A hairy paved road to Anticona Pass in the Andes

A hairy paved road to Anticona Pass in the Andes

Peru, south-america

Length

37.4 km

Elevation

4,824 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Anticona, a seriously high-altitude pass in the Peruvian Andes, straddling the Lima and Junin regions! We're talking 4,824m (15,826ft) above sea level – that's higher than most clouds! It's often mistakenly called the highest paved road in South America, but regardless, it's a wild ride.

You'll find it snaking through the Cordillera Central on the Carretera Central (Ruta 22), all nicely paved. At the top, there's even a little bar and parking spot to soak in the views!

The whole shebang is about 37.4 km (23 miles) from Casapalca heading east to the JU-102 road.

Now, don't think this is a Sunday drive. This road is steep, twisty, and full of surprises. Think hairpin bends, crazy amounts of trucks and buses, landslides, and llamas randomly running across the road. Cyclists should probably skip this one for safety reasons. Oh, and the weather? Expect the unexpected!

Give yourself around an hour to conquer it. The peak, also called Ticlio Pass or Nevado de Ticlio, marks the spot where South America splits, with rivers flowing to either the Pacific or Atlantic.

Where is it?

A hairy paved road to Anticona Pass in the Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.7672, -73.5221

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
37.4 km
Max Elevation
4,824 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-8.7672, -73.5221

Related Roads in south-america

The road to Abra de Acjanaco is not for timid driversextreme

The road to Abra de Acjanaco is not for timid drivers

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra de Acjanaco in Peru's Paucartambo province! This mountain pass tops out at a whopping 3,502 meters (11,489 feet), so get ready for some serious altitude. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think unpaved, narrow, and relentlessly steep. Snowfall can shut it down in a heartbeat, and the frequent heavy mist makes visibility a real challenge. Plus, avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are a constant threat, especially with those sneaky patches of ice. The oxygen gets thin up there, so be prepared to feel the burn! Altitude sickness can kick in for many people around 2,500-2,800 meters, so take it slow and listen to your body. But the views? Totally worth the challenge!

How long is Abra Azuca?moderate

How long is Abra Azuca?

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Azuca! This high-altitude stunner in Peru, straddling the Cusco and Apurimac regions, will leave you breathless – and not just because of the views. We're talking 5,190 meters (that's a whopping 17,027 feet!) above sea level. Nestled in the Wansu mountains of the Andes, this totally unpaved road stretches for about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). The scenery? Absolutely incredible. While the road surface is usually decent (thanks to those mining trucks!), and the inclines aren't too crazy for the most part, don't underestimate this climb. Acclimatization is key, folks! They say it's one of the highest road passes in South America.

Where is Punta Olimpica in Peru?hard

Where is Punta Olimpica in Peru?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle one of the highest paved roads in Peru? Then get yourself to Ancash and check out Punta Olimpica. This insane route climbs to a whopping 4,732m (15,525ft) within Huascarán National Park! You’ll be cruising (mostly) on Ruta Departamental AN-107, a paved road, but don't get too comfy. There's a short unpaved section and the infamous "Sector de las Mil Curvas" (1000 turns section). That's 26km of pure hairpin madness with 46 turns! Seriously, your steering wheel will be screaming. The views, though? Totally worth it. We're talking jaw-dropping panoramas of Huascaran, Peru’s highest mountain. Just keep an eye on that altitude – it's steep, with gradients up to 6.3%. This epic road stretches for 76.2km (47.34 miles) from Carhuaz to San Martín de Chacas. The highlight? The Punta Olimpica Tunnel, a 1,384-meter (0.860 miles) long engineering marvel at a crazy altitude. Before the tunnel, there was the old Punta Olimpica road, still there near the summit. Word of warning: this isn't a drive to take lightly. The air is thin, so acclimatize or grab some altitude sickness meds. Keep an eye on the weather too; this high in the Cordillera Blanca, the road can close during rainy and snowy times. But if you're up for the challenge, Punta Olimpica promises an unforgettable Andean adventure!

How long is the road to the Junín Lakes?extreme

How long is the road to the Junín Lakes?

🇵🇪 Peru

Deep in the Peruvian Andes, if you're hunting for a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Junín Lakes route is calling your name! This high-altitude gravel track loops you past three incredible glacial lakes: Laguna Alcacocha, Laguna Tarusmachay, and Laguna Oshgomachay. Prepare to be blown away by the stark beauty of the Meseta de Bombón – a vast, treeless plateau that feels like another planet. Picture this: a winding, white gravel ribbon cutting through endless *ichu* grass with towering peaks in the distance. This isn't your average Sunday drive; the wind howls, the weather can change in minutes, and you're totally exposed to the elements. Okay, let's talk logistics. This stunner is north of Junín, Peru, and you'll top out at a breathtaking 4,443 meters (Laguna Tarusmachay). From the main highway, it's about a 15 km gravel grind to complete the loop. While the average slope seems mellow at 2.85%, remember you're dealing with serious altitude! You'll gain a cumulative 426 meters, and trust me, your engine will feel it. You'll hit Laguna Alcacocha first (4,366m), then crest the highest point at Laguna Tarusmachay (4,443m), before cruising down to Laguna Oshgomachay (4,430m). Expect a slow and steady climb where you'll definitely notice the lack of oxygen! The road surface is mostly loose gravel and packed earth. Dry conditions are dusty but manageable, but don't underestimate this drive. We're talking *extreme* high-altitude conditions. Many will feel the effects of *soroche* (altitude sickness) if they haven't acclimatized in Junín. Rainy season (November to April) turns this into a whole different beast. Snow, landslides – things can get dicey FAST. There are NO services out here, so be prepared. A 4x4 with good tires is essential. The gravel gets slippery when wet, and you'll need that traction on the steeper sections. Before you ditch the highway, give your vehicle a good once-over. Check those tires and your cooling system – your engine will be working overtime. Speaking of you, that thin air messes with your reflexes. If you feel dizzy or get a headache, stop and descend. This is your ticket to experiencing the authentic Peruvian puna, far from the usual tourist traps. Expect only the company of alpaca herds and the haunting silence of those high-altitude lakes.