
Abra Sotacocha
Peru, south-america
50 km
4,261 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Sotacocha! This epic mountain pass tops out at a lung-busting 13,979 feet in the Ayacucho region of south-central Peru.
You'll find it about 50 km outside of Andahuaylas, heading towards Ayacucho, on Route 3S. The good news? It's paved! The not-so-good news? This isn't your average Sunday drive. This long, challenging route will test your mettle as it winds through remote Andean landscapes, crossing multiple high passes.
Be warned: the road quality can be rough, the air is thin (you'll be above 4,000m for a whopping 60km!), and the steep inclines are relentless. Plus, heavy mist is common, turning the road treacherous with low visibility. So, pick your weather wisely – this is NOT a road you want to tackle during a storm. But if you're prepared for a tough but rewarding journey, the stunning mountain views will be worth every gasp of air.
Where is it?
Abra Sotacocha is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.6568, -76.7432
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 50 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,261 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -10.6568, -76.7432
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