The road to Abra Loncopata in Arequipa is pure adventure
Peru, south-america
128 km
5,100 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Loncopata in the Arequipa region of Peru is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) above sea level – that's high! Nestled in the Reserva Cotahuasi, this unpaved beauty, also known as AR-105, stretches for 128 km (almost 80 miles) of pure, unadulterated, north-to-south Peruvian bliss, connecting Road 111 to Puica.
Prepare for some serious steepness! We’re talking gradients hitting 20% – your vehicle (and your lungs!) will definitely feel it. And the best part? You'll likely have this epic road all to yourself. Just be sure to pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, a warm jacket (altitude, remember!), and reliable GPS and maps are essential. Oh, and did I mention the scenery? Get ready for views that'll blow your mind! Seriously, this is a journey you won't soon forget.
Where is it?
The road to Abra Loncopata in Arequipa is pure adventure is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.8799, -74.7504
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 128 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,100 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -7.8799, -74.7504
Related Roads in south-america
moderateFaro Cabo Blanco
🇦🇷 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 – 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!
moderateIs La Raya Pass in Peru paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventurers, buckle up for La Raya Pass! This Andean stunner straddles the Puno and Cusco regions of Peru, hitting a sky-high elevation of 4,352m (14,278ft). You'll find it deep in southern Peru, totally paved as you cruise along Carretera 3S, also known as the "Route of the Sun." This isn't a quick jaunt – we're talking a 107km (66-mile) stretch from Sicuani to Ayaviri. High up in the La Raya mountain range, the pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for winter closures due to weather. December and January are rain-heavy, so plan accordingly! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Picture this: you're trekking from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, winding through a landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, and serene pools of water. The summit reveals a vista of unforgettable views, and local vendors tempt you with alpaca wool crafts. Keep an eye out for the snow-dusted Chimboya! A word of warning: altitude is a beast. Even if you're used to Andean heights, the thin air can make you feel sluggish. Take it slow, enjoy the views, and don't even *think* about jogging! Headaches, dizziness, and breathlessness are real possibilities if you push yourself. Embrace the slow pace and soak in the beauty of La Raya.
extremeAbra Llamaorgo: Driving one of the highest mountain passes in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Abra Llamaorgo is an extreme mountain pass reaching an elevation of 4,700m (15,419ft) above sea level, located in the Department of Huancavelica, Peru. This high-altitude route is a true test for any driver, offering raw Andean scenery and challenging gradients in one of the most remote regions of the country. The ascent starts from the city of Huancavelica. The road to the summit is 22.7 km long, involving a significant elevation gain of 995 meters. The drive is famous for its 20 hairpin turns that snake up the steep mountain slopes, providing constant views of the surrounding peaks. The road is totally unpaved but generally well-maintained. While it consists mainly of gravel and dirt, its condition often allows a standard passenger vehicle to reach the summit during periods of good weather, provided the driver proceeds slowly and with caution. The road is extremely steep, with some sections exceeding a 24% gradient. Due to the extreme altitude, weather conditions can change in minutes. Even a single rainfall can make the surface challenging. The area is prone to heavy snowfalls, landslides, and avalanches, with frequent patches of ice making the track dangerous at any time of year. Because of its remote location and altitude of 4,700 meters, it is vital to be fully prepared. Drivers should carry extra fuel, water, food, and warm clothing. A reliable GPS and physical maps are highly recommended, as mobile signal is virtually non-existent in this part of the Andes. The best time for driving is during the dry season (typically from May to September). During the rainy season, the risk of road blockages due to mud or ice increases significantly. Regardless of the season, the high elevation means the air is thin, which can affect both engine power and the driver's physical well-being. 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.
moderateThe Historic Motorcycle Expedition to Aconcagua with Bultaco Sherpa
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, Mendoza Province, staring up at Aconcagua. Not just looking at it from a distance, but imagining yourself *on* it. This giant of a peak clocks in at a staggering 6,961 meters (that's 22,838 feet for those of us who think in freedom units!). Now, I know what you're thinking: "Roads? On a mountain that high?" Yep, and a group of crazy-brave (or maybe just plain crazy!) Spanish motorcyclists proved it back in '77. Riding Bultaco Sherpa T 183s, they climbed to an insane altitude, setting a record for motorcycling outside of Asia. These guys from Moto Igualada weren't messing around. They attacked Aconcagua on two Bultaco Sherpa T 350 cc bikes, fueled by pure ambition. Though they ultimately fell short of the summit, they reached an altitude of 6,800 meters, beating a Kilimanjaro record set just a few years prior. Aconcagua? More like Acon-CAN-gua, right?