Abra de Toroya, a winding road only for experienced drivers
Peru, south-america
72.9 km
4,750 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra de Toroya! This high-altitude pass in the Puno region of southeastern Peru tops out at a breathtaking 4,750 meters (that's 15,583 feet for you imperial system folks).
The road, mostly paved and known as Carretera 34C, stretches for about 73 kilometers (45ish miles) between Santa Lucía and Eslagunero. The scenery on the way up? Get ready for views of Volcan Misti and Nevado Chachani from the summit. The descent is a gradual cruise, although the landscape can be a bit…underwhelming, let's say. But hey, you're in the Andes! Embrace the stark beauty!
Where is it?
Abra de Toroya, a winding road only for experienced drivers is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -11.2150, -75.2414
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 72.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,750 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -11.2150, -75.2414
Related Roads in south-america
hardA Memorable Road Trip to Abra Huacullo in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Huacullo in the Apurímac region of Peru is calling your name. Seriously, this mountain pass clocks in at a staggering 5,002 meters (that's 16,410 feet!), making it one of Peru's highest routes. Tucked away near Cusco in southern Peru, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement – Carretera 111 is all about that raw, unadulterated dirt road experience. Word to the wise: a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST. Think sandy stretches, seriously steep inclines, and hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. Plus, it's a mining road, so expect plenty of truck traffic. But hey, the views! Perched high in the Wansu range of the Andes, this 68.5-kilometer (42.56-mile) stretch of road running from Río Jeuñamarca to the AR-105 is absolutely epic. Prepare for landscapes that will blow your mind. Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and soak it all in!
extremeTake An Unforgettable Drive to Cañon del Rio Mala
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Central Peru is calling, and it's bringing the heat with the Mala River Canyon. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about a road that demands your full attention, a true test of driving mettle. Think twisty, turny, 92.5 km of mostly gravel mayhem along Highway 1S. It's gorgeous, no doubt, but also seriously narrow and not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin curves and unprotected drop-offs plunging over 200 meters down into the abyss! One wrong move and… well, let's just say this road has a reputation for a reason. You'll climb from the Mala District at sea level to the Huarochirí District at a breathtaking 2,755m. The views? Epic. The challenge? Real. The road condition? Dreadful. So, if you're up for an adrenaline-pumping ride and have nerves of steel, the Mala River Canyon awaits. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road and respect the canyon – it's a wild ride you won't soon forget!
moderateScaling the Skies: The Journey Up Putana Volcano- Among Earth's Highest Roads on Earth
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, picture this: You're in the Antofagasta region of Chile, right on the border with Bolivia, about to tackle a road that climbs a freakin' volcano! We're talking Volcán Putana, also known as Jorqencal or Machuca, a stratovolcano that's got some serious attitude. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This former mine access road snakes its way up to a mind-blowing 5,779 meters (18,959 feet)! Yeah, you're practically touching the sky up there. It used to be bustling with trucks hauling sulfur, because this volcano is loaded with it. You can even see the fumaroles puffing away from miles off. Word on the street is, this road might not be passable anymore, but even the attempt would be epic! Just imagine the views...the stark beauty of northern Chile... the sheer bragging rights of conquering one of the highest roads on the planet. This is a climb you won't soon forget!
extremeWhat does Angosto mean?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for El Angosto de Villamontes! Picture this: you're cruising through the Tarija Department, Bolivia, practically breathing the same air as the Paraguayan border. This isn't just any drive; it's a wild ride along the Pilcomayo canyon, a.k.a. "The Narrow" – and trust me, that name fits. This 13.8 km (8.57 miles) stretch, hugging the Pilcomayo River from Villamontes to Palos Blancos, is unpaved and utterly raw. We're talking hairpin turns with a casual 450-meter drop-off beside you. Forget guardrails – it's just you, the road, and a whole lot of air. Oh, and did I mention it’s NARROW? Like, "hope you're good at reversing several kilometers" narrow. Fog rolls in like a movie scene, visibility drops, and suddenly, you’re relying on pure instinct. This route is also busy with buses and trucks, so stay sharp! Keep an eye out for the crosses dotting the landscape – a sobering reminder of the road's history. This place is legendary, not just for its views (which are stunning), but for its intensity. So, if you're up for a serious adventure with scenery that'll make your jaw drop, El Angosto is calling your name. Just remember to drive smart, drive slow, and maybe say a little prayer!