
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
hardHow to drive the challenging road to La Cumbre?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for La Cumbre! This Bolivian beauty sits way up high in the Cochabamba department, topping out at a lung-busting 14,783 feet. You'll be cruising on the Carretera Oruro – Cochabamba (Ruta 4), a fully paved road that's surprisingly smooth. Don't get too comfy though – it's a twisty-turny climb that'll keep you on your toes. This epic stretch of road runs for about 44 miles between Challa Grande and Caihuasi, right in the heart of Bolivia. It's so challenging, it's a regular on the Vuelta Ciclista a Bolivia – the highest stage on the whole UCI circuit! Word to the wise: if you've got heart or breathing problems, maybe skip this one. The air gets seriously thin up there. Altitude sickness is a real possibility above 8,000 feet, and with 40% less oxygen at the summit, even walking feels like a workout. The steep inclines, unpredictable weather, and remote location make this a truly demanding drive. But the views? Totally worth it (if you can breathe enough to enjoy them!).
hardWhere is Chiquián?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure awaits in Chiquián, a cool mountain town way up at 11,187 feet! This is the capital of Bolognesi Province, so you know it's got some importance. Now, about getting there: the road's paved, which is a huge plus, but don't get complacent. We're talking twelve hairpin turns, and some seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients of up to 16%. Locals call it the "Chonta Pass," and it peaks at a lung-busting 13,959 feet. Keep your eyes peeled for rock slides, especially after rain. The whole drive is just over 10 miles, but you'll climb almost 2,800 feet – that's an average gradient of about 5%! And hey, once you are there, you are super close to Paron Lagoon. Get ready for some killer views!
Where is Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Argentina and Bolivia, hitting an altitude of 3,645 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!). This is the Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass, a high mountain road connecting the wild northwest of Argentina's Jujuy Province with the stunning landscapes of Bolivia's Sur Lípez. The 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) route snakes its way between the tiny Argentinian town of Ciénega de Paicone and Río Mojón in Bolivia. While the road is entirely unpaved, it's generally in good shape. Get ready for some serious off-road vibes and views that'll make your jaw drop!
moderateIs the road to Abra Yanama unpaved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Abra Yanama in the Cusco Region of Peru. Seriously, this mountain pass is insane. We're talking a lung-busting 15,269 feet above sea level! Picture this: you're deep in southern Peru, smack-dab inside the Área de Conservación Regional Choquequirao, and the "road" beneath your tires is…well, it's not really a road at all. Think rugged, unpaved trail stretching for about 25 miles. Fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The altitude alone will test your limits, but the views? Oh man, the views are worth every single gasp of air. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!