
Driving 25km above 4,900m on the gravel road to Peru's Abra Azuca
Peru, south-america
25.1 km
5,190 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just conquered Abra Azuca, and WOW, what a ride! Perched way up high in the Peruvian Andes, right on the border between Cusco and Apurimac, this baby tops out at a staggering 5,190 meters (that's 17,027 feet!). Seriously, you're breathing some thin air up there.
This isn't your typical Sunday drive; the 25.1 km (15.59 miles) from Abra Culipampa to the summit is all unpaved, a rugged path snaking through the Wansu mountains. Think epic views, seriously beautiful scenery that'll make your jaw drop.
The road itself? Surprisingly decent, mostly because it's used by mining trucks. Expect gentle inclines for the most part, though there are a few steeper sections to keep things interesting. Pro tip: Acclimatize, acclimatize, acclimatize! This is high altitude, and you'll want to enjoy the experience, not gasp for air. Word on the street is this is one of the highest passes in South America, so you know it's legit!
Where is it?
Driving 25km above 4,900m on the gravel road to Peru's Abra Azuca is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.7790, -76.9060
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 25.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,190 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -10.7790, -76.9060
Related Roads in south-america
hardIs Chicamocha Canyon worth it?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready for an adventure, and someone mentions the Chicamocha Canyon. Trust me, you HAVE to go! This massive canyon, nestled between Boyacá and Santander departments in the Andes, is mind-blowing. They say it's the second biggest in the world, plunging down over 6,500 feet. Now, the road cutting through it – Ruta Nacional 45A – is fully paved, so no need to worry about off-roading. You can cruise from Los Curos to Aratoca along this 25-mile stretch. Don't get too comfy, though! This toll road is a rollercoaster with crazy steep sections and hairpin turns galore. But trust me, the views are worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road! This canyon and the surrounding Chicamocha National Park are a total feast for the eyes. Get ready for some unforgettable photo ops.
hardWhere is Cerro Gigante?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro Gigante in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This isn't just a drive; it's a high-altitude pilgrimage into the Andes' Kimsa Cruz range. Picture this: you're inching along a narrow, unpaved path, tackling steep climbs, hairpin turns, and dodging rogue rocks. Starting from Rodeo, the road stretches out, testing your mettle. But hey, the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just remember, this route demands your full attention, but the views from the top? Totally worth it. And the memories? Priceless. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderatePuente Tincoc
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Cusco Region of Peru, in the Paruro Province, heading towards the Ccapi District. Boom! You stumble upon the Tincoc bridge, and trust me, it’s a showstopper. This thing hangs about 8,549 feet above sea level, a cool 2,606 meters, stretching 71 meters across the epic ApurÃmac River. The road getting there is gravel, so buckle up for a slightly bumpy ride. But honestly, who cares about a little dust when you’re surrounded by views like these? Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
hardWhere is Pastoruri Glacier?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Pastoruri Glacier in the Ancash region of Peru, smack-dab in Huascarán National Park. This baby sits at a lung-busting 4,955m (16,256ft) above sea level. The road itself? It's called the Carretera a Pastoruri and it's a short but sweet 1.8km (1.11 miles) jaunt to the parking lot, but don't let the length fool you. This is not a drive for your grandma's sedan! The road's pretty narrow, with some steep climbs and rocky sections. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet. And remember, that altitude is a real thing, so take it easy. Once you park, it's a roughly 500m walk to the glacier itself. Now, while Pastoruri was once a big tourist draw and one of the few tropical glaciers in South America, climate change has taken its toll. It's shrunk considerably, and where there was once a natural ice slide, now there's a small lagoon. But don't let that deter you! The drive is still totally worth it for the stunning views of the surrounding Andes mountains and valleys. Plus, there are cool stops along the way, like the Pumapampa gasified springs. And keep your eyes peeled for the thousands of towering Puya Raimondii flowers – they're unreal! Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes!