Driving to Punta Callan through one of the windiest roads ever built
Peru, south-america
83.1 km
4,228 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Punta Callán in the Ancash Region of Peru is calling your name. Perched way up in the Cordillera Negra mountains at a whopping 4,228 meters (that's 13,871 feet!), this mountain pass is an experience.
You'll be cruising on Carretera 14A, a fully paved road that's famous for being seriously twisty. I'm talking thousands of turns! So, if you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to incredible panoramas of the Cordillera Blanca peaks.
This epic road stretches for 83.1 km (about 51.63 miles) from Huaraz to Pariacoto, running east to west. Punta Callán marks the highest point before the road descends all the way down to sea level near Casma on the Pacific coast. Get ready for a wild ride!
Where is it?
Driving to Punta Callan through one of the windiest roads ever built is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.3828, -75.9873
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 83.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,228 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -8.3828, -75.9873
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is the SC-390 road?
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the southeast of Santa Catarina, Brazil, on SC-390 (aka Rodovia Daniel Brüning), and it's like you've entered a postcard. This isn't just any road; it's a wild 12.87km (8 miles) of paved switchbacks clinging to the Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain range, hitting a peak elevation of 1,465m (4,806ft). Built way back in 1903, this road throws you into a world of hairpin turns – we're talking 250 of them! The average gradient is a steep 9.2% as you descend from nearly 4,800 feet to sea level in just eight miles. Watch out for those crags and deep ravines! On clear days, you can even glimpse the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 100 km (62 mi) in the distance. And the views? Lakes, waterfalls, native critters, and mind-blowing nature everywhere you look. This area is straight-up one of Brazil's most gorgeous spots. Plus, there’s usually very little traffic. Heads up: while the road's lit by wind turbines, winter (June-August) can get super foggy. Summer's your best bet, but even then, keep an eye on the weather. The average temp hangs around 12° C due to the altitude and ocean proximity, but nearby Sao Joaquim da Serra can dip below freezing with snow in the winter!
extremeThe wild road to the summit of Abra Quenco
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Quenco in the Arequipa Region of Peru! This ain't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about a gravel road that claws its way up to a staggering 5,020m (16,469ft), making it one of Peru's highest roads. Located within the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve, this pass isn't just high, it's a wild ride! Expect sandy patches, tight hairpin turns that'll test your nerves, and some seriously steep inclines that'll leave you breathless (literally, thanks to the altitude!). Watch out for those sneaky loose-gravel sections! Word to the wise: rain turns this road into a beast. Even a little drizzle can make things tricky, and heavy downpours can render the unpaved sections impassable. The oxygen is thin, the climb is relentless, and the views? Absolutely epic! Just beyond the pass, the road briefly touches 5,101m (16,735ft). Keep an eye out for the occasional mine vehicle. The road leading up to this epic point is known as Carretera C-105. Heads up for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Driving in those conditions is for experienced adventurers only!
extremeSouth Yungas Road is a scenically rewarding but dangerous trip
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up! Let’s talk about South Yungas Road in Bolivia’s La Paz Department. Nestled in the Sud Yungas region, this totally unpaved beauty stretches for about 15 miles, connecting Ruta Nacional 25 near Huancané to Ruta Nacional 40, just south of Coripata. Forget your average Sunday drive – this route boasts over 50 hairpin turns and climbs to a dizzying 6,131 feet above sea level. Oh, and did I mention the precarious creek crossing? This narrow, winding road is jam-packed with switchbacks and boasts stomach-dropping 1,830-foot drops. Navigating oncoming traffic requires a bit of finesse. Remember, uphill vehicles have the right-of-way (starting on an incline isn’t fun). And if there’s space to pass, drivers switch positions so they can gauge the distance to the edge. Pro tip: Check the rainfall forecast before you go and prepare accordingly!
hardIs the road to Abra del Colorado paved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cruising through San Juan Province in Argentina? You absolutely HAVE to experience Abra del Colorado! This high mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,629m (8,625ft) and is a must-see. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, the landscape is seriously unreal. Think dry, desert vibes with reddish soil that gives the area its "Colorado" nickname. The views? Epic panoramic shots of the towering Andean peaks. It's a vital route connecting the valleys of Iglesia and Calingasta to the provincial capital. The Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149) is your path to adventure. The entire 88.3 km (54.86 miles) is fully paved and in awesome condition. You'll be cruising smoothly from north to south, connecting to RP436. Just a heads up: the mountain environment can throw some curveballs. Keep an eye out for sudden wind gusts — the notorious Zonda wind — that can be a bit wild. Why is this spot a cycling hotspot? Abra del Colorado is a legendary stage in the Vuelta a San Juan, a major race on the UCI World Tour. Even if you're not a pro cyclist, the climb is manageable, with gradients that rarely go above 5-6%. The real challenge? The length and the San Juan heat! The last 15 kilometers wind through a rocky canyon and it's super scenic. This climb is pure Argentinian Andes magic!