Where is Abra del Condor?
Argentina, south-america
47.4 km
3,942 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, let me tell you about Abra del Cóndor! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in Argentina, a whopping 3,942 meters (that's 12,933 feet!) above sea level.
You'll find this beast straddling the Jujuy and Salta provinces in the northwest of the country. The road itself? Forget smooth asphalt! We're talking rough and rugged RP133 and RP13 roads, the highest point on this wild route.
Clocking in at 47.4 km (almost 30 miles), this isn't a Sunday drive. Starting from the paved RN9 north of Humahuaca, it'll take you all the way to the charming village of Iruya. Expect a serious workout for your steering wheel: think endless curves, hairpin turns, and scary drop-offs. Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording rivers?
But trust me, the views are worth it! Picture incredible mountain scenery, secluded villages, and crazy off-road trails. The valley views are insane, with cultivated terraces, colorful mountains, and bizarre rock formations sculpted by the wind and time.
The road is usually dry, but watch out for those summer rainstorms that can turn it into an impassable mud bath. Aim for June to October for the best weather window. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 47.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,942 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow long is the road to Laguna Cerro Negro?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Jujuy Province, Argentina, ready for an adventure to Laguna Cerro Negro. This hidden gem sits way up high at 4,492m (14,737ft)! The adventure starts in Lagunillas del Farallón, and the road stretches for about 17.7 km (11 miles). You'll climb through the golden Puna grasslands, with views that will blow your mind – perfect for those Insta-worthy shots. Heads up: before you reach the lake, you'll tackle the Cuesta del Farallón, topping out at 4,625 m. Seriously high! Forget smooth tarmac. This road is all gravel and loose rocks, super narrow, and often hugs the edge with massive drop-offs. Passing another car? Good luck! Someone might be reversing for ages. 4x4 is non-negotiable. Expect hairpin turns, ridiculously steep climbs, and conditions that turn treacherous after rain. Think mud and slippery rocks. Only seasoned drivers with seriously prepped vehicles should attempt this. Altitude is a real factor at over 4,400 meters, so take it easy. Landslides are also a risk. But the reward? A visual masterpiece! The deep blue lagoon is framed by the dark, volcanic Cerro Negro. The raw, lonely beauty of this place is unforgettable – easily one of the most spectacular sights in Jujuy.
extremeAbra Rit'ipata
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Peru and craving a serious adrenaline rush, you NEED to tackle Abra Rit'ipata. We're talking about a sky-high mountain pass that punches through the Apolobamba range at a whopping 16,230 feet! The road to Cerro Ritipata is mostly gravel, but usually in decent shape. Don't get too comfy though – it's a twisty, turny climb with some seriously sharp hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. And, while the surface is generally okay, watch out for patches of loose gravel that can sneak up on you. Rain? Forget about it. Even a little drizzle can turn this route into a muddy mess, making some sections impassable. The oxygen is thin, the climb is relentless, and the weather can turn on a dime with unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. You might even encounter a mine vehicle or two. But, the views? Totally worth it! Just be prepared for a challenging, unforgettable ride.
extremeThe Thrilling Road of Mantaro River Canyon: A Test of Nerves and Courage
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Huancavelica region of Peru lies the mind-blowing Cañon del Río Mantaro, and let me tell you, the road through it is NOT for the faint of heart. We're talking seriously narrow stretches with unprotected 200-meter (650 ft) drop-offs straight into the Mantaro River – the most distant source of the mighty Amazon! This isn't just a Sunday drive; this is a white-knuckle adventure where one wrong move could be your last. History whispers tales of lives lost along this route. Known as 3S, the road is mostly paved, but don't get complacent! The most treacherous parts are often gravel. Seriously, words can't capture the sheer intensity of this place, and pictures barely scratch the surface. The whole stretch runs for 147 km (92 miles), snaking from Izcuchaca (2,939 m/9,642 ft above sea level) down to Huanta (2,628 m/8,622 ft). So, if you're looking for an epic road trip with a serious dose of adrenaline and scenery that will leave you breathless (if you survive!), the Cañon del Río Mantaro is calling your name. Just remember to drive carefully!
extremeHow to drive to Galeras Volcano in Pasto?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Volcán Galeras in Colombia's Nariño department! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 4,190m (13,746ft) stratovolcano nestled in the Andes, near Pasto. Oh, and did I mention it's the most active volcano in Colombia right now? The road to the top? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Imagine a completely unpaved track, twisting and turning with hairpin curves that'll make your head spin. Add in some seriously steep climbs and enough drop-offs to keep you wide awake, and you've got the picture. From Pasto, it's an 18.4 km (11.43 miles) climb with a whopping 1,410 m elevation gain. That’s an average gradient of 7.66%, so get ready for a workout! And once you reach the summit, you'll find yourself among a cluster of communication towers. The views on the way are incredible, though, so try to keep your eyes on the road!