An epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes

An epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes

Peru, south-america

Length

27 km

Elevation

4,881 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

Where is Abra de Potrerillos?hard

Where is Abra de Potrerillos?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Abra de Potrerillos is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.192m (13,753ft) above sea level, located in the department of Tumbaya, in Argentina. Where is Abra de Potrerillos? The pass is located in the province of Jujuy, in the northwestern part of the country. When was Abra de Potrerillos built? Formerly, the territory was crossed by mule trails descending from the highlands to the valley. In the early '70s, a dirt road was built, part of the Provincial Route 16, linking San Salvador de Jujuy, the capital of the province, with the town of Susques . In 1979, the stretch of 65 km from Purmamarca to Route 40 became a national jurisdiction, called National Route 52. And in 1999, the nation and the province signed an agreement to start the construction of this new road in 2000. Is Abra de Potrerillos paved? The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called National Route 52 (RN52). A few hundred meters before reaching its peak, there is a viewpoint where people can observe the dramatic road entirely. The view of the road as it climbs in a series of switchbacks makes you wonder at the engineering required. How long is Abra de Potrerillos? The pass is 80.1 km (49.77 miles) long, running east-west from Purmamarca to Santuario de Tres Pozos via Salinas Grandes. Beyond this point, the RN52 continues to Is Abra de Potrerillos challenging? The challenging road to the summit is known as Cuesta del Lipán (Lipan Slope). It’s a winding steep road with countless turns and hairpin turns. In approximately 17 kilometers, the slope rises from the edge of the town of Purmamarca at 2,192m to Abra de Potrerillos. The road then goes down to Salinas Grandes, at 3,450 meters. The slope consists of a fully paved road that meanders in its ascent. Be prepared; this is high, so you will have shortness of breath if you try to do anything a bit strenuous. What are the highest roads in Argentina? A memorable unpaved road to Abra de Chorrillos Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

How dangerous is the drive from Barba Blanca to Autisha?extreme

How dangerous is the drive from Barba Blanca to Autisha?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in the Huarochirí Province of Peru's Lima Region and fancy a drive that'll make your palms sweat, the LM-116 (Barba Blanca to Autisha) is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a 20km stretch carved right into the side of the Santa Eulalia River canyon, hugging vertical limestone walls. The road surface? Think gravel and packed earth, often so narrow that passing another vehicle becomes a delicate dance of reversing on ledges with a sheer drop of hundreds of meters on one side! Oh, and did I mention there are no guardrails? The views are insane, but the danger is real. This road climbs from near the Autisha Bridge (around 2,100m) and the drop-offs are truly dizzying. Vertigo sufferers, consider yourselves warned! Beyond the heights, you'll have to watch out for rockfalls that regularly block the path. The curves are blind, so honk your horn before every turn to avoid a head-on collision. It's a serious workout for your vehicle too, putting a strain on your brakes and cooling system. A high-clearance 4x4 is essential for this adventure. While locals use the road, it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Focus is key here - one mistake could be fatal. The best time to tackle this beast is during the dry season (May to September). Avoid the Andean winter when the gravel turns into a slippery mud bath and landslides become a major threat. Despite the risks, the LM-116 offers access to some incredible, untouched canyon scenery. Make sure your tires are in top condition, buckle up tight, and get ready for the ultimate cliff-hanging experience!

Abra Llamaorgo: Driving one of the highest mountain passes in Peruextreme

Abra Llamaorgo: Driving one of the highest mountain passes in Peru

🇵🇪 Peru

Abra Llamaorgo is an extreme mountain pass reaching an elevation of 4,700m (15,419ft) above sea level, located in the Department of Huancavelica, Peru. This high-altitude route is a true test for any driver, offering raw Andean scenery and challenging gradients in one of the most remote regions of the country. The ascent starts from the city of Huancavelica. The road to the summit is 22.7 km long, involving a significant elevation gain of 995 meters. The drive is famous for its 20 hairpin turns that snake up the steep mountain slopes, providing constant views of the surrounding peaks. The road is totally unpaved but generally well-maintained. While it consists mainly of gravel and dirt, its condition often allows a standard passenger vehicle to reach the summit during periods of good weather, provided the driver proceeds slowly and with caution. The road is extremely steep, with some sections exceeding a 24% gradient. Due to the extreme altitude, weather conditions can change in minutes. Even a single rainfall can make the surface challenging. The area is prone to heavy snowfalls, landslides, and avalanches, with frequent patches of ice making the track dangerous at any time of year. Because of its remote location and altitude of 4,700 meters, it is vital to be fully prepared. Drivers should carry extra fuel, water, food, and warm clothing. A reliable GPS and physical maps are highly recommended, as mobile signal is virtually non-existent in this part of the Andes. The best time for driving is during the dry season (typically from May to September). During the rainy season, the risk of road blockages due to mud or ice increases significantly. Regardless of the season, the high elevation means the air is thin, which can affect both engine power and the driver's physical well-being. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Road trip guide: Conquering Mina Centinelamoderate

Road trip guide: Conquering Mina Centinela

🇨🇱 Chile

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Atacama Region of Chile and have a serious thirst for altitude, you HAVE to check out the road to Mina Centinela. This high-mountain copper mine isn't just about digging up treasure; it's about the breathtaking journey to get there. South of the majestic Copiapó volcano (Cerro Azufre, if you're feeling fancy), this mining road climbs to a whopping 5,430 meters (that's 17,814 feet!) above sea level. Just imagine the views! You'll find the start of the road where it peels off from the C-347. Nestled in the stunning Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, the road is completely unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. But trust me, it's worth it for the sweeping panoramas of Laguna del Negro Francisco. Just be aware that it's a working mine, so watch out for heavy equipment and mining traffic. But hey, think of the stories you'll have!