Driving the road to Katantika Pass in La Paz is for brave drivers only
Paso Katantika is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,717m (15,475ft) above sea level, located in the Franz Tamayo Province of Bolivia.
Where is Katantika Pass?
The pass, also known as Paso de Keansani, is located in the La Paz Department, in the northwestern part of the country, near the Peruvian border, within the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve.
How long is Katantika Pass?
Set high in the Apolobamba mountain range, the road through the pass is totally unpaved and extremely challenging, running through old mines. A 4x4 vehicle is required. Due to its narrowness, using large vehicles is highly discouraged. The pass is 19km (12 miles) long, running north-south from Pelechuco, the administrative seat of the Pelechuco Municipality, to the community of Hilo Hilo, a small settlement that makes a living from llama herding.
Is it recommended to drive the Katantika Pass?
If you’re scared of narrow mountain roads, with dangerous drops (about 600 meters) unprotected at all, then better avoid this road at all costs, especially in the hairpin turns near the summit. In fact, people from the surrounding area who live near the mountain pass prefer to walk on it rather than driving on. Along the way, after the snow melts, it’ll be necessary to cross a few waterfalls with rapid waters. Extreme care is required due to the power of the waters.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: Gonzalo Madriaga