Driving the Wild Unpaved Road to Abra Culipampa in Apurimac
Peru, south-america
98 km
4,834 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Culipampa, a seriously high mountain pass nestled in the Apurímac region of Peru! We're talking a lung-busting 4,834 meters (that's 15,859 feet!) above sea level.
This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Located in southern Peru, the 98km (61-mile) stretch, also known as Carretera 111, winds its way north-south from Antabamba (Antapampa) towards the Arequipa border. Now, here's the kicker: it's entirely unpaved. Some sections are decent, but others are sandy, so a high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet.
Keep in mind this is a mining road, so you'll be sharing the road with trucks. But hey, the views are worth it! Think stunning lakes and majestic volcanoes lining your path. Just be prepared to share the road with those hard-working mining trucks as you soak it all in.
Where is it?
Driving the Wild Unpaved Road to Abra Culipampa in Apurimac is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.8223, -75.5608
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 98 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,834 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -8.8223, -75.5608
Related Roads in south-america
extremeTake An Unforgettable Drive to Cañon del Rio Mala
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Central Peru is calling, and it's bringing the heat with the Mala River Canyon. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about a road that demands your full attention, a true test of driving mettle. Think twisty, turny, 92.5 km of mostly gravel mayhem along Highway 1S. It's gorgeous, no doubt, but also seriously narrow and not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin curves and unprotected drop-offs plunging over 200 meters down into the abyss! One wrong move and… well, let's just say this road has a reputation for a reason. You'll climb from the Mala District at sea level to the Huarochirí District at a breathtaking 2,755m. The views? Epic. The challenge? Real. The road condition? Dreadful. So, if you're up for an adrenaline-pumping ride and have nerves of steel, the Mala River Canyon awaits. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road and respect the canyon – it's a wild ride you won't soon forget!
hardHow long is the road to Cerro Llacsacocha?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in central Peru, in the Yauli Province, ready for a real adventure. Forget the tourist traps, we're heading up Cerro Llacsacocha, a seriously high peak at almost 5,000 meters! This isn't your average Sunday drive. This 17.3 km climb starts in a bustling mining town and immediately throws you into a world of unpaved roads, courtesy of the area's active mining operations. Think packed dirt, loose gravel, and rocks galore. The road twists and turns relentlessly, with some seriously steep sections that'll have your 4x4 begging for mercy in low gear. Speaking of those mining trucks, keep an eye out! The road can get narrow, and passing isn't always easy. Plus, the weather up here is a wild card – fog, hail, snow... anything's possible, anytime. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? The air's thin up here, so both you and your engine will feel the burn. The mining operations mean the road conditions can change on the fly, so be prepared for anything. Before you go, double-check that private vehicles are allowed. But hey, if you're prepared, the views from the top are absolutely epic. You'll be looking out over the heart of the Andes. Just make sure you've got a full tank of gas and emergency supplies – this is a journey for the self-sufficient traveler!
hardThe Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Caliz, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, is calling your name. This crazy-high mountain pass straddles the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces in Peru, clocking in at a staggering 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!) above sea level. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in Peru. You'll find it nestled in the Cusco Region, way up in the southern highlands, practically breathing the same air as the snow-capped Quesso Queperina and the Quelccaya Glacier. Think stunning Cordillera Vilcanota range scenery! Word of warning: winter here means game over. Snow makes it totally impassable. So, peep that weather forecast like your life depends on it (because, well, kinda!). Road 1406 is the name, and unpaved is the game. This 50-kilometer (31-mile) stretch from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) to CU-125 Road is no Sunday drive. Expect gnarly drop-offs, super-skinny sections, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? Oxygen's thin up here, so pack your common sense and prep for potential AMS. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, this north-to-south trek is an absolute must. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this planet has to offer.
extremeIs the Road to Salinas Lake Unpaved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in the Arequipa Region of Peru, ready for an adventure. Your destination? Laguna de Salinas, a shimmering salt lake perched way up at 14,222 feet. Getting there? That's half the fun (and maybe a little bit of the terror!). We're talking Ruta 34C, a 40-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road mayhem. Forget pavement, this is all dirt, rocks, and serious curves. Think narrow paths barely wide enough for your rig, sheer cliffs on one side, and a stomach-dropping plunge on the other – no guardrails to be seen! Expect tunnels, hairpin turns galore, and views that'll make you forget your fear… almost. Give yourself a solid two hours to tackle this beast from Arequipa, the gorgeous colonial city. Trust me, you'll want every minute to navigate this wild ride. You'll need nerves of steel and a vehicle you trust implicitly, but the bragging rights and the otherworldly scenery at the end? Totally worth it!