
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 β 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, itβs 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
extremeSumbilca-Pacaybamba Road
π΅πͺ Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Sumbilca-Pacaybamba Road in the Huaral province of Peru β it's a wild one! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 39 km stretch of gravel connecting Sumbilca and Pacaybamba that'll test your mettle. Picture this: hairpin curves, switchbacks galore (we're talking 100 turns!), and sheer drops of hundreds of meters with absolutely zero guardrails. Yeah, you read that right. One slip-up, and it's curtains. This route demands your full attention β no daydreaming allowed! Located high in the Andes, the scenery is breathtaking, but don't let it distract you. Starting at 1,385 meters above sea level, you'll climb nearly 2,000 meters, making for an average gradient of over 5%. This road definitely earns its fearsome reputation. It's not for the faint of heart (or those afraid of heights and landslides). Trust me; photos barely scratch the surface of how intense this road is!
extremeCerro Capi
π¨π± Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Chile's Atacama Desert lurks Cerro Capi, a mountain reaching a sky-high 965 meters. Trust me, getting to the top β also called Cerro Las Antenas, thanks to all the communication towers up there β is no Sunday drive. We're talking a bone-jarring, 7-kilometer thrill ride up a gravelly, ridiculously steep path. Seriously, some sections hit a crazy 15% grade! This is strictly 4x4 territory, folks. Prepare for narrow passages, heart-stopping climbs, and views that'll make it all worth it. Just remember to keep your eyes on the roadβ¦ if you can tear them away from the incredible scenery, that is.
extremeCerro Chajnantor, an awe-inspiring route in the Atacama desert
π¨π± Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Chile's Atacama Desert awaits Cerro Chajnantor, clocking in at a staggering 18,487 feet. We're talking serious altitude here, making it one of South America's highest roads! Forget smooth asphalt; this is a raw, unpaved challenge best tackled with a 4x4 beast. The landscape is seriously otherworldly, but also seriously dry and unforgiving. The prize? A 20-foot telescope perched at the summit, making it the highest astronomical site on the planet! Built back in '06, this climb isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). If you've got respiratory issues or heart problems, sit this one out. The air is THIN, and the road is STEEP. Seriously, most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you even get close to the top. Expect your engine to struggle too! The paved road is your starting point for this 8.6-mile ascent. The climb gains a whopping 2,769 feet, averaging a 6% gradient. Brace yourself for an unforgettable ride β and maybe bring some oxygen!
hardDonβt glance down at your phone on the road to Punta Ushuayca
π΅πͺ Peru
Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because Punta Ushuayca in Peru is about to blow your mind! We're talking a sky-high mountain pass chilling at 4,930m (that's 16,174ft!) in the Lima Region. Picture this: you're deep in the Andes, cruising through the Nor Yauyos-Cochas landscape reserve. Now, heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The LM-120 road to the top is all dirt and gets seriously steep! A little rain turns it into a real challenge. You *can* technically make it in a regular car, but trust me, you'll be way happier (and safer) in a 4x4. This north-south route stretches for a whopping 140 km (87 miles) from San Mateo to Tinco. Get ready for some epic views! Just keep your eyes peeled and your hands on the wheel.