A memorable road trip to Abra del Lizoite
Abra del Lizoite is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.536m (14,882ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces, in Argentina. It's one of the highest roads of Argentina.
The road to reach the pass is called Ruta Provincial 5. It’s totally unpaved. The track ends at Santa Victoria, a small town at 2.400m above the sea level. The climb of this pass nestled between the mountains is simply terrible, with a notorius lack of oxygen that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Do not take this drive if you have respiratory problems or any type of heart condition. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters. Extremely low oxygen for engine combustion. A major hazard of altitude is the sickness that can indiscriminately affect anyone regardless of age or fitness. The summit has about 40% less oxygen than at sea level, thus breathing is more difficult. Your pulse rate will increase and movement will be more laborious at the summit. The high elevation with its risk of altitude sickness, weather concerns, steep road grade, and overall inaccessibility make the pass dangerous and summit trips difficult. This is a maintained road where a high clearance 2WD vehicle is able to travel safely at low speeds on long dry straight-of-ways, without losing control due to wash boarding, ruts, or dips.
Pic: richard desomme