Abra de Viscos

Abra de Viscos

Peru, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,695 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
4,695 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-9.8806, -74.7055

Related Roads in south-america

Where is Nevado del Ruiz volcano?hard

Where is Nevado del Ruiz volcano?

🇨🇴 Colombia

Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready for an adventure, and you've heard whispers of a road that climbs to the roof of the country, approaching the majestic Nevado del Ruiz volcano. This snow-capped giant, also known as La Mesa de Herveo or Kumanday, straddles the Caldas and Tolima departments. The drive kicks off from Carretera 50 and stretches for about 18.6 km. It starts off smooth with pavement, but don't get too comfy – it gets rougher as you climb. You'll hit Parador Turístico La Esperanza at 4,117m, where you can fuel up, grab a snack, and maybe even find the gate closed if the volcano is feeling grumpy. Beyond this point, it's a whole different ball game. The road turns to dirt, so a 4x4 with high clearance is your best bet. The goal? El Refugio hut at 4,804m. From there, the real adventure begins – a hike to the summit! Be warned, even in summer, the temperature can plummet, so pack accordingly! This active volcano is known to have nasty weather year-round and it is one of the highest roads in Colombia, so be prepared for a truly unforgettable experience, if you can get there.

An epic road to Portezuelo del Cajon in the Andesmoderate

An epic road to Portezuelo del Cajon in the Andes

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the ride of your life! We're heading to Portezuelo del Cajón, a crazy-high mountain pass straddling the border between Chile and Bolivia. Perched at a lung-busting 4,480m (that's almost 14,700ft!), you'll feel like you're on top of the world. This epic route, also called Hito Cajón, connects Chile's Antofagasta Region with Bolivia's Potosí Department, nestled on the flank of the Juriques volcano in the Andes. The Bolivian side drops you right into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, practically spitting distance from the stunning Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca. Think Uyuni Salt Flats to San Pedro de Atacama – this is the road many tourists use to bounce between these iconic destinations. The whole shebang is about 150km (93 miles) of mixed terrain, from smooth pavement to rugged unpaved sections, stretching from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) to Quetena Chico (Bolivia). Keep an eye out for Cerro Toco to the south! Be prepped for some serious altitude changes and isolated landscapes. Random fact: the Bolivian Customs office is like, 80km into Bolivia, basically in the middle of nowhere and even higher than the pass itself at over 5,000m! You'll find it hidden behind a guarded barrier at a processing plant. The Chilean border post is conveniently located on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama, a good 40km back down the road. And pro tip: check the weather! High altitude means colder temps and a higher chance of storms.

Is Ruta Provincial 73 in Jujuy unpaved?extreme

Is Ruta Provincial 73 in Jujuy unpaved?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the far northwest of Argentina and you're craving a serious off-road challenge, Ruta Provincial 73 is calling your name. Spanning Jujuy and Salta provinces, this 93km (58 miles) stretch from Humahuaca to Santa Ana isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking *completely* unpaved, lunar-landscape-level rough terrain. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll be cruising entirely above 3,000 meters, topping out at a staggering 4,617m (15,147ft) at Abra Azul. That's thin air, folks, so acclimatize and take it easy to avoid altitude sickness. Along the way, you'll conquer Abra del Viento (4,614m), Abra del Zenta (4,595m) and Abra Colorada (4,493m). Keep an eye out for avalanches, snow, and landslides—they can happen anytime. But if you're prepared for it, this road promises unbelievable scenery and bragging rights for days!

Azufrera Tacorahard

Azufrera Tacora

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: the A-107, a gravel and rocky road leading to the abandoned Azufrera Tacora sulphur mine. This ghost town of Aguas Calientes sits right on the Chile-Peru border at a staggering 4,518m (14,822ft) above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 4x4 track, and a brutal climb. The air is thin, *really* thin, so be prepared to feel the altitude – most people start feeling it way lower, around 2,500-2,800 meters. Starting from Tacora (already at a hefty 4,090m), it's a 15.3km trek. And pro-tip: watch where you're going – seriously. There could be a mine field! But hey, imagine the views. Just remember to check the weather; you do *not* want to be up here in a storm.