Where is Abra Loncopata?
Peru, south-america
128 km
5,100 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Loncopata in the Arequipa region of Peru! This high-altitude beast clocks in at a whopping 5,100m (16,732ft) above sea level, making it one of Peru's highest roads.
You'll find this gem tucked away in the southwestern part of the country, right inside the Reserva Cotahuasi. Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking pure, unadulterated dirt road (AR-105, if you're mapping). It's seriously steep in sections, hitting gradients of up to 20%, especially towards the end, so be prepared for a workout for your vehicle. The upside? You'll probably have the entire road to yourself!
The whole route stretches for 128km (almost 80 miles) from Road 111 down to Puica, running north-south, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. Just remember to pack the essentials: water, snacks, extra fuel, a warm jacket (trust me!), and solid GPS navigation with maps. This is a ride you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 128 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,100 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeDriving Ruta 3N with vertigo-inducing depths of up to 1.000m
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Carretera 3-N in the Ancash region of Peru! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously stunning (and slightly terrifying) drops of up to 1,000 meters! You'll find this wild ride snaking through the northern part of the country, mostly unpaved. The real heart-pumper is a 22-kilometer stretch between Cañon del Pato and the tiny town of La Pampa. Imagine a road getting narrower and narrower, a never-ending series of hairpin turns carved by hand into the mountainside. Seriously, some of these bends are tight! You'll need laser focus and a smooth touch on the steering wheel. Forget about passing another car – or especially a truck – easily. And watch out, because the road turns into a washboard of rocks, especially during the rainy or snowy season when it might even be closed. But hey, the views? Absolutely epic!
hardThe inhumane climb to Cerro Ávila with 20% ramps
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, so picture this: you're in Venezuela, itching for an adventure, and someone whispers about Cerro Ávila. This mountain peak, chilling at 2,156m (7,073ft), isn't your average Sunday drive. Tucked away in the Waraira Repano national park, the road up is paved with cobblestones, which is cool, right? But hold up—it's narrow, seriously steep, and those turns? Sharp doesn’t even cover it! Definitely a road where you'll want to take it slow. But trust me, the views are worth it. As you climb, the scenery is epic. When you finally get to the top, you're treated to panoramic vistas of Caracas and the sparkling Caribbean Sea. And get this: there's a 19-story hotel, the Humboldt Hotel, built way back in '56. It's got 360-degree views for days! You can even catch a cable car up from Caracas if you're not feeling the drive. Word to the wise: weekends can get crazy busy. And honestly, with those steep slopes, a 4x4 is your best bet. The road starts from Avenida Boyacá in Caracas, and it's about 8.0 km to the top. You'll climb 1169 meters over the journey. Buckle up, it's a wild ride!
hardLago Laramcota
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Bolivia, you HAVE to check out Lago Laramcota. This stunner sits way up high in the Kimsa Cruz mountains at a whopping 15,915 feet! The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. This isn't a Sunday drive – it's steep! And remember, we're talking serious altitude here. The air gets thin, and you'll feel it, especially since it's a brutal climb. But the views? Oh man, the views are totally worth it. Just be aware that in the winter this route is a no-go. Also, near the top, there's an old mine road that climbs even higher to a dizzying 16,843 feet! So, if you're not afraid of heights and you crave a real off-road challenge, Lago Laramcota is calling your name.
hardLaguna Blanca
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're in Bolivia, Sur Lípez Province, Potosí Department, cruising through the Salvador Dalí Desert. You're heading to Laguna Blanca, a seriously high-altitude salt lake sitting at a whopping 14,270 feet! The road? Let's just say it's an *adventure*. Think gravel and sand, which can turn into a real mud-fest when it rains. It gets so slippery that even 4x4s can struggle. Seriously, after a storm, you might as well turn around because the road can become totally impassable. But if you brave it, the scenery is out of this world! Just be prepared for a wild ride!