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

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

argentina/mendoza
VS
Route B

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via Pyg & Miners' Track

united-kingdom/Snowdonia (Eryri), Wales

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) vs Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via Pyg & Miners' Track: Intensity Score Comparison

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+41 points). While Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via Pyg & Miners' Track 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
+41 Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Greater Commitment
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)wins 8 of 10 metrics
8
Route A
2
Route B
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.

united-kingdom/Snowdonia (Eryri), Wales

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via Pyg & Miners' Track

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

At 1,085 meters, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is the highest mountain in Wales and a true giant of the British Isles. The legendary circular route combining the Pyg Track for the ascent and the Miners' Track for the descent offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of the Snowdon massif. Starting high at the Pen-y-Pass car park, the Pyg Track traces a rugged, ascending line beneath the sheer precipice of Crib Goch, providing stirring views of the mountain’s lakes (Llyns) in the immense eastern cwm. The summit provides panoramas extending across Snowdonia, Anglesey, and even Ireland on a clear day. The return via the Miners' Track descends to the shores of Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn, bringing you face-to-face with remnants of 19th-century copper mining operations.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
77 WINNER
36
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
79 WINNER
34
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
55 WINNER
40
DistanceLonger route
110 km WINNER
11.5 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
3,200 m WINNER
723 m
Highest PointHigher summit
4,330 m WINNER
1,085 m
DurationShorter commitment
6 days
WINNER1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXTREME // LETHAL
WINNERMODERATE // CHLG
Crowd LevelLess crowded
1 / 5 WINNER
5 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
5 / 5 WINNER
2 / 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
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.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via Pyg & Miners' Track
MODERATE // CHLG
weather exposure and hypothermia: The summit of Snowdon can be exceptionally cold, wet, and windy, even in mid-summer when it's warm in Llanberis.
steep scrambling boulder field: The zigzag path near the junction of the Pyg and Miners' tracks (below the summit) is steep, eroded, and requires hands-on scrambling.

Required Gear Comparison

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
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via Pyg & Miners' Track
Waterproof boots with strong ankle supportFull waterproof jacket and trousersWarm mid-layerPlenty of water (at least 1.5L, as the cafe at the summit is not always open)OS Explorer Map OL17

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