HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics // Comparison Engine
Route A

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)

ireland/Connemara
VS
Route B

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

argentina/mendoza

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse) vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing): Intensity Score Comparison

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+9 points). While 5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse) is a serious endeavor, Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

Model-based (not a field report) · Evaluates overall route demand, not danger.

Intensity Difference
+9 Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Higher Technical Seriousness
5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)
Greater Commitment
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)wins 6 of 9 metrics
3
Route A
6
Route B
ireland/Connemara

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

A breakdown of the 5 of the 7 Sisters route shows a high-intensity traverse of the central Maumturks range in Connemara. This is not a standard marked trail; it is a rugged, mostly pathless journey across steep quartzite ridges. The route mechanics involve constant vertical transitions over rough scree and damp peat hags. The environment is characterized by dramatic topographic relief and the distinct lack of a defined treadway, requiring constant navigational awareness.

argentina/mendoza

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
68
WINNER77
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
46
WINNER79
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
72 WINNER
55
DistanceLonger route
18.5 km
WINNER110 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
1,250 m
WINNER3,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
702 m
WINNER4,330 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
6 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd Level
1 / 5
1 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
3 / 5
WINNER5 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // RT
3
MODERATE // CHLG
4
EXPERT // HAZARD
5
EXTREME // LETHAL

The HikeMetrics Hazard Scale is a proprietary 5-point classification system that evaluates hiking routes across five dimensions: physical demand, technical complexity, altitude exposure, weather risk, and rescue accessibility.

Unlike generic star ratings, the Hazard Scale is calibrated against altitude profiles, elevation gain per day, and logistical isolation factors — making it the most precise route classification system available.

Full Scale Documentation
Route A // Hazard Verdict
5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)
EXPERT // HAZARD
Meteorological Hazards: Connemara experiences rapid shifts in weather; heavy mist can reduce visibility to less than 10 meters instantly.
Terrain Hazards: The quartzite scree is unstable and becomes exceptionally slick when wet. Steep peat hags in the cols are prone to erosion and can be deep.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
acclimatization_and_ams: Prolonged exposure above 4,000m poses a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
river_crossings: The Tunuyán River involves significant water volume and current strength, particularly in the afternoon.

Required Gear Comparison

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)
Mountain boots with aggressive lug patternsGaiters (essential for peat bog crossings)Hard-shell waterproof jacket and trousersPaper map (OSI Sheet 44/50) and compassEmergency bivvy bag
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Sturdy mountain boots with high ankle supportThermal system rated for temperatures down to -15°CHigh-performance wind and sun protectionTrekking poles for loose scree descentsPassport and necessary travel documents for border transit

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD