Driving a road to the brutally high Abra Huayta in Arequipa

Driving a road to the brutally high Abra Huayta in Arequipa

Peru, south-america

Length

98.7 km

Elevation

5,323 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Huayta! This insane mountain pass in Peru punches you right up to 5,323m (17,463ft). We're talking seriously high altitude here, one of the highest roads in the whole country.

Find this beast south of Cusco, nestled in the Arequipa Region's Chachas District. You're deep in the Chila mountains, with views for days, and the pass itself is named after the imposing Huayta mountain.

The road? Forget smooth asphalt. It's a wild, unpaved ride with hairpin turns galore. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. And heads up: the air is thin up here! Take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness.

Clocking in at almost 99 km (61 miles) from Orcopampa to Caylloma, you'll likely have the whole road to yourself. If you're craving a truly remote and unforgettable drive, this is it. Just maybe bring a buddy – safety first!

Where is it?

Driving a road to the brutally high Abra Huayta in Arequipa is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.8294, -76.9873

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
98.7 km
Max Elevation
5,323 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-9.8294, -76.9873

Related Roads in south-america

Travelling Through Ruta 27 (CH-27) in the Andeshard

Travelling Through Ruta 27 (CH-27) in the Andes

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, picture this: you're cruising on Ruta 27 in northern Chile, smack-dab in the Andes. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a serious high-altitude adventure across a wild, arid plateau. This two-lane paved beauty stretches for 156 kilometers (97 miles), linking San Pedro de Atacama to Argentina via Paso de Jama. It's a fairly new route, fully paved since 2005, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a breeze. Prepare for steep climbs and some challenging conditions, especially those strong, dry winds and the blazing sun! Sunglasses, H2O, and a couple of spare tires are absolute must-haves. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll be hitting some serious heights, topping out at Portezuelo Paranal, a mountain pass sitting pretty at a breathtaking 4,832 meters (15,853 feet). That makes it one of South America's highest paved roads. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride!

The Historic Motorcycle Expedition to Aconcagua with Bultaco Sherpamoderate

The Historic Motorcycle Expedition to Aconcagua with Bultaco Sherpa

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, Mendoza Province, staring up at Aconcagua. Not just looking at it from a distance, but imagining yourself *on* it. This giant of a peak clocks in at a staggering 6,961 meters (that's 22,838 feet for those of us who think in freedom units!). Now, I know what you're thinking: "Roads? On a mountain that high?" Yep, and a group of crazy-brave (or maybe just plain crazy!) Spanish motorcyclists proved it back in '77. Riding Bultaco Sherpa T 183s, they climbed to an insane altitude, setting a record for motorcycling outside of Asia. These guys from Moto Igualada weren't messing around. They attacked Aconcagua on two Bultaco Sherpa T 350 cc bikes, fueled by pure ambition. Though they ultimately fell short of the summit, they reached an altitude of 6,800 meters, beating a Kilimanjaro record set just a few years prior. Aconcagua? More like Acon-CAN-gua, right?

Journey Through the Depths: Exploring Peru's Challenging Cotahuasi Canyon Roadextreme

Journey Through the Depths: Exploring Peru's Challenging Cotahuasi Canyon Road

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Cotahuasi Canyon Road in Peru! About 124 miles from Arequipa, deep in the Southern Andes, lies Cotahuasi Canyon, a contender for the world's deepest. We're talking a whopping 11,595 feet down, dwarfing even the Grand Canyon! Think mind-blowing views, traditional farms clinging to the steep slopes, and remnants of ancient civilizations. Now, let's talk about the drive. This isn't a Sunday cruise, folks. This 22-mile stretch from Cotahuasi to Quechualla is strictly 4x4 territory. Imagine a narrow, unpaved ribbon clinging to the canyon's edge. We're talking hairpin curves, serious drop-offs, and a bumpy, uneven surface that'll test your skills. No guardrails here, so keep your eyes on the road (and maybe a little prayer in your heart). Plan for a full day of travel because you’ll be going slow and steady! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Think rugged mountains, lush valleys, and terraced farms stretching as far as the eye can see. Keep an eye out for the snow-capped Misti Volcano early on. Later, you'll pass through the town of Corire, home to the ancient Toro Muerto Petroglyphs – seriously cool cave paintings! Finally, wind through the lush Cotahuasi Valley with those rolling hills and maybe even spot an Andean condor soaring overhead. When to go? Aim for the dry season, June to September. Warm days, cool nights, and most importantly, dry roads! And don't forget to pack comfy clothes, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Get ready for an unforgettable Peruvian adventure!

Sacaycacha-Pallasca Roadextreme

Sacaycacha-Pallasca Road

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because the Sacaycacha-Pallasca road in Peru's Ancash region is not for the faint of heart! This 17.8 km stretch is a white-knuckle ride linking Sacaycacha and Pallasca, and it's packed with 100 turns of pure adrenaline. Imagine this: a single-lane, asphalt road clinging to the mountainside, so narrow that two cars can't pass at the same time. And the drops? Oh, the drops are massive – some plunge over 600 meters straight down! If you're scared of heights, seriously, turn back now. The weather's no picnic either. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are common, and patches of ice lurk around every corner. This road earns its reputation with unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards that can make driving a real nightmare. Speaking of challenging, this road is steep! You'll climb 1,234 meters over just 17.8 km, with grades hitting a maximum of 10.2%. Starting at 1,850 meters above sea level in Sacaycacha, prepare for a wild ascent. This isn't just a drive; it's a test of skill and courage. Vertigo sufferers, beware! One wrong move, and it's a long way down. Only seasoned adventurers should attempt this route – the scenery might be incredible, but the danger is very real.