can shut it down completely, so plan accordingly. This is a playground for experienced off-roaders only; if unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe skip this one. But oh, the views! Prepare for mind-blowing, panoramic vistas of the untamed Huayhuash mountains. 4x4 is highly recommended – you'll need it. And if heights aren't your thing, seriously reconsider because this trail is steep, and I mean *steep*. Muddy conditions after rain can make things even trickier. Heads up: altitude sickness is a real possibility up here. Most feel it kicking in around 2,500-2,800 meters, and near the pass, the air gets seriously thin. It's a tough climb that will test your lungs, but trust me, the reward is worth every gasp. This pass is just epic.

The Inhumane Climb to Cerro El Amago with 19% Rampsmoderate

The Inhumane Climb to Cerro El Amago with 19% Ramps

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! We're heading to Cerro El Amago in the San Luis Province of Argentina, a seriously cool mountain pass topping out at 1,703m (5,587ft). Out here in central Argentina, this isn't just any drive; it's an experience. At the summit, you'll find a collection of antennas beaming out TV and phone signals - a unique twist! The road, Provincial Route 9, is paved all the way, though the top section throws in some interesting concrete wrinkles to keep you on your toes. Speaking of toes, be prepared for a workout. This climb is a long, demanding 35.1 km (21.81 miles) stretch between San Francisco del Monte de Oro and Carolina. The real fun starts from San Francisco del Monte de Oro with a 17.4 km (10.81 miles) climb, gaining 905m in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 5.2%, but hold on tight – some ramps crank up to a leg-burning 19%! Nestled in the Precordillera, the views are absolutely killer. Think panoramic vistas of San Francisco, a dramatic deep gorge, the majestic Cerros del Socoscora, and the serene Valle Reservoir Las Palmeras. Keep your eyes peeled, too; you might spot some magnificent condors soaring overhead. It's a visual feast you won't soon forget.

Why was BR-163 highway famous?extreme

Why was BR-163 highway famous?

🇧🇷 Brazil

Okay, picture this: BR-163, a wild ride slicing right through the Amazon Basin! This Brazilian beauty stretches for a whopping 1,732km (1,076 miles) from Cuiabá, the vibrant capital of Mato Grosso, all the way to Santarém, the Amazon River's second city. Now, BR-163 had a bit of a reputation back in the day. Think trucks swallowed by mud for days on end! We're talking up to 10 days stuck in the stuff during the rainy season (December to June). It was a dusty, desolate beast that could become totally impassable after a downpour. But guess what? As of 2021, BR-163 got a major glow-up and is fully paved! That epic round trip has been slashed from 10 days to just 4! But here’s the thing: all those heavy trucks pounding the pavement during super-wet weather could mess things up pretty quickly. So, while it’s smoother sailing now, Mother Nature still has a say!

How challenging is the road to Abra Mañazo?extreme

How challenging is the road to Abra Mañazo?

🇵🇪 Peru

Hit the heights in Puno Province, Peru, on the Abra Mañazo pass, soaring to a staggering 4,518m (14,822ft)! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a proper Andean adventure, deep in the desolate heart of southern Peru. Picture this: You're cruising (or, let's be real, carefully navigating) through the Altiplano, surrounded by rocky peaks as far as the eye can see. Don't let the "Panamericana" signs fool you; this is a raw, unadulterated mountain track where alpacas outnumber cars. This 55.2 km (34.29 miles) stretch of road demands respect. A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is a must. While the average slope is a gentle 2%, the surface is rough and ready to test your driving skills. The real kicker? Serious drop-offs. The track can be narrow, and without barriers, it’s just you, your tires, and a long way down. Extra caution is key, especially when the rains come and turn the gravel into a slippery nightmare. But hey, the views! This east-west route connects the town of … to the 34C road junction and serves up some seriously breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Andes. Keep your eyes peeled for Laguna Pumacocha, two high-altitude lakes teeming with surprisingly diverse birdlife. It’s a quiet, remote, and stunning drive that embodies the Peruvian highlands, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.