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
extremeThe unpaved road to Abra Huarcaya
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Huarcaya, a beast of a mountain pass tucked away in the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve in Peru's Arequipa Region! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 5,057 meters (16,591 feet) above sea level. This isn't just a high road; it's one of the highest in the entire country! The road, officially named AR-105, is completely unpaved. Think sandy stretches and hairpin turns that'll make you grip the wheel. Keep an eye out for patches of loose gravel that can sneak up on you. Rainy days? Forget about it. Even a little drizzle can turn this route into an absolute nightmare. The unpaved bits become impassable when wet. This climb is brutal. Expect a serious lack of oxygen that'll test your lungs. And those steep inclines? Killer! This road's got a rep for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Driving through that is NOT for the faint of heart! You might even spot a mine vehicle or two along the way.
extremeAbra de la Santa Cruz: Driving the 4,597m Jujuy-Salta Boundary (RP13A)
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic road trip? Then you HAVE to check out Abra de la Santa Cruz, a crazy-high mountain pass nestled way up in the Argentinian Andes. We're talking a lung-busting 4,597 meters (15,082 feet!) above sea level, so yeah, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll find this beast straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northern Argentina. Route 13A will lead you on this wild, 46-kilometer (28-mile) ride from Abra del Sauce to Casillas. Now, fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The whole thing is unpaved and throws EVERYTHING at you – think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and more hairpin turns than you can count! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential to conquer the ever-changing terrain of loose gravel and jagged rocks. But the biggest challenge? The altitude! At that height, altitude sickness is a real threat, so come prepared. Also, you're pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so don't expect to find gas stations or emergency services around every corner. Pack extra water, fuel, and a first-aid kit, and ALWAYS keep an eye on the weather forecast, because things can change on a dime up there. But hey, the payoff? Unforgettable, panoramic views of the stunning high-altitude Andes scenery that'll leave you breathless (literally!).
moderateDriving the paved Estrada Cunha-Paraty in Brazil
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: the Cunha-Paraty Road in Brazil. It's a 44.6km (27.71 miles) ribbon of road straddling São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states. Think lush scenery and a real sense of adventure! The road's fully paved, since 2016! The first 30km (SP-171) is smooth sailing in São Paulo, well-signed, and generally in great shape (though it can get a little busy). Then you hit a sweet 10km stretch (RJ-165) through Serra da Bocaina National Park – cobblestones galore! Seriously, this part is a highlight. The last 10km gets a bit rougher, with a narrower road and some potholes, so keep your eyes peeled. Expect some steep climbs and descents, especially within the national park. You'll be dropping into 1st or 2nd gear in spots, no doubt. The highest point? A cool 1,531m (5,022ft) above sea level. You *could* blast through it in an hour without stopping. But seriously, give yourself at least two! This road is part of the Estrada Real, a.k.a. the "Old Road" or "Gold Road," used way back in the 17th century to haul minerals (gold, mostly) to the coast. It's all about stunning views: forests, waterfalls, and incredible peaks. Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in!
moderateDriving the Scenic Camino 6 de Septiembre to Cerro Pan de Azúcar in Córdoba
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cerro Pan de Azúcar is a famous mountain pass reaching an elevation of 1,023m (3,356ft) above sea level in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba, Argentina. The road over the pass, known as the Camino 6 de Septiembre, is a classic mountain route connecting the Punilla Valley with the Sierras Chicas. The summit is a major tourist landmark. It is dominated by a massive 14-meter iron cross, which is visible from miles away. Visitors can also find a restaurant, a parking lot, and the famous "Aerosilla" (chairlift) that takes tourists to the very top for a panoramic view of the Punilla Valley and the city of Córdoba. The road through the summit features both paved and unpaved sections. Known officially as Ruta Provincial 54, this dirt track was built in 1931. It remains a rugged and curvy mountain road, offering a true "old-school" driving experience. While parts near the towns are improved, long stretches consist of loose gravel and earth that require careful navigation. Located in the scenic Punilla Valley, the road through the pass is 28km (17 miles) long. It runs west-east from Cosquín, the oldest town in the Punilla Valley and famous for its folklore festival, to Villa Allende. The drive is notoriously curvy, with steep sections that offer rewarding views of the Mediterranean-style scrubland typical of the Córdoba mountains. 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.