
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
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