Abra Turpo
Peru, south-america
25 km
4,798 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I just tackled Abra Turpo, a sky-high mountain pass way up in the Huancavelica Province of Peru, and let me tell you, it's breathtaking... literally! We're talking 4,798 meters (15,741 feet) above sea level.
The road, known as Carretera 110, winds between Turpo and Acobambilla and it's mostly gravel. You won't find much traffic, and the slopes are pretty manageable. Think of it as a fantastic off-road experience if you know what you're doing. Definitely need a 4x4 for this one, and if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing a lot of them. And if it's been raining, expect a muddy challenge.
Oh, and get this: for a solid 25 kilometers of the way towards Huayunca, you're basically floating above 4,900 meters! The views? Absolutely insane. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Abra Turpo is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.0515, -76.9975
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 25 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,798 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -10.0515, -76.9975
Related Roads in south-america
extremeDriving the extreme 4x4 mining road to Lastarria Volcano in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Volcán Lastarria, or Azufre, straddles the Chile-Argentina border, flaunting incredible sulfur deposits and towering fumaroles. But the real thrill? A gnarly mining road claws its way up the Chilean side to a staggering 5,324m (17,467ft)! This isn't just high; it's one of the highest drives you can find. José Victorino Lastarria, a big name in Chilean history, gets the credit for the name, thanks to his explorations of the Atacama Desert. Think of him as your intellectual trail guide! Forget civilization; we're talking 150 km from anywhere. The landscape is otherworldly, raw, and unforgiving. This road is unmarked and a test of skill, winding past abandoned sulfur mines on a surface of volcanic ash, obsidian, and deep sand. Satellite imagery is your best friend here – forget standard maps! Expect the unexpected! Winds are brutal, constantly shifting sands and sometimes burying the track. Winter and spring bring penitentes, crazy-tall ice spikes, ready to trap the unwary. A serious 4x4 with high clearance and beefy tires is the bare minimum. But here's the kicker: altitude! At this height, the air is thin (seriously thin!), and your engine will struggle, and you will too. Plus, those awesome fumaroles pump out toxic gases – beautiful to look at, less fun to breathe. Zero. That's the amount of infrastructure or help you'll find. This is hardcore self-sufficiency: oxygen, industrial masks, extra fuel, and a satellite phone. This isn't just a drive; it's an expedition into a landscape that demands respect and preparation.
hardLagunas de Epulafquen
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, practically spitting distance from Chile, high up in the Andes. You're heading toward the stunning Lagunas de Epulafquen, a pair of shimmering lakes sitting pretty at almost 5,000 feet! The adventure starts on Ruta Provincial 45, a gravel road stretching about 25 miles from Las Ovejas. Now, this isn't your average highway cruise. While generally maintained, the road can get pretty dicey. Think washboarding, ruts, and dips that'll keep you on your toes. A high-clearance vehicle is a must! And be warned: after a rainstorm, this track transforms into a muddy slip-n-slide. In bad weather, even 4x4s might struggle. But trust me, the views are worth it. Imagine winding through the mountains, the air crisp and clean, with the promise of those gorgeous lakes waiting for you at the end. This is an off-the-beaten-path experience you won't forget!
extremeHow long is the Death Road in Bolivia?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're in Bolivia, heart pounding, about to tackle the infamous "Death Road," or as the locals call it, *Camino de las Yungas*. This legendary dirt track stretches for about 36.4 km (22.61 miles) between La Paz and Coroico, snaking through the lush, jungly Yungas region. While a newer highway has taken some of the traffic, this route is still a wild ride. You'll climb over 3,151m (10,337ft), the road twisting along with insane canyon views that will make your stomach flip. Historically, this road earned its name for a reason. Sadly, an estimated 200-300 people perished on it each year. Numerous vehicles plunged over the edge, a drop of up to 1,000 meters, and roadside memorials serve as somber reminders. One especially tragic accident occurred in 1983, when a bus went over, killing more than 100. Now, get this: even though Bolivia drives on the right, on this road, you stick to the *left*! It's a quirky but crucial survival tactic – the driver on the left has a better view of the cliff edge. Vehicles heading *down* the road always yield to those going up, a dance of slow negotiation on a narrow, rocky path that's often shrouded in mist and cascading waterfalls. Over the years, countless vehicles have miscalculated and tumbled over the edge. It's a nerve-wracking experience to say the least! The road's narrow – barely wide enough for a single vehicle – and lacks guardrails, leaving you vulnerable to those massive drops. Add rain to the mix, and you've got a slippery, muddy mess. Fog can completely blind you. Despite the dangers, the Death Road has become a popular spot for adrenaline junkies. Since the 90's, thrill-seekers flock here, but it's important to remember that the road still demands respect; there have been accidents since it became a tourist destination. Meeting a truck on the road is a "who blinks first" scenario, forcing someone to reverse on loose dirt. If you decide to tackle it, stick to the outer edge (the left), and definitely avoid it after heavy rain. Also in the area, the Chulumani Road, is considered almost as dangerous and is full of tight hairpins. Oh, and before you go, some say that the D915 in Turkey is the new king of dangerous roads. It lacks tourist infrastructure, making it a raw and rugged mountain pass. Just something to consider if you're always up for a challenge!
moderateAbra El Arenal: an epic road on a lunar landscape
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra El Arenal, a sky-high pass straddling Guaranda and San Juan in Ecuador's Chimborazo Province! We're talking seriously high – 4,407 meters (14,458 feet) above sea level, making it one of the country's loftiest routes. Snuggled within the Cordillera Occidental range of the Andes and the Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo, this 32.5 km (20.19 mile) beauty is paved the whole way. Picture this: you're cruising from Route E491 to Ruta E492, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, it’s your gateway to tackling Chimborazo, Ecuador's colossal, active volcano! Just a heads-up: winter brings snow, which can make things a little slick. But hey, a little challenge never hurt anyone, right? Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!