The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Chimboya Pass
Peru, south-america
N/A
5,114 m
extreme
Year-round
Abra Chimboya is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.114m (16,778ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between the regions of Cusco and Puno, in Peru. It’s
one of the highest roads of the country.
Set high in the Cordillera de Vilcanota range, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called CU-125. 4×4 vehicle required. Remember this is a mountainous area, climbing up a high mountain, with a notorius absence of oxygen. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor. The road is steep and runs from Santa Barbara to Corani, Fog, snow and cold are common.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez
https://skyhighandes.com/first-ascent-and-explorations-in-the-remote-north-eastern-cordillera-vilcanota/
Abra Llamaorgo: Driving one of the highest mountain passes in Peru
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
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
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Where is it?
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Chimboya Pass is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.1649, -75.7443
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,114 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.1649, -75.7443
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow to get by car to Chungara Lake in Chile?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Lago Chungará in Chile is calling, and it’s a stunner. Perched way up high in the Andes at a dizzying 4,517m (that’s over 14,800 feet!), this lake is one of South America’s loftiest. You’ll find it tucked away in the northern reaches of Chile, practically hugging the Bolivian border inside Lauca National Park. Think epic Andean Altiplano scenery—we’re talking alpacas, vicuñas, maybe even a sneaky puma if you’re lucky! The route there, Ruta 11, is mostly smooth sailing on pavement. Heads up: it gets pretty busy with trucks. The 25km stretch runs from Parinacota (a seriously high-altitude village) towards the Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass. Now, the important stuff. The air is thin up here, so listen to your body and take it easy. If you're driving, especially with an older car, make sure it's tuned for the altitude. Gas is non-existent once you're up there, so fill up in Arica and maybe even bring extra fuel just in case. But seriously, the views of the volcanoes mirroring in the lake are absolutely worth it. Just be mindful of the altitude and the unpredictable mountain weather and you will have the adventure of a lifetime.
extremeWhere is Uturuncu?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Potosí Department of Bolivia, near the San Pablo de Lípez Municipality, lies Cerro Uturuncu, a stratovolcano boasting one of the highest roads on the planet! This ain't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a gravel track that claws its way up to a staggering 6,008 meters (19,711ft)! Built originally for a sulfur mine back in the day, the road is now maintained only for tourists by local guides. A 4x4 is a MUST. While the track is generally decent, be prepared for rogue rocks or even a dusting of snow, depending on the season. Now, here's the deal: most reports suggest you can only drive to within a few hundred meters of the summit (somewhere between 5,200 and 5,900 meters), as a landslide has blocked the way further up. However, satellite imagery suggests you can make it to 5,700 meters. A French team even managed to cycle (or push!) their bikes to the top! The lower section is super sandy, and above 5,000 meters, the lack of oxygen is a REAL issue for your engine (and you!). Expect gradients of around 8% for the first five kilometers, ramping up to over 10% between 5,100 and 5,600 meters. The road can get a bit narrow in places, with a seriously steep drop on one side. But, oh, the scenery! Think gigantic landscapes, active volcanoes, and vividly colored lagoons. This is an adventure you won't forget!
hardRuta Totoro-Inza
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about the Totoro-Inza road in western Colombia, part of the legendary Carretera 26. Picture this: you're cruising through the Cauca Department, linking the adorable towns of Totoró and Inzá on a 67.1 km journey. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. It's a steep climb, topping out at a breathtaking 3,373m (11,066ft) above sea level! Keep your eyes peeled because you'll likely be driving through clouds and fog – talk about atmosphere! The road surface is a mixed bag, with concrete, gravel, and asphalt sections keeping things interesting. Plus, the route hugs the Rio Sucio, giving you killer views along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable Colombian road trip!
hardWhere is Caliz Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Peru, you NEED to experience Paso Caliz. We're talking about a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!). You'll find it nestled between the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces, deep in the Cusco Region, practically breathing the same air as the Quelccaya Glacier. Word to the wise: this road is NO JOKE. It's about 50 kilometers (31 miles) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved Andean adventure. Think killer drop-offs, super tight hairpin turns that will test your driving skills, and sections so steep you'll swear you're going vertical. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You're gonna feel the thin air up there, so be prepared for some potential altitude sickness! This epic route, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, runs from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) down to CU-125 Road. Winter's a no-go—the snow makes it completely impassable. But if you hit it right, you're in for a visual feast. Just imagine yourself winding through the Cordillera Vilcanota range, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and mind-blowing scenery. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey!