An epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes
Peru, south-america
27 km
4,881 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes on the JU-116, headed for Abra Anta Q'asa, a seriously high mountain pass. We're talking 4,881m (16,013ft) above sea level – that air gets thin! You'll straddle the border between Junín and Lima regions, winding between Marcapomacocha (27km away) and Casapalca (16km).
The road? Think gravel, with some sandy bits and some hairpins thrown in for good measure. It’s not crazy steep overall, but don’t underestimate it. Watch out for sudden patches of loose gravel and be aware that any rain turns this into a muddy, potentially impassable mess. This isn't a trail for the faint of heart, and definitely not if you're afraid of heights or unfamiliar with unpaved mountain roads.
The climb itself is a beast. That high altitude will test your lungs and your car, and the lack of oxygen can really hit you hard. The area’s known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, which can make driving seriously challenging. Once you hit the Carretera Central, be prepared for a traffic jam – it's a busy one! But hey, at the top you’ll find the Mirador de Tres Cruces, where you can see it all. Just be prepared for incredible views... and a wild ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 27 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,881 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardCerro Sairécabur: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Straddling the border between Bolivia and Chile, you'll find the colossal Cerro Sairécabur volcano, reaching a staggering 5,541m (18,179ft) high! This isn't just any mountain road; it's one of the highest you can drive in South America. Starting in the Antofagasta region of Chile, you can follow an old, rugged mining road which snakes its way up to a lung-busting 5,753m (18,874ft). This journey, ending at -22.725181, -67.885623, is not for the faint of heart. The entire route is unpaved, so a 4x4 is an absolute must. Up to about 5,400m, the surface is manageable if you're fit and have acclimatized. Above that, be prepared for a serious push! Perched at the summit is the Receiver Lab Telescope, a ground-based radio telescope designed for high-frequency operations. You'll also pass a sulfur mine at around 5,300m. The road itself is a relentless climb with gradients hitting a maximum of 13% in places. Over its 19.5km (12.11 miles), you'll gain a whopping 1,220 meters in elevation! Make sure you're completely self-sufficient. Stock up on all your food and water in San Pedro, as the mountain water is rumored to be contaminated with sulfur. Expect fierce winds and freezing temperatures. The access road is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled! Altitude sickness is a serious risk. Don't underestimate this volcano. It's a tough, cold climb, especially if you're not used to these heights.
moderatePuente Las Corrientes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Araucanía Region of southern Chile when BAM! You stumble upon Puente Las Corrientes. Seriously, this wooden bridge is a total showstopper. Stretching 43 meters over the Rehue River, this isn't your average shortcut. Keep in mind, though, it's a wooden structure, so there's a 15-ton weight limit. You'll find it on the gravel R-264 road, where a scenic paved road takes you to Laguna Miscanti. Trust me, the views are worth it! It's a bit of an adventure, but unforgettable.
easyWhere is Abra Negro Bueno?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Negro Bueno! This high-altitude pass punches a hole high in the central Peruvian Andes, teetering somewhere way up there. You’ll find it straddling the Junín and Lima regions—basically the middle of nowhere in the best way possible. Now, about the road... it's part of a bigger route, but don't expect a Sunday drive. We're talking a minefield of potholes that could swallow a small car whole (seriously, night driving? Forget about it). This leg of the journey stretches for a bit, weaving its way through hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. But hey, with scenery like this, who's complaining? Just take it slow, watch out for those axle-breakers, and get ready for some seriously stunning views. Trust me, the bragging rights alone are worth the bumpy ride!
easyRuta de los 7 Lagos, an iconic drive in Patagonia
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northwest Patagonia in northern Argentina, wind in your hair (maybe!), on the legendary Ruta de los 7 Lagos – the Seven Lakes Route! This baby is paved from start to finish, winding you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes you've ever seen. Think crystal-clear, deep-blue lakes reflecting snow-capped Andes mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. You'll be driving through Lanín and Nahuel Huapi National Parks, so keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife. The road gets its name from the seven stunning lakes it connects: Machónico, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo, Lácar, Falkner, and Villarino. The whole shebang is about 107km (66 miles) between Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes. I'd say dedicate a full day to really soak it all in, with plenty of stops for photos and maybe a picnic by one of those gorgeous lakes. Just a heads-up: you might share the road with some semi-trailer trucks, so stay alert and enjoy the ride! Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget.