An epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes
Peru, south-america
27 km
4,881 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Anta Q'asa, a high-altitude stunner in the Peruvian Andes! This pass straddles the border between the Junín and Lima regions, so you're getting a two-for-one scenic experience.
Clocking in at a lung-busting 4,881m (16,013ft), Anta Q'asa—also called Antaccasa or Antajasa—is not for the faint of heart. The JU-116, a gravel road, winds its way over the pass and can get pretty busy. Expect some sandy sections and hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Keep an eye out for those sneaky loose-gravel patches, and if it's been raining, prepare for some serious mud! The unpaved sections can become impassable, trust me.
The climb is a beast, and the air is THIN. Altitude sickness is a real thing up here, so listen to your body. Oh, and did I mention the unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards? Yeah, those can make things... interesting. Once you hit the Carretera Central, be ready for heavy traffic – it’s known to be a bit wild!
Located between Marcapomacocha (27km away) and Casapalca (16km away), this route is best left to experienced off-roaders. If unpaved mountain roads and heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for an epic challenge with incredible views, Abra Anta Q'asa is calling your name!
Where is it?
An epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.8645, -72.7060
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 27 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,881 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -8.8645, -72.7060
Related Roads in south-america
moderateHow to get by car to Laguna Colorada in the altiplano of Bolivia?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright adventurers, picture this: Bolivia's Altiplano, vast open skies, and a lake that looks like it's straight out of a dream - Laguna Colorada! This isn't your average scenic drive, folks. We're talking about cruising at a staggering 4,278m (14,035ft) above sea level in the Potosí department. You'll find this gem nestled in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, practically spitting distance from the Chilean border. Keep your eyes peeled for the flamingos, they love this spot! Now, about that name - Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon). It gets its vibrant color from a mix of sun and wind, so try to hit it in the afternoon for the full effect. The road itself? Let's just say it's an "unpaved" adventure. All 226 km (140 miles) of it, stretching from Villa Alota in Bolivia to Portezuelo del Cajón on the Chilean border. Definitely a 4x4 kind of road, and always above 4,200m (13,779ft) of altitude. Get ready for an epic landscape unlike any other!
extremePunta Cauchari
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ruta Provincial 27 in Salta Province, Argentina, is calling your name. This isn't just any drive; it's a proper high-altitude expedition hitting a staggering 4,047 meters (13,277 feet) inside Los Flamencos National Reserve. Think gravel, rocks, and a generally bumpy ride that will keep you on your toes. This road is a shapeshifter, with conditions changing all the time, and winter likes to hang around. Summer's your best bet to tackle it, and you'll definitely want a 4x4. The Andes Mountains aren't messing around. Expect crazy winds and rapid weather changes – even summer can bring snow. Speaking of which, temperatures plummet in winter. This place can be treacherous, with ice and snow lurking even in the warmer months, so tread carefully. Oh, and a word of caution: this altitude isn't for the faint of heart. If you've got respiratory issues or heart problems, maybe sit this one out. Babies under 4 months should definitely stay home. The air is thin, like 40% less oxygen than you're used to, which makes breathing a chore, and your engine might struggle too. Altitude sickness is a real threat, so be aware of the symptoms and take it slow. Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible!
hardWhat does Colquechaca mean?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Colquechaca! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: you're in Bolivia, cruising towards a town perched way up high in the Province of Chayanta—I'm talking a lung-busting 13,671 feet above sea level! This is seriously one of the highest towns you can actually drive to on the planet. The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. We're talking about a completely unpaved, sometimes super-narrow, 29.32-mile stretch. The whole thing kicks off from Sacaca and winds its way up to Colquechaca. As for the views? Get ready for breathtaking panoramas of the Andes. Just keep your eyes on the road, because it demands respect! Keep in mind that Colquechaca, whose name possibly alludes to silver mining ("silver bridge"), is known for its rich indigenous culture, with most of its several thousand residents descending from the Qaqachaca people. It’s said to be the highest city in Bolivia, with houses reaching a dizzying 13,894 feet!
hardAbra Cuncush
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Ancash Region of Peru and crave a serious off-road challenge, then the Cuncush Pass is calling your name. Nestled high in the Cordillera Huayhuash, this beast of a pass tops out at a staggering 4,601 meters (that's 15,095 feet!). The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Expect a gravel rollercoaster – rocky, bumpy, and maybe even a little tippy in spots. Winter can shut it down completely, so plan accordingly. This is a playground for experienced off-roaders only; if unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe skip this one. But oh, the views! Prepare for mind-blowing, panoramic vistas of the untamed Huayhuash mountains. 4x4 is highly recommended – you'll need it. And if heights aren't your thing, seriously reconsider because this trail is steep, and I mean *steep*. Muddy conditions after rain can make things even trickier. Heads up: altitude sickness is a real possibility up here. Most feel it kicking in around 2,500-2,800 meters, and near the pass, the air gets seriously thin. It's a tough climb that will test your lungs, but trust me, the reward is worth every gasp. This pass is just epic.