Driving to Abra Wallatani: One of the highest mining roads in Bolivia
Abra Wallatani is an extreme mountain pass reaching a staggering elevation of 5,233m (17,168ft) above sea level, located in the La Paz Department of Bolivia. It stands as one of the highest roads in the country, situated in the Inquisivi Province, just below the towering peak of Wallatani and west of the town of Quime.
This isn't a road for tourists; it is a working mining road used to access the mineral-rich veins of the Cordillera Real. At this altitude, the environment is brutal and desolate—a high-altitude desert where the weather can change from blistering sun to a freezing blizzard in a matter of minutes. The air is incredibly thin, which not only affects the driver's focus but also drastically reduces the power of any internal combustion engine.
| Road facts: Abra Wallatani | |
|---|---|
| Location | La Paz Department, Bolivia |
| Elevation | 5,233 m (17,168 ft) |
| Length | 20 km (12.4 miles) |
| Surface | Unpaved / Rock and Loose Dirt |
| Vehicle Required | Strict 4WD with High Clearance |
| Hazard Level | Extreme (Altitude & Steep Drops) |
How is the drive to Abra Wallatani?
The road through the pass is 20 km (12.4 miles) long, connecting Chojñacota and Rodeo in a north-south direction. The track is totally unpaved and consists of a mix of sharp rocks, loose gravel, and sections of deep dust. It is narrow and features very steep sections that will test your vehicle's low-range gears and your own steady hand at the wheel. There are no guardrails, and the drops into the valleys below are immense.
A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is absolutely mandatory. Because it is a mining road, you must be prepared to share the narrow path with heavy trucks that have the right of way. Finding a spot to pass can be nerve-wracking on the tightest ledges. The surface is often uneven due to the weight of these trucks, so expect deep ruts and "tippy" corners that require slow, deliberate movement.
What are the dangers of high-altitude driving in Bolivia?
The primary danger at Abra Wallatani is altitude sickness (soroche). At over 5,200 meters, even simple tasks become difficult. You should be well-acclimatized before attempting this climb. Beyond the physiological effects, the weather is a constant threat. Snow can fall at any time of the year, and the road can become impassable within an hour during a storm. If you get stuck here, you are far from help, so being self-sufficient with extra fuel, oxygen, and cold-weather gear is essential.
The best time to attempt this crossing is during the dry season (May to September). During the rainy season, the "road" can turn into a muddy slide, and the risk of landslides increases significantly. It is one of the most rewarding drives in Bolivia for those looking for raw, high-altitude scenery, but it demands total respect for the mountain and your machinery.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: Ivo Gutierrez