
Abra Suijo-Laguna Suyoc
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,706 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Suijo (aka Abra Suyoc), a lung-busting pass that tops out at a dizzying 15,439 feet in central Peru. You'll find it by taking Carretera 120.
Now, the road itself is…an experience. It's generally maintained, so a high-clearance 2WD *might* make it in dry conditions, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best bet. Expect river crossings and a seriously steep climb that will have your engine screaming.
Don't let that scare you off, though! This is raw, remote Peru at its finest. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with mind-blowing views of snow-capped peaks to the east, and near the summit, a string of shimmering lakes appear like mirages.
Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities. Patches of ice can appear out of nowhere. Oh, and that altitude? Brutal! Most people start feeling the effects around 8,000-9,000 feet. The air gets thin, the climb is relentless, and your body will be begging for mercy. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
Where is it?
Abra Suijo-Laguna Suyoc is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.7445, -74.6686
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,706 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.7445, -74.6686
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