Abra Huamanripa
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,879 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because Abra Huamanripa in the Ancash region of Peru is a wild ride! This high-altitude pass, also called Abra Yanashalla, tops out at a whopping 4,879 meters (that's over 16,000 feet!). It's the highest point on the Pachacoto – Huayllanca road, a route famed for its stunning, if somewhat intimidating, beauty.
Typically open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes has other plans, and snow can temporarily shut things down. The climb is intense, to say the least. The air is thin, the slopes are steep, and the gravel road can get pretty hairy after rain or snow – you might want a 4x4 for some sections.
Be warned: this road isn't for the faint of heart! Expect unpredictable weather – snowstorms and blizzards can roll in fast, making driving seriously challenging. Avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides are real possibilities, and icy patches are common. Road closures aren't unusual, so it's a must to check the latest conditions before you go. But, if you're prepared for an adventure, the views are absolutely worth it!
Where is it?
Abra Huamanripa is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.7902, -75.7507
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,879 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -10.7902, -75.7507
Related Roads in south-america
moderateVeladero Mine
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: You're in the San Juan Province of Argentina, ready for an adventure. Get ready to rumble because you're heading to the Veladero gold mine! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a serious 4x4 track leading up to a whopping 3,850 meters (that's 12,631 feet!). We're talking some serious altitude, folks. The road itself? Gravel, so be prepared for a bumpy but beautiful ride. It leads to one of the largest gold mines *in the world*, so you know you're heading somewhere pretty significant. Get ready for some epic scenery; this remote area delivers views you won’t soon forget. Keep your eyes peeled; this is a working mine, and conditions can change. This drive isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're up for it, it's an experience you won't regret!
hardThe road to Cotopaxi Refuge is not for timid drivers
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you’re itching for a high-altitude thrill ride in Ecuador, you HAVE to check out the road to Refugio José Rivas on Cotopaxi volcano! This epic spot sits at a staggering 4,639m (15,219ft), putting it way up there in the "highest roads in Ecuador" category. Located about 50 km (31 mi) south of Quito, nestled in the majestic Andes, the road to the "Refugio Cotopaxi," as the locals call it, is pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking a bumpy, gravel track that's been seriously roughed up by rain. Expect dust clouds in dry weather and a muddy slip-n-slide when it's wet. This road climbs to the parking lot for the refuge. Perched high on the northern slopes of Volcán Cotopaxi, Ecuador's second-highest volcano, inside Cotopaxi National Park, the views are absolutely unreal. On a clear day, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the volcano's iconic cone shape. This refuge sleeps 86 people, and you'll be in the shadow of an active volcano that’s erupted over 50 times since 1738! Be prepared for altitude sickness. Now, a word of warning: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The weather can be a real wildcard with wind and thunderstorms. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a 4WD with high clearance is a must. The thin air at this altitude can rob your engine of power, so make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ready for a challenge. Starting at Ovejería, the ascent is 8.2 km (5.09 miles) long with some serious inclines – we're talking gradients of up to 14% in places! Over this distance, you’ll climb 763 meters. Get ready for an unforgettable, if somewhat hair-raising, journey!
hardHow Can I Get by Car to Salar de Maricunga in the Atacama Region?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: blindingly white salt flats shimmering under an intense sun. That’s Salar de Maricunga, sitting way up high in the Chilean Atacama at a lung-busting 3,700 meters (that’s over 12,000 feet!). You'll find this unreal landscape inside Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, way over on the eastern side of Chile. Be warned, this place is extreme. Think scorching days and freezing nights – the temperature swings are wild! But it's worth it. Imagine stark volcanic scenery meeting vibrant turquoise lagoons, home to unique wildlife. It’s a photographer's dream! The road in, Ruta 31-CH, is a bit of an adventure in itself. It's about 280 km (173 miles) of mostly gravel, connecting Copiapó to the Paso San Francisco border crossing with Argentina. You'll find some paved sections at the start and end, but the middle is all about that rugged off-road feel. Luckily, you don't necessarily need a 4x4 for this one, a 2wd car should usually do the trick! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.
hardA hairpinned paved road across Chicamocha Canyon in Colombia
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the ride of a lifetime across Colombia's stunning Cañón del Chicamocha! Tucked away in the Andes, straddling Boyacá and Santander departments, this canyon is a beast—some say it's the second-biggest on the planet, plunging a whopping 6,600 feet deep! You'll find this paved beauty, Ruta Nacional 45A, winding through Chicamocha National Park (aka Panachi). But don't let the pavement fool you – this toll road is a proper challenge. Think seriously steep sections and more twists and turns than you can count! This north-south rollercoaster stretches for about 25.5 miles (41 km) from Los Curos to Aratoca. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery, just be sure to keep your eyes on the road!