Driving a great paved road to Abra Pirhuayani in the Andes
Peru, south-america
46 km
4,725 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Quispicanchi Province of Peru, heading towards Abra Pirhuayani, a mountain pass that'll knock your socks off at a whopping 4,725m (15,501 ft) above sea level! Seriously, this pass is higher than any mountain in the continental US.
You're in southern Peru, practically rubbing shoulders with Mount Cayambe and Colque Cruz glaciers at the summit. And get this – there's even a little bar/restaurant, a church, and parking right at the top! Who knew you could grab a snack practically on the equator with year-round glaciers in view?
The road, Route 30C, has been recently paved, making it a smooth ride to views that will make you weep with joy. This stretch of road is about 46km (28 miles) of pure, winding bliss heading from Mahuayani to Marcapata. But hold on – some sections have a speed limit of 20kph, so slow down and soak it all in! It's a bit of a climb with tons of hairpin turns and some seriously steep bits, but trust me, it's worth every single second.
Perched high in the Peruvian Andes, this is the highest point of the Interoceanic Highway! Everywhere you look are snowy peaks towering over 5,500m. It's a view you will not soon forget.
Where is it?
Driving a great paved road to Abra Pirhuayani in the Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.2297, -74.2875
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 46 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,725 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -10.2297, -74.2875
Related Roads in south-america
moderateAn awe-inspiring road to Pino Hachado Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Argentina-Chile border, smack-dab in the southern Andes, at an elevation of 6,190 feet! That's Paso Pino Hachado for you, one of the main routes through these stunning mountains. The whole road is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. You'll be following RN-22 on the Argentinian side and 181-CH when you hit Chile. We're talking about a 43-mile stretch from Llancacura, Chile, to Las Lajas, Argentina. Just a heads up, this pass is usually open from December to May. Oh, and remember to factor in time for customs and immigration on both sides of the border! The scenery is absolutely worth it.
hardHow to Travel the Unpaved Road to Abra de la Cruz
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Abra de la Cruz, a seriously stunning mountain pass tucked away in the Tilcara Department of Argentina. We're talking Jujuy Province, way up in the north, where the views are absolutely killer. Imagine standing 3,757m (that's a whopping 12,326ft!) above sea level, gazing out over a breathtaking ravine with the charming town of Huacalera nestled below. Pure magic! Now, the road itself is a bit of an adventure. It's all unpaved, a proper gravel road, but generally in decent shape, so most vehicles should be fine. Think winding cornice roads, narrow stretches, some pretty steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore, especially as you snake through Abra de Cortaderas. The whole shebang is about 17.86km (or 11.1 miles) starting from Huacalera. In that short distance, you'll climb a hefty 1,121m, averaging a gradient of around 6.27%. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is Nevado del Ruiz volcano?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready for an adventure, and you've heard whispers of a road that climbs to the roof of the country, approaching the majestic Nevado del Ruiz volcano. This snow-capped giant, also known as La Mesa de Herveo or Kumanday, straddles the Caldas and Tolima departments. The drive kicks off from Carretera 50 and stretches for about 18.6 km. It starts off smooth with pavement, but don't get too comfy – it gets rougher as you climb. You'll hit Parador Turístico La Esperanza at 4,117m, where you can fuel up, grab a snack, and maybe even find the gate closed if the volcano is feeling grumpy. Beyond this point, it's a whole different ball game. The road turns to dirt, so a 4x4 with high clearance is your best bet. The goal? El Refugio hut at 4,804m. From there, the real adventure begins – a hike to the summit! Be warned, even in summer, the temperature can plummet, so pack accordingly! This active volcano is known to have nasty weather year-round and it is one of the highest roads in Colombia, so be prepared for a truly unforgettable experience, if you can get there.
extremeRoad 1SC
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Carretera 1SC in southern Peru! This isn't just a road; it's a gravel rollercoaster with views that'll make your jaw drop (if you can keep it from clenching). Clocking in at 104 km with a dizzying 60 hairpin turns, this route climbs from Ica (a chill 406m above sea level) to Huaytará (a lofty 2,658m). The scenery is epic mountain vistas, but be warned: those views come with a side of serious exposure. We're talking unprotected drops of hundreds of meters, so maybe skip this one if you get wobbly knees looking down from a stepladder. Think steep inclines, potential landslides, heavy mist, and even snow. One wrong move, and well, let's just say you won't be posting about it on Instagram. This road is a true test of skill and nerve. Definitely not recommended for Sunday drivers or anyone with a fear of heights!