
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Abra de Lares in Cusco
Peru, south-america
56 km
4,443 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Let's talk about Abra de Lares, a crazy-high mountain pass chilling at 14,576 feet in the Cusco Region of Peru.
This road is a proper Andean adventure. It's paved, sure, but super narrow β think "squeeze-by-another-car" narrow. We're talking hairpin turns galore and massive drop-offs with zero guardrails. Definitely not one for the faint of heart, and avoid it completely if it's raining.
This 34.7-mile stretch from Calca to Laris will take you about 1.5 to 2.5 hours of non-stop driving. It's a relentless climb, hitting gradients of up to 10% in places, so get ready for some seriously steep sections. But the views? Absolutely worth it. Prepare for scenery that will blow your mind!
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Abra de Lares in Cusco is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.6874, -75.6022
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 56 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,443 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -10.6874, -75.6022
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow long is the road to Laguna Verde?
π¨π΄ Colombia
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Colombia, in the NariΓ±o region, heading towards the Azufral Natural Reserve. This place is home to Laguna Verde de Azufral, a volcanic lake shimmering with an unreal emerald green color. We're talking serious altitude here, nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet)! There used to be this legendary track, the Via acceso Laguna Verde, snaking its way up to the crater. It started near Villa Santa Isabel, but heads up: it's currently off-limits to vehicles. It's about protecting this fragile, stunning ecosystem. Before the closure, this route was a proper challenge, steep and unpaved, and it just got rougher as you climbed. Think deep ruts, crazy gradients β a high-clearance 4x4 was essential. It gained a steady elevation, eventually rewarding you with an epic viewpoint overlooking the three lagoons nestled inside the volcano's crater. But hold onto your hats, because the weather up there is wild! Snowstorms, howling winds, and sudden temperature drops were all part of the adventure. These days, the reserve is under strict protection. You can't drive all the way up anymore, but the surrounding mountain scenery is still mind-blowing. If you're exploring near Villa Santa Isabel, pack waterproof gear and warm layers. And remember, respecting the "No Entry" signs is key!
LM-106 is a Peruvian epic road through the iconic Catajambo Canyon
π΅πͺ Peru
Get ready for an epic Peruvian adventure on Carretera 106 (LM-106)! This 140 km (87-mile) route winds its way from the coastal town of Pativilca, soaring up to Cajatambo high in the Andes. Prepare for a serious climb! You'll start practically at sea level (54m / 177ft) and ascend to a breathtaking 3,457m (11,341ft). The road's fully paved as of 2019, but let's just say the asphalt isn't winning any awards. Plus, be warned: some sections narrow to less than 3 meters, and sheer drop-offs are common, so keep your eyes on the road! Despite the challenges, this drive is a feast for the eyes. You'll carve through the dramatic Catajambo Canyon and tackle the infamous "Subida a Cajatambo," a dizzying section boasting 25 hairpin turns. The views alone are worth the white knuckles!
hardAbra del Acay is said to be the highest road pass in America
π¦π· 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 β 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 β think poorly maintained surfaces and unpredictable weather β the views are out of this world. Prepare for breathtaking scenery that will reward every daring traveler!
moderateFaro Cabo Blanco
π¦π· Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna visit Argentina's oldest lighthouse? Head to Santa Cruz Province and the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve! You'll be cruising down Ruta Provincial 91, a 33.3 km "ripio" (gravel) road that kicks off from Ruta Provincial 14 and leads straight to the iconic Cabo Blanco lighthouse. Word to the wise: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart! The weather here is seriously unpredictable, thanks to the semi-arid climate and crazy winds. Trust me, stick to that 60km/hour speed limit β a cracked windshield or flat tire will totally harsh your vibe. The gravel can get super loose, especially on the sides, and things get muddy and slippery after it rains. The lighthouse itself sits on a rocky headland at the end of Route 91, towering 67 meters (220 ft) high. The good news? The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife in their natural habitat. While a high-clearance 2WD can technically handle the dry, straight stretches at low speeds, I highly recommend renting a 4x4. It'll make the ride way more comfortable and minimize your chances of getting stuck!