Abra de Viscos
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,695 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de Viscos in the Arequipa region of Peru is calling your name! We're talking about a serious high-altitude experience here, topping out at a whopping 4,695 meters (15,403 feet)!
Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is mostly gravel, and after a bit of rain, things can get tricky. Think potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides that can block the way. Plus, watch out for those icy patches – they can be sneaky! This climb is long, so make sure you're prepped for those conditions, because you're heading into some seriously remote territory.
But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You're climbing out of one of the deepest canyons on the planet, and the scenery is mind-blowing. As you ascend, keep an eye out for Solimana mountain – the views are incredible once you crest the Cotahuasi valley. And near the top of the pass, you'll catch a glimpse of the majestic Coropuna. The road itself isn't too steep, and the surface is usually in pretty good shape (either gravel or tarmac), so you can relax and soak it all in. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Abra de Viscos is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.8806, -74.7055
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,695 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.8806, -74.7055
Related Roads in south-america
hardCan you drive to Sosneado Hotel?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride to the eerie Hotel Termas de El Sosneado! Deep in the Mendoza Province of Argentina, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. Forget pavement, Provincial Route 220 is all about rocks, loose gravel, and maybe a little rubble for good measure. Oh, and did I mention the narrow wooden bridges, mud, and rivers of brown water you'll be splashing through? Starting near El Sosneado, this off-road adventure stretches nearly 60 km to the ruined hotel, perched beside the Atuel River. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. You'll climb to over 2,000 meters above sea level! Built in 1938, this luxury hotel met its end after an avalanche in 1953. The main draw? Thermal spring pools fed by the nearby Overo volcano! Word is you can still take a dip. Locals whisper about it being a former Nazi hideout. Spooky, right? Set against the backdrop of the Andes, this trip will steal 2-3 hours of your day. Heads up: this road is usually impassable during winter. There are no services along the way, so pack a full tank of gas, food, and plenty of water. You've been warned!
hardRuta 23 CH, a 5 stars road in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: Ruta 23 in Chile. You're cruising across a super dry, high-altitude plateau in the Andes, right in northern Chile. It's seriously stunning! This road trip clocks in at about 304 kilometers (that's 188 miles for my American friends), kicking off in Calama, a city chilling on the Loa River in the Antofagasta region, and then taking you all the way to the Argentinian border at Paso de Sico. Word of warning, though: this is mountain country, so you're heading way up! The air gets thin, so take it easy. And the weather? Intense! Think mild 23°C in summer, but brace yourself for a freezing -12°C in winter. It's usually cold and dry up there. The good news is the road was totally paved in 2018! The highest point is Abra El Laco, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 4,569 meters (or a whopping 14,990 feet) above sea level. Get ready for views that'll blow your mind!
hardIs Chicamocha Canyon worth it?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready for an adventure, and someone mentions the Chicamocha Canyon. Trust me, you HAVE to go! This massive canyon, nestled between Boyacá and Santander departments in the Andes, is mind-blowing. They say it's the second biggest in the world, plunging down over 6,500 feet. Now, the road cutting through it – Ruta Nacional 45A – is fully paved, so no need to worry about off-roading. You can cruise from Los Curos to Aratoca along this 25-mile stretch. Don't get too comfy, though! This toll road is a rollercoaster with crazy steep sections and hairpin turns galore. But trust me, the views are worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road! This canyon and the surrounding Chicamocha National Park are a total feast for the eyes. Get ready for some unforgettable photo ops.
hardTrans-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!