Abra Chucopampa

Abra Chucopampa

Peru, south-america

Length

6 km

Elevation

4,858 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled Abra Chucopampa, and let me tell you, it's a BEAST. This insane mountain pass in the Cajamarca region of Peru clocks in at a whopping 4,858m (15,938ft) above sea level.

The climb? Absolutely brutal. We're talking long stretches with gradients over 10%, so make sure your vehicle is ready for a workout. And heads up: if it's rained recently, the summit can get seriously muddy. Be prepared for challenging conditions, especially after even a little rainfall. This road climbs 1,900m! Avalanches, snow, and landslides are real possibilities and icy patches can be super dangerous.

While the initial climb has a decent surface and manageable gradients, don't get too comfy! The last 6km are a different story: extremely rocky, steep, and unforgiving. The whole route's remote and beautiful, but with the bumpy, dirty surface, this one definitely isn't a walk in the park.

Where is it?

Abra Chucopampa is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.9177, -75.5579

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
6 km
Max Elevation
4,858 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-8.9177, -75.5579

Related Roads in south-america

Where is La Rinconada, the highest permanent settlement in America?extreme

Where is La Rinconada, the highest permanent settlement in America?

🇵🇪 Peru

Deep in the Peruvian Andes, not far from the Bolivian border, sits La Rinconada. This isn't your average charming mountain village; it's a mining town perched at a staggering 5,130m (16,830ft)! The road to get there, called Acceso a La Rinconada, begins east of Ananea off Road 110 and stretches for about 8.7 km (5.40 miles). Don't expect a smooth ride – this entire stretch is unpaved. While the views of the surrounding Andes are amazing, be warned: the landscape is marred by piles of garbage. And "Devil's Paradise" isn't just a cool nickname – it reflects the tough conditions of living around a gold mine at such a high altitude. Oxygen levels are thin, and the town lacks basic sanitation. Still, between 50,000 and 70,000 people call La Rinconada home, drawn by the promise of gold. The town experienced explosive growth between 2001 and 2009, transforming from a small mining camp into a sprawling community. Is it the highest city in the world? That's debatable, but it's definitely up there! La Rinconada offers a raw, unforgettable glimpse into a world few get to see.

Driving the LM-116: The treacherous cliff road from Barba Blanca to Autishaextreme

Driving the LM-116: The treacherous cliff road from Barba Blanca to Autisha

🇵🇪 Peru

The LM-116 (Carretera Barba Blanca-Autisha), located in the Huarochirí Province of the Lima Region, is widely regarded as one of the most nerve-wracking drives in the Peruvian Andes. This road follows the deep canyon of the Santa Eulalia River, offering a high-altitude transit that is as spectacular as it is terrifying. As seen in the technical imagery, the road is literally carved into the vertical limestone walls of the canyon. The surface is a mix of loose gravel and packed earth, often narrow enough that two cars cannot pass each other at the same time. This forces drivers to reverse on a narrow ledge with hundreds of meters of vertical drop on one side and a solid rock wall on the other. Concentration must be absolute, as there are no guardrails protecting vehicles from the abyss below. The 20 km stretch running south-north from the settlement of Barba Blanca to the Autisha Bridge is an adrenaline-pumping journey. The reputation of the LM-116 is built on its fearsome geography: the road clings to the cliffs with a "free fall" drop that can reach several hundred meters. For passengers suffering from vertigo, this journey is a true nightmare, as the view from the window is often nothing but empty air. Beyond the height, the real mechanical danger comes from landslides. The steep, overhanging rock faces are unstable, and it is common to find large boulders blocking the path, especially after heavy rains. The curves are sharp and many are "blind," meaning you must sound your horn before every turn to avoid a head-on collision on a section too narrow to maneuver. The steepness of the climb also puts significant strain on the brakes and engine cooling systems of any vehicle attempting the transit. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is the only sensible choice for this route. While the road is technically open to local traffic, it is not for the faint of heart or those inexperienced with Andean driving. Concentration is key; one simple mistake or a lapse in focus has been known to claim the lives of drivers on this specific stretch of the Lima mountains. The drive is best attempted in the dry season (May to September). During the Andean winter, the gravel surface can become a slippery mud trap, and the risk of catastrophic landslides increases tenfold. Despite the danger, the LM-116 remains a vital link for the small communities of the Santa Eulalia valley and offers some of the most raw and untouched canyon scenery in the entire country. If you decide to go, ensure your tires are in perfect condition and your passengers are prepared for an extreme "cliff-hanging" experience. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Trans-Amazonian Highway runs through the Amazon forest in Brazilhard

Trans-Amazonian Highway runs through the Amazon forest in Brazil

🇧🇷 Brazil

Get ready for an epic adventure on the Trans-Amazonian Highway (BR-230) in Brazil! This beast of a road plunges deep into the heart of the Amazon, winding through mud and jungles for a staggering 4,260 km (2,647 miles). Starting from the coastal vibes of João Pessoa in the northeast, it cuts a path all the way to the Peruvian border. Be prepared for a mix of smooth sailing on paved sections and a wild ride on unpaved stretches. You'll cruise through the states of Paraíba, Ceará, Piaui, Maranhão, Tocantins, Pará, and Amazonas, some of the most sparsely populated regions in Brazil. Think long stretches of road with just jungle and tiny villages. Keep in mind, the last 1,000 kilometers or so are still unpaved, turning into a challenging, bumpy obstacle course during the rainy season (October to March). Expect pits and holes that will put your vehicle's suspension to the ultimate test! The scenery, however, is absolutely breathtaking. Just be aware that heavy rains can cause inundation, so check local conditions before you go. This journey is not for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable experience for the adventurous soul!

A paved road to Laguna Miscantimoderate

A paved road to Laguna Miscanti

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure awaits in the Chilean altiplano! We're heading to Laguna Miscanti, a stunning mountain lake chilling way up at 4,120 meters (that's 13,517 feet for you imperial system folks!). The road there? Newly paved, which is a bonus. But don't think it's a cakewalk. This climb is a real lung-buster, thanks to the seriously thin air. Prepare to feel the burn, and maybe a bit of altitude sickness – most people start feeling it way before you even get there! The views are incredible, though. It's one of those drives where you'll be stopping every five minutes to snap photos, even if you’re gasping for breath.