Abra Blanca, the world's highest road in 1915
Abra Blanca is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,102m (13,458ft) above sea level, located in Salta Province, in Argentina.
Is Abra Blanca paved?
The road to the summit is fully paved, with a few concrete sections. It was paved in the 1990s to bypass a former gravel road, called R12, which climbs the challenging Abra Muñano, with a dizzying switchback of 18 hairpin bends.
What’s the road crossing Abra Blanca?
Set high in the northwestern part of the country, the road is called Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51). The pass is the highest point on Ruta Nacional 51, the road from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres.
What’s at the summit of Abra Blanca?
At the summit, there’s a large parking lot, with a natural viewpoint and – sometimes – a few souvenir shops. The pass offers stunning views of the San Antonio de Los Cobres plateau, situated at over 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). The nearby town of San Antonio de Los Cobres is just 13 kilometers away. The area is known for its breathtaking landscapes and is a notable stop for those exploring the region.
How long is Abra Blanca?
The pass is 48km (29 miles) long, running west-east from Muñano to Santa Rosa de Tastil.
Was Abra Blanca the highest road in the world?
Abra Blanca once held the title of the highest road in the world. On December 1st, 1915, when the territory did not yet belong to the province of Salta but was part of the Government of the Andes, a world record was set for the highest drivable road. The record was established when Governor Mayor Brígido Zavaleta crossed the pass by car.
At the time, it became the world’s highest drivable road, a record that seemingly lasted until 2005. Today, the site features only a signpost, now mostly covered with stickers left by travelers, and a small stone shrine to commemorate the event. Despite its modest appearance, it’s still well worth a stop if you’re driving through the area.