Driving the RN149 to Abra del Colorado in San Juan
Abra del Colorado is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,629m (8,625ft) above sea level, located in the San Juan Province of west-central Argentina. Situated in the rugged precordillera of the Andes, it is one of the most famous climbs in the region due to its prominence in international cycling.
The pass is set in a dry, desert-like landscape where the reddish soil gives the area its name (Colorado). The drive offers stunning panoramic views of the high Andean peaks to the west. It is a vital link for travelers moving through the arid interior of San Juan, connecting the valleys of Iglesia and Calingasta with the provincial capital.
| Road facts: Abra del Colorado | |
|---|---|
| Location | San Juan Province, Argentina |
| Elevation | 2,629m (8,625ft) |
| Road Name | Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149) |
| Length | 88.3 km (54.86 miles) |
| Surface | Paved / Asphalt |
Is the road to Abra del Colorado paved?
The road to the summit is fully paved and in excellent condition. It is part of the Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149), a modern highway that has replaced older, more treacherous tracks. The journey spans 88.3 km (54.86 miles), running north-south from the settlement of Bella Vista towards the junction with the RP436 road, on the way to Talacasto. While the road is well-engineered, drivers should be aware of the high mountain environment, where sudden wind gusts (the famous Zonda wind) can affect vehicle stability.
Why is Abra del Colorado famous for cycling?
The pass is a legendary site in the world of professional cycling. It is the queen stage of the Vuelta a San Juan, a premier race on the UCI World Tour calendar. Thousands of fans line the asphalt to watch elite cyclists tackle the ascent. Although the gradients are generally pleasant and steady (rarely exceeding 5-6%), the challenge lies in the length of the climb and the intense heat of the San Juan desert. The final 15 kilometers to the summit are particularly iconic, as the road winds through a rocky canyon before reaching the high-altitude plateau. For amateur cyclists and drivers alike, the climb offers a sense of epic scale that is unique to the Argentinian Andes.
Road suggested by: Jorge Manuel Gómez Sánchez