Abra Alpamarca
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,711 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Central Peru, in Junín province, lies Abra Alpamarca, a mountain pass soaring to a staggering 15,456 feet (4,711m) above sea level.
You'll find this beauty, the highest point on the road connecting Huayllay to Tanta, along route 20A, and be warned: it's a gravel road. This isn’t your average Sunday drive. Be prepared for a remote, high-altitude trek. After a rain shower, even a small one, the road can get pretty tricky. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities and can block the way, and icy patches can be super dangerous.
Pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, warm layers, and reliable GPS with maps are must-haves. You'll likely share the road with mine trucks (there are a bunch of large mines nearby), though the closer you get to the pass, the quieter it gets. But hey, the reward is absolutely stunning scenery!
Where is it?
Abra Alpamarca is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.4347, -73.6544
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,711 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -10.4347, -73.6544
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaguna Blanca
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're in Bolivia, Sur Lípez Province, Potosí Department, cruising through the Salvador Dalí Desert. You're heading to Laguna Blanca, a seriously high-altitude salt lake sitting at a whopping 14,270 feet! The road? Let's just say it's an *adventure*. Think gravel and sand, which can turn into a real mud-fest when it rains. It gets so slippery that even 4x4s can struggle. Seriously, after a storm, you might as well turn around because the road can become totally impassable. But if you brave it, the scenery is out of this world! Just be prepared for a wild ride!
extremeDriving the mountain road from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a raw, unfiltered Andean experience, this backroad from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta in Peru's Ancash region is calling your name. Tucked inside the Huascaran National Park, prepare for views that will absolutely knock your socks off – assuming you can keep your eyes on the road! This 22.2 km stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt and gravel is a serious connector in Ancash, snaking its way up, up, UP through the mountains. The scenery? Epic. The challenge? Real. We’re talking narrow… like, barely-two-cars-wide narrow. And those drop-offs? Let's just say they're not for the faint of heart – hundreds of meters straight down, with zero guardrails to save you. Forget smooth cruising – this is a technical climb with over 20 hairpin turns that'll make your head spin (in a good way, of course!). You'll be earning every meter of that 1,099-meter elevation gain as you ascend from Yungay Pampa to a dizzying 2,478 meters above sea level. This baby's STEEP! Seriously, leave the family sedan at home. A 4WD isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Loose gravel, crazy inclines, tight squeezes... and the weather? Let's just say it can turn on you in a heartbeat, turning that dirt track into a slippery nightmare. If you're an experienced mountain driver who knows how to handle a few (or twenty!) switchbacks and reverse like a pro, then this is your playground. Make sure your rig is in tip-top shape before you go; you're heading into the wild, where help is a long way away. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeIs Abra Huayraccasa the highest road pass in the Americas?
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic adventure on Abra Huayraccasa, a seriously high mountain pass in Peru's Huancavelica region! Forget paved roads – this is a 63.2km (39.27 miles) dirt track running between the 28D road and Lircay. At a staggering 4,971m (16,309ft) above sea level, some claim it's even higher, but whatever the exact number, you'll definitely feel the altitude! The sign at the pass might still boast a higher figure, but trust me, it's an experience regardless. Be warned: this road, also known as Wayra Q'asa, isn't for the faint of heart. It's rough, unpaved, and can get incredibly treacherous after rain or snow. Winter temperatures can plummet, so pack accordingly! Expect a 3-4 hour drive of potholes, hairpin bends, and heart-stopping drops. But hey, if you're an experienced driver craving jaw-dropping views of the Andes, this is your ultimate thrill ride! The surrounding scenery is absolutely amazing. Just be prepared for a wild, unforgettable journey.
extremeThe Wild Road to Cañon Tablachaca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in northwestern Peru, straddling La Libertad and Ancash, lies the Tablachaca Canyon, a place sculpted by the Tablachaca River over eons. You'll find yourself on the AN-100, a recently paved road snaking through the Andes. Now, don't let the asphalt fool you. This is a *narrow* strip of road, a serious one-lane situation. If you're not comfortable reversing, seriously reconsider. Heavy rain? Flash floods are a real possibility, and washouts can happen. Think long, slow, and narrow. Picture dramatic drop-offs and seriously stunning scenery. This isn't a joyride; this is a *mountain road*. We're talking serious vertical drops on every turn – over 3,000 feet! Keep your speed way down (think 35 km/h). You'll be cruising at over 4,000 feet above sea level the whole time. This route isn't for the faint of heart, or those with limited driving experience, but the views? Totally worth it (if you've got the skills!).