How to get by car to Abra Condorillo?

How to get by car to Abra Condorillo?

Peru, south-america

Length

57 km

Elevation

4,700 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a spot for you in Peru that'll blow your mind: Abra Condorillo! This high mountain pass sits way up high in the Arequipa region, clocking in at a staggering 4,993m (16,381ft) above sea level.

You'll find it chilling north of Abra Arcata in the Condesuyos province, nestled within the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve. The whole area is pretty remote.

The road itself? It's a 57km (35 miles) unpaved gem called AR-611, starting near Arcata. Think dramatic, multi-colored hills and a serious sense of isolation.

Heads up, though: once you pass the Arcata gold and silver mine (around 4,700m), there's a seriously steep kilometer stretch, and you'll encounter some sandy sections and hairpin turns that demand your full attention. You even drive through a working mine at one point! But hang in there, because the climb to the summit gets gentler, and the views…oh, the views! They are absolutely epic, and the descent into the valley on the other side? Pure magic.

Where is it?

How to get by car to Abra Condorillo? is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.9826, -77.0969

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Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
57 km
Max Elevation
4,700 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-7.9826, -77.0969

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