
The Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles
Peru, south-america
50 km
5,206 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Caliz, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, is calling your name. This crazy-high mountain pass straddles the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces in Peru, clocking in at a staggering 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!) above sea level. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in Peru.
You'll find it nestled in the Cusco Region, way up in the southern highlands, practically breathing the same air as the snow-capped Quesso Queperina and the Quelccaya Glacier. Think stunning Cordillera Vilcanota range scenery!
Word of warning: winter here means game over. Snow makes it totally impassable. So, peep that weather forecast like your life depends on it (because, well, kinda!).
Road 1406 is the name, and unpaved is the game. This 50-kilometer (31-mile) stretch from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) to CU-125 Road is no Sunday drive. Expect gnarly drop-offs, super-skinny sections, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? Oxygen's thin up here, so pack your common sense and prep for potential AMS.
But hey, if you're up for the challenge, this north-to-south trek is an absolute must. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this planet has to offer.
Where is it?
The Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.4586, -75.5746
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 50 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,206 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -9.4586, -75.5746
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