Can you drive to Abra Anticona?
Peru, south-america
37.4 km
4,824 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Anticona! This insane mountain pass straddling the Lima and Junin regions of Peru hits a lung-busting 4,824m (15,826ft). Some say it's the highest paved road in South America – debate that over a coca tea at the summit!
Yep, you can drive it! It's all paved as part of the Carretera Central (Ruta 22), winding through the Peruvian Andes. You'll find a small bar and parking lot to celebrate conquering this beast.
This baby clocks in at 37.4 km (23 miles) from Casapalca heading east to the JU-102 road.
Now, let's talk challenge. Prepare for some serious white-knuckle action! Think hairpin bends that'll have you questioning your sanity, llamas popping out of nowhere, and mountains that love to shed rocks. It's steep, twisty, and packed with trucks and coaches, so cyclists, maybe skip this one. Oh, and expect weather that changes on a dime.
Give yourself about an hour to tackle this trek. The summit, also called Ticlio Pass or Nevado de Ticlio, is where the Pacific and Atlantic drainage basins split – pretty cool, huh? Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 37.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,824 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow to drive the challenging Carretera 104 from Jauja to San Ramon?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Carretera 104 in Peru's Junín Region! This wild ride connects Jauja and San Ramón, snaking along the eastern Andes. It's the ultimate shortcut between the highlands and the Chanchamayo Province. Forget pavement, this 123 km (76-mile) stretch is pure, unadulterated dirt road. Get ready for crazy steep inclines, hairpin turns galore, and an oxygen-thin summit at 4,428m (14,527ft) near Laguna Corazon. Trust me, your engine will feel it! Heads up: you'll be mesmerized by lagoons and waterfalls, but there are zero guardrails. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential, especially when it rains. This area is notorious for landslides. But the views! As you descend over 3,600 meters towards San Ramón, prepare for a tropical transformation. Humidity skyrockets, the landscape explodes with green, and fog hangs thick in the air. And watch out – some waterfalls actually cascade *onto* the road! The final descent can be super slick due to the mud. Get ready for an epic (and slightly hairy) adventure!
extremeHow is the drive to Abra Wallatani?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled Abra Wallatani, a mind-blowing mountain pass nestled in the wilds of Bolivia, and I’m still buzzing. Imagine this: you're in the Inquisivi Province, dwarfed by the colossal Wallatani peak, just west of Quime. This isn't some touristy route; it's a gritty track carved out for miners chasing those sweet, sweet veins in the Cordillera Real. We're talking about a 20 km (12.4 miles) stretch of raw, unadulterated Bolivian landscape. Forget paved roads—this is pure, unadulterated off-roading heaven (or hell, depending on your skills!). Think sharp rocks, loose gravel, and dust so thick it’ll coat everything you own. Elevation? We’re scraping the sky at over 5,200 meters above sea level. Yeah, you read that right. The air is so thin, your engine will be gasping for breath right alongside you. Steep, narrow sections will put your 4x4's low-range to the ultimate test. And those drop-offs? Let's just say they're not for the faint of heart. A high-clearance 4x4 is non-negotiable. And remember, this is a working road, so be prepared to share the trail with massive mining trucks. Finding a passing spot on those narrow ledges? It's an adrenaline rush, to say the least. But let's talk dangers, people. Altitude sickness (soroche) is a real threat up here. Acclimatize, acclimatize, acclimatize! And the weather? It's as unpredictable as a toddler with a crayon. Snow can strike at any moment, turning the road into an impassable mess. Pack extra fuel, oxygen, and serious cold-weather gear because you're miles from civilization. Hit this trail during the dry season (May to September) for the best chance of success. The rainy season turns this road into a slippery mudslide with a high risk of landslides. It's an epic challenge, but trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. This is raw, untamed Bolivia at its finest, but only if you treat it with the respect it deserves!
moderateAbra de Zamora: enjoy a road among the clouds
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, Ecuador road trippers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Abra de Zamora, a sky-high mountain pass straddling the Zamora-Chinchipe and Loja provinces in southern Ecuador. We're talking about a dizzying 2,802 meters (that's 9,192 feet!) above sea level. The good news? The entire Ruta Panamericana (E45 and E50) route is paved and in great shape. This scenic stretch is nearly 60 kilometers (37 miles) long, winding from Loja in the west to Zamora in the east. Be prepared for some serious climbing! The ascent from Loja alone stretches over 14 kilometers, with a 757-meter gain in altitude. That's an average gradient of over 5% – get ready for those views, though! Keep in mind that the Troncal Amazonica is the easternmost main road in Ecuador, so be prepared for some remote, unforgettable scenery! This drive truly is one for the books!
hardHatun K'irawniyuq
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to the Arequipa Region of the Peruvian Andes and crave a serious off-road challenge, Hatun K'irawniyuq is calling your name. We're talking a lung-busting 4,407 meters (14,458 feet) above sea level! The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpiness. It's definitely a route best tackled by experienced off-roaders, and probably impassable when the winter snow hits. A 4x4 is a must! Be warned: it's steep, and a slip could be a long way down. And if it's wet? Muddy mayhem awaits. But hey, if you're not afraid of heights and love a good off-road test, the scenery is absolutely worth it! Get ready for some epic views!