An epic road to Abra Ares in the Andes
Peru, south-america
19.2 km
5,018 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Arequipa region of Southern Peru, you'll find Abra Ares, an epic mountain pass soaring to a staggering 5,018 meters (that's 16,463 feet!). It's one of the highest roads in Peru, so get ready for some serious altitude.
The road stretches for about 19.2 kilometers (almost 12 miles) from Illigua to Chahuaña, and it's a totally unpaved, bumpy ride—but don't worry, your average car can handle it. Just be prepared for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting over 10%! The air is thin up here, so take it easy and soak in the breathtaking views of the Andes. Keep an eye on the weather; conditions can change fast in these parts. This isn't just a drive; it's an Andean adventure!
Where is it?
An epic road to Abra Ares in the Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.8619, -73.6057
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 19.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,018 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -7.8619, -73.6057
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow long is the road to Laguna Verde?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Colombia, in the Nariño region, heading towards the Azufral Natural Reserve. This place is home to Laguna Verde de Azufral, a volcanic lake shimmering with an unreal emerald green color. We're talking serious altitude here, nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet)! There used to be this legendary track, the Via acceso Laguna Verde, snaking its way up to the crater. It started near Villa Santa Isabel, but heads up: it's currently off-limits to vehicles. It's about protecting this fragile, stunning ecosystem. Before the closure, this route was a proper challenge, steep and unpaved, and it just got rougher as you climbed. Think deep ruts, crazy gradients – a high-clearance 4x4 was essential. It gained a steady elevation, eventually rewarding you with an epic viewpoint overlooking the three lagoons nestled inside the volcano's crater. But hold onto your hats, because the weather up there is wild! Snowstorms, howling winds, and sudden temperature drops were all part of the adventure. These days, the reserve is under strict protection. You can't drive all the way up anymore, but the surrounding mountain scenery is still mind-blowing. If you're exploring near Villa Santa Isabel, pack waterproof gear and warm layers. And remember, respecting the "No Entry" signs is key!
extremeDriving the high-altitude RN76 to Pircas Negras Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ride of your life on National Route 76 (RN76) in La Rioja, Argentina! This 259 km (161-mile) stretch of pure adventure winds its way from Villa Unión to the Chilean border at the Pircas Negras Pass. Imagine yourself cruising through the Reserva Natural Laguna Brava, a protected haven of shimmering salt lakes and flocks of pink flamingos. As you climb higher and higher, the views become absolutely unreal – think Cerro Bonete (one of the Andes' tallest giants) and Cerro Veladero. This is a world of intense quiet, sparkling turquoise lagoons, and weather that keeps you on your toes. RN76 throws some serious challenges your way with two high-altitude passes that'll test your mettle. First up, the Portezuelo de Laguna Brava at 4,379m (14,366ft), your gateway to the high plateau. Then, brace yourself for Abra Cerro Veladero, hitting a staggering 4,483m (14,708ft)! These stretches are entirely unpaved and seriously demanding. Think loose gravel, crazy steep inclines, and thin air that'll leave you breathless. This isn't a drive to take lightly. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance and a solid plan. The weather here is no joke – winter brings snowfalls over 2 meters, shutting down Laguna Brava Provincial Park to private vehicles. Even in summer, keep an eye out for sudden storms that can trigger landslides or create icy patches. This is remote, so pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Altitude sickness is a real concern here, as you'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good chunk of the trip. Expect the 259 km drive from Villa Unión to take a full day. The terrain is rough, and you'll want to stop often to adjust to the altitude. While the road is mostly gravel, be prepared for slippery mud near the salt flats, even after a little rain. But trust me, the reward is HUGE: some of the most incredible landscapes in South America, culminating at the Pircas Negras Pass. Before you go, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and double-check the border crossing status, as it's only open during the summer months when the route is clear of snow.
extremeQullqi
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Qullqi! This beast of a mountain peak sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, specifically in the Lima Region. We're talking seriously high altitude here – the summit hits a staggering 5,038m (16,529ft)! The road, which they also call Colqui, tops out at 4,765m. Be warned: this isn't your Sunday drive. It's a narrow, super steep gravel track that demands a 4x4 and some serious driving skills. Think hairpin turns galore and no room for passing. Trust me, you don’t want to meet another vehicle coming the other way! Your final destination is the tiny town of Acobamba. Word of caution: Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Bad weather makes this road treacherous – avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real threats, and icy patches are common. Oh, and the climb? Brutal. The lack of oxygen is intense, and you'll definitely feel the altitude. Remember, most people start feeling altitude sickness around 2,500-2,800 meters. So prepare for a lung-busting, breathtaking (literally) ride!
moderateIs the road to Laguna de Patón paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, high in the Andes, about to tackle the road up to Laguna de Patón. This place sits at a whopping 4,150m (13,615ft) above sea level in the Oyón province, Lima department. The road, mostly concrete and usually in decent shape (it's called LM-18, if you're mapping it), winds its way for 43.5 km (27.02 miles) from Oyón to the PA-100 road. Get ready for a wild ride because this ain't no straight shot! We're talking hairpin turns galore, a real twisting adventure. But hey, you're rewarded with stunning mountain views and a glimpse of a breathtaking high-altitude lagoon. Just take it slow and steady, and you'll be golden!