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

Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)

turkey/Turquoise Coast (Antalya/Muğla)
VS
Route B

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

argentina/mendoza

Lycian Way (Likya Yolu) vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing): Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (74 vs 77). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)'s technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+3 Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)
Greater Commitment
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)wins 6 of 10 metrics
4
Route A
6
Route B
turkey/Turquoise Coast (Antalya/Muğla)

Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Lycian Way (Likya Yolu) is Turkey's first and most renowned long-distance trekking route. Stretching for roughly 540 kilometers from Fethiye (Ovacık) to Antalya, it is a spectacular collision of deep azure Mediterranean waters, rugged pine-clad mountains, and ancient history. The trail loosely traces the jagged coastline of the ancient Lycian civilization, a confederation of fierce naval city-states. Hikers walk on ancient Roman roads, narrow goat trails, and steep mountain passes, constantly moving between remote, pristine pebble beaches (like Kabak and Patara) and high alpine lookouts (like Mount Olympos/Tahtalı). Along the way, the path weaves directly through dozens of spectacular, overgrown ruins of ancient Lycian cities with their iconic rock-cut tombs.

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
74
WINNER77
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
73
WINNER79
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
81 WINNER
55
DistanceLonger route
540 km WINNER
110 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
23,000 m WINNER
3,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,815 m
WINNER4,330 m
DurationShorter commitment
29 days
WINNER6 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5
WINNER1 / 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
Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)
EXPERT // HAZARD
extreme heat and dehydration: In the summer months (June-August), temperatures can exceed 40°C. Many sections of the trail offer absolutely no shade or water sources.
rough rocky terrain: The trail is not a manicured path. It is often a mass of loose, jagged limestone scree that shreds light shoes.
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

Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)
Sturdy hiking boots (trail runners will be destroyed by the limestone)Water filtration system and large capacity bladders (4+ liters)Sun protection (wide-brim hat, long sleeves)Trekking poles
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
Compare Lycian Way (Likya Yolu) vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) | Intensity & Difficulty