An exciting drive to the top of Abra Malaga Pass
Peru, south-america
121 km
4,343 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Malaga, a sky-high pass in Peru's Cusco Region that'll steal your breath (literally, it's at 14,248 feet!). We're talking Ruta 28B, a 75-mile ribbon of asphalt stretching from Ollantaytambo to Santa Maria.
This isn't just any drive; it's a visual feast. Picture this: leaving the charming Inca town of Ollantaytambo behind, the road begins its ascent, twisting and turning through hairpin after glorious hairpin, each revealing a more jaw-dropping panorama of the Sacred Valley. But hold on tight, because the eastern descent plunges you into a mystical "neblina" zone – think rugged terrain, ethereal mist, and windswept grasslands.
Now, a word of caution: those stunning Andean peaks can be fickle. Autumn and winter bring snow, often shutting down the road completely, and icy conditions make it a slippery gamble. So, plan accordingly!
With over a hundred hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections, it’s not for the faint of heart, but the dramatic landscapes? Totally worth it. This drive is a pure shot of Peruvian beauty straight to the soul.
Where is it?
An exciting drive to the top of Abra Malaga Pass is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.9945, -75.4194
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 121 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,343 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -7.9945, -75.4194
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is Carretera Picada 108 located?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Deep in the Gran Chaco lies Picada 108, a wild, untamed track linking Mariscal Estigarribia to the Bolivian border. This isn't your average road trip; it's a gritty adventure across the vast Paraguayan departments, a true test for any off-roading enthusiast! Picture this: a straight-shot "picada" cutting through the Northern Chaco's thorny scrubland. We're talking serious isolation and horizon-to-horizon views. This is a primitive route between Mariscal Estigarribia and Mayor Pablo Lagerenza, finally bumping against the Bolivian border. Forget paved perfection; Picada 108 is all about gravel and dust, hiding treacherous ruts and sharp rocks. In the dry season, prepare for dust storms that can blind you, but the real challenge hits when the rains come. This route can become completely impassable! The clay soil turns into thick, sticky mud, trapping even the toughest 4x4s for days, with creek crossings popping up out of nowhere. Clocking in at , don't be fooled by the distance. The Chaco throws curveballs that seriously slow you down. Plan for a full day (or more!) of driving, keeping your eyes peeled for "guadales"—hidden pockets of deep dust or mud waiting to high-center your rig. Out here, self-sufficiency is key. Pack enough fuel for at least 400 km, a minimum of 20 liters of water per person, two full-size spare tires, a high-lift jack, and sand ladders. Forget cell service, so a satellite phone or GPS messenger is your lifeline. Before you go, let the local police in Mariscal Estigarribia know your plans. Solo adventures? Think twice! The scorching heat (40°C+), lack of water, and the risk of getting stranded make this a high-stakes game. Ideally, travel in a convoy of at least two vehicles. And since you're close to the border, make sure your papers are in order for those checkpoints near Mayor Pablo Lagerenza. Last but not least, watch the weather like a hawk. If rain's on the horizon, stay put – you don't want to get stuck in the Chaco's "Green Hell"!
extremeLM-106 is a Peruvian epic road through the iconic Catajambo Canyon
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic Peruvian adventure on Carretera 106 (LM-106)! This 140 km (87-mile) route winds its way from the coastal town of Pativilca, soaring up to Cajatambo high in the Andes. Prepare for a serious climb! You'll start practically at sea level (54m / 177ft) and ascend to a breathtaking 3,457m (11,341ft). The road's fully paved as of 2019, but let's just say the asphalt isn't winning any awards. Plus, be warned: some sections narrow to less than 3 meters, and sheer drop-offs are common, so keep your eyes on the road! Despite the challenges, this drive is a feast for the eyes. You'll carve through the dramatic Catajambo Canyon and tackle the infamous "Subida a Cajatambo," a dizzying section boasting 25 hairpin turns. The views alone are worth the white knuckles!
moderateA dangerous road through Pampas Galeras National Reserve
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Route 30 A in Central Peru! This isn't just any road; it's a 156 km (96.9 miles) paved ribbon winding through the Pampa Galeras-Barbara D'Achille National Reserve in Ayacucho. Think seriously high altitude – we're talking a lung-busting 4,156m (13,635ft) above sea level. Starting near Nazca on the coast, it carves east towards Puquio, throwing some seriously steep and curvy challenges your way. But the real magic? You're smack-dab in the heart of vicuña country! This reserve's all about protecting these adorable, high-altitude camelids, so keep your eyes peeled for some wildlife spotting. Heads up, though: it gets seriously chilly up here, especially at night, and watch out for potential rain between November and March. Layers are your friend!
extremeHow to drive the challenging Ruta Nacional 25 in the Andes?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Route 25 in Bolivia is calling your name! This insane drive punches right through the Andes, staying way up high above 2,500 meters the whole time. Think of it as Death Road's wilder, less-famous cousin. You'll be cruising from the Andes all the way to the edge of the Amazon, linking Cochabamba (the "City of Eternal Spring") at 2,560m up to Unduavi in La Paz, even higher at 3,327m. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive; we're talking 460 km (285 miles) of mostly unpaved road, complete with crazy narrow sections and river crossings. Imagine endless twists, turns, constant ups and downs—you'll need your A-game driving skills. Seriously, don't even think about tackling this at night or when you can't see clearly unless you know the road like the back of your hand. Rain can wash things out in a heartbeat, and landslides are a real possibility. Get ready for hairpin turns galore, and don't expect much traffic out there. And a word to the wise: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe skip the big meal before you go.