Patapampa Pass is one of the highest paved passes in the Americas
Peru, south-america
58.8 km
4,879 m
easy
Year-round
Abra Patapampa is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.879m (16,007ft) above sea level, located in the Caylloma province of the Arequipa region, in Peru. It’s said to be one of the highest paved passes in the Americas.
Set high in the Andes, in the southwestern part of the country, the road to the summit, also known as Abra Pata Pampa, is totally paved. It’s called 1S and 109. It’s part of the infamous Road from Chivay to Arequipa.
The pass is 58.8 km (36.53 miles) long, running north-south from Chivay, a town in southern Peru's Colca Valley, to the 34E road. At the summit are souvenir shops, a natural viewpoint called Mirador de los Andes, and a small parking lot. The impressions at this viewpoint depend solely upon weather conditions.
The road to the summit is very steep, hitting an 8% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks because the surface deteriorates at higher elevations. The surface is not bad, there is little traffic, and the gradients are mostly gentle, which means that despite its height, it is a reasonably easy climb. Near the summit (southwest side), a minor gravel road climbs up to 5,000m (16,404ft) above sea level.
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Where is it?
Patapampa Pass is one of the highest paved passes in the Americas is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.4146, -75.2375
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 58.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,879 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -8.4146, -75.2375
Related Roads in south-america
hardAbra Jahuaycate: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Jahuaycate! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 5,065 meters (that's 11,003 feet!) high in the Peruvian Andes, specifically in the Canchis province. We're talking seriously high altitude here. Get ready for a bumpy ride because this isn't your typical paved highway. CU-124, also known as Ruta del Ausangate, is a dirt road that was improved a few years back. Think rugged terrain and epic alpine scenery. The pass stretches for about 48.4 kilometers (or 30 miles) between Uchullujllo and Cayena. Be prepared for some steep climbs too—some sections hit nearly 12% grades! This route is all about the journey, so get your camera ready and prepare to be amazed!
hardAbra del Acay is said to be the highest road pass in America
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're headed to Abra del Acay in Argentina's Salta Province. This legendary mountain pass tops out at a staggering 16,259 feet (4,956 meters). It's rumored to be the highest point you can reach on a national highway anywhere in the Americas! Part of the iconic Ruta 40, Argentina's longest road, the stretch leading to Abra del Acay is a proper off-road adventure. Think unpaved, narrow gravel roads demanding your full attention. Those tight bends and steep drops? They're real! Watch out for strong winds, and remember, you're going off-grid. No cell service here, so pack accordingly – essential repair gear, plenty of food and water, and top up that gas tank whenever you can. The 83-mile (133 km) journey between Payogasta and San Antonio de los Cobres should take around 3 hours non-stop. Keep in mind that winter can bring icy and snowy conditions that may block parts of the road. While the conditions are tough – think poorly maintained surfaces and unpredictable weather – the views are out of this world. Prepare for breathtaking scenery that will reward every daring traveler!
hardWhere is Abra de la Santa Cruz and what is the road name?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Abra de la Santa Cruz is calling your name! Deep in the Andes of Northern Argentina, this high-altitude pass straddles the line between Jujuy and Salta provinces, offering views that will absolutely blow your mind. You'll find yourself at a staggering 4,597 meters (that's over 15,000 feet!), so be prepared for some serious altitude. We're talking Ruta Provincial 13A – about 46 kilometers (28 miles) of pure, unadulterated mountain road in Salta Province. Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The whole stretch is challenging, twisting and turning as it conquers the Andes. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically essential. Expect loose gravel, rocky patches, and an overall rugged experience. Important tip: Altitude sickness (Soroche) is a very real thing up here, so take it seriously. Also, you are out there. Services are few and far between, so pack extra water, fuel, and a solid medical kit. And always, always check the weather – those mountain conditions can change on a dime. Basically, Abra de la Santa Cruz is a high-altitude trek offering views of the Andes mountains, but make sure you are prepared.
extremeDriving to Casiri Hembra and Macho: High-altitude lagoons in the Chilean Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Want an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Head to the Arica and Parinacota Region of Chile, near the Bolivian border, and discover Laguna Casiri Hembra and Laguna Casiri Macho! This is one of the highest drives in Chile, snaking through a dramatic volcanic landscape. Your journey starts in the tiny village of Caquena. From there, the unpaved track stretches for about 16 km, steadily climbing toward the high plateau. Get ready to gain some serious altitude – we're talking about a 540-meter climb! You'll end up at the shores of the lakes: Laguna Casiri Hembra (4,825m) and Laguna Casiri Macho (4,856m). Now, let's talk road conditions. Forget smooth asphalt! This is a bumpy, gravelly, volcanic rock affair. Expect a "tippy" ride with some seriously steep bits thrown in. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! If you're not a seasoned off-roader, this might be one to skip. At nearly 4,900 meters, the altitude will definitely make itself known – to both you and your engine! Snow usually makes the road impassable in winter. And those summer thunderstorms? They can turn the dry gravel into a muddy nightmare in minutes, making the road dangerous or even impossible to navigate. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think stunning volcanoes, jagged rocky peaks, and Laguna Casiri Macho's unique underwater algae garden. Even with the harsh conditions, you'll find plenty of mosquitoes along the lagoon edges, framed by ancient volcanic rock. This is a remote spot, so come prepared! Make sure your vehicle is in top shape, pack extra supplies, and be ready to be self-sufficient. The road is narrow and winding, with sharp turns that demand your full attention – especially when navigating those rocky embankments at such a high elevation.