Driving a Wild Curvy Road to Abra Ucchuchacua in the Andes

Driving a Wild Curvy Road to Abra Ucchuchacua in the Andes

Peru, south-america

Length

82.8 km

Elevation

4,740 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Ucchuchacua! This Andean high-altitude pass straddles the Yanahuanca and Oyón districts of Peru, hitting a dizzying 4,740 meters (15,551 feet) above sea level. Locals call it Abra Uchucchacua or Abra Uchuc Chacua, linking Oyón and Daniel Alcides Carrión provinces right in the heart of the country.

Fun fact: this mountain lent its name to a rare mineral, Uchucchacuaite, first found at the Uchucchacua Mine, known for its silver, lead, manganese, and zinc.

The road, mostly unpaved but with a few concrete sections near the top, is Ruta 18 (Carretera 18). It stretches 82.8 km (51 miles) from Oyón in the west to Yanahuanca in the east. Fair warning: expect heavy truck traffic due to the mining operations in the region. But hey, that just adds to the rugged, authentic feel, right? Get ready for some insane views!

Where is it?

Driving a Wild Curvy Road to Abra Ucchuchacua in the Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.7820, -76.4889

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Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
82.8 km
Max Elevation
4,740 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-7.7820, -76.4889

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