Abra Tiabaya
Peru, south-america
N/A
2,747 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, wanderlusters, let's talk about Abra Tiabaya, a sweet little mountain pass chilling at 9,012 feet in the Arequipa Region of Peru.
The road up, Via Cerro Verde (or Route 108 if you're into specifics), is paved, so no need for a monster truck, but hold onto your hats, because it's pretty darn steep! This beauty connects La Reparticion and Arequipa, offering a scenic shortcut. Expect some serious climbs and drops, rewarding you with amazing views.
Where is it?
Abra Tiabaya is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.0936, -77.0909
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,747 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -10.0936, -77.0909
Related Roads in south-america
extremeA hairpinned crazy road to Paso de Lara
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Paso de Lara in the Tucuman province of northwest Argentina, a seriously stunning mountain pass that tops out at a breathtaking 3,625 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!). You'll find this bad boy nestled in the Parque Provincial Cumbres CalchaquÃes, and let me tell you, the views are worth the journey. Speaking of journey, be warned: the road (RP 311 and RP 312/RP352, if you're mapping it) is entirely unpaved. Built in 2014, it’s a 100 km (62 miles) rollercoaster from Colalao del Valle to San Pedro de Colalao. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just suggested; after a bit of rain, it's essential. This track is narrow, and I mean *narrow*, with some terrifyingly beautiful drop-offs. This road has even featured in the Dakar Rally, which should tell you something! Be prepared for potential road collapses, landslides, and rockslides, especially after heavy rain. And pro tip: don't even *think* about tackling this route solo. Starting from Colalao del Valle, the climb is about 43 km with an average gradient of 4.2%. If you are coming from San Pedro de Colalao, get ready for a 51 km grind at a 5.6% gradient. Basically, get ready for a steep climb with some seriously stunning scenery to make up for it!
extremeA hairy paved road to Anticona Pass in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Anticona, a seriously high-altitude pass in the Peruvian Andes, straddling the Lima and Junin regions! We're talking 4,824m (15,826ft) above sea level – that's higher than most clouds! It's often mistakenly called the highest paved road in South America, but regardless, it's a wild ride. You'll find it snaking through the Cordillera Central on the Carretera Central (Ruta 22), all nicely paved. At the top, there's even a little bar and parking spot to soak in the views! The whole shebang is about 37.4 km (23 miles) from Casapalca heading east to the JU-102 road. Now, don't think this is a Sunday drive. This road is steep, twisty, and full of surprises. Think hairpin bends, crazy amounts of trucks and buses, landslides, and llamas randomly running across the road. Cyclists should probably skip this one for safety reasons. Oh, and the weather? Expect the unexpected! Give yourself around an hour to conquer it. The peak, also called Ticlio Pass or Nevado de Ticlio, marks the spot where South America splits, with rivers flowing to either the Pacific or Atlantic.
hardHow long is Ruta Provincial 70?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're way up in the extreme northwest of Argentina, practically on the border with Bolivia. You're about to tackle Ruta Provincial 70, a totally unpaved dirt track that's gonna test your off-road skills. The adventure kicks off where it meets the RP75, near the stunning Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument. This lake is HUGE, think 180,000 square meters, and sits way up high. Trust me, it's one of the most beautiful spots in the whole province. The route winds its way up, eventually spitting you out onto the legendary Ruta 40 (RN40) – you know, that ridiculously long highway that stretches across Argentina. Just a heads up: this road climbs seriously high, topping out at Médano de Fundiciones. You can explore the area year-round, but keep in mind that the summer months can sometimes bring access issues depending on the road conditions. So make sure you're prepared! And definitely take it slow on Cuesta del Farallon — it's not for the faint of heart.
hardThe Rio Encuentro bridge crossing from Argentina to Chile
🇦🇷 Argentina
Rio Encuentro International Pass is unlike any other Andean crossing. Forget scaling towering peaks! This border is all about a quick hop over the Encuentro River on a 30-meter bridge. It's this tiny span that links Argentina's Chubut Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region, providing a handy connection between the towns of Corcovado and Palena. Seriously, it's one of the most scenic bridges out there! Prepare for a road surface switch-up the second you cross the bridge. While the bridge itself is basic concrete, it’s where Argentina's gravel gives way to Chile's smooth pavement. Mostly you'll find locals and smaller vehicles using this route to cruise through Patagonia. The change is instant. You'll rumble along Ruta Nacional 259 and Ruta Provincial 44 on the Argentinian side – think classic Patagonian gravel. Then, boom, you're on the bridge, and suddenly you're gliding on the Chilean side via Ruta Internacional CH-235. It's paved perfection all the way to Palena! Keep in mind, this pass is for lighter vehicles only; leave the big rigs behind. You'll find the PDI, Customs (SNA), and the Agricultural Service (SAG) ready on the Chilean side, while the GendarmerÃa Nacional keeps things in order on the Argentinian side. The border crossing is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Since Rio Encuentro isn't about crazy high altitudes, it's often a safer bet in winter, assuming the Argentinian gravel roads aren't snowed under. Expect an easy drive across the river that naturally divides these two nations in a seriously remote and serene location.