An exciting drive to the top of Abra Malaga Pass

An exciting drive to the top of Abra Malaga Pass

Peru, south-america

Length

121 km

Elevation

4,343 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

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Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
121 km
Max Elevation
4,343 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-7.9945, -75.4194

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