Where is Abra Malaga Pass?
Peru, south-america
121 km
4,343 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just conquered Abra Malaga Pass, and you NEED to add this one to your bucket list. This beast of a road winds its way up to a staggering 4,343 meters (that's 14,248 feet!) in the Cusco Region of Peru, right on the border of La Convención and Urubamba provinces.
The entire 121 km (75 miles) stretch is paved, thankfully, and follows Ruta 28B from Ollantaytambo to Santa Maria. Leaving Ollantaytambo, you're immediately greeted with hairpin after hairpin, each revealing more breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley below. Trust me, your camera roll will be overflowing!
Heads up, though – on the eastern side, you'll descend into a mystical "neblina" zone – think mist, tough grasses, and marshy fens. Super cool, but drive carefully!
Speaking of careful driving: this road ain't for the faint of heart. Over a hundred hairpin turns combined with some seriously steep sections mean you need your wits about you. And listen to this: during autumn and winter, snow can shut the whole thing down, making it super risky.
Despite the challenges, the scenery is UNREAL. You're basically driving through postcard-perfect landscapes the entire time. So, if you're looking for a ride that'll test your skills and reward you with insane views, Abra Malaga Pass is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 121 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,343 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving through the lethal Ocoña Cliffs
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Peruvian coast on the Acantilados de Ocoña – a cliff-hugging highway that's equal parts stunning and seriously thrilling. We're talking southern Peru, where the road weaves between the Caravelí and Camaná provinces. Imagine a paved ribbon carved into the hillsides, a constant zig-zag dance as it climbs and plunges along the cliffs. Officially, it's known as 1S (Carretera Panamericana Sur) but unofficially? It's an adventure. Clocking in at around 75 kilometers (46ish miles), this stretch connects Atico to Ocoña, and it's a non-stop ocean view extravaganza. Now, for the adrenaline junkies: this road has a rep for being one of the trickiest in the country. Think sheer drops of around 200 meters (650+ feet) in many spots, with zero guardrails to hold you back! Plus, you'll be navigating a series of tunnels. Throw in the region's love for earthquakes, landslides, and ever-present traffic, and you've got yourself a ride to remember.
hardDriving the potholed road to Abra Chaucha in the central highlands
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Abra Chaucha in Peru is calling your name! This incredible mountain pass punches through the Andes at a staggering 4,728m (15,511ft) – that's HIGH! You'll find it east of Lima, straddling the Junín and Lima regions, smack-dab in the Peruvian central highlands. It's part of Carretera 24, a 118km (73-mile) route from Huancayo to Tinco that’s an east-west rollercoaster ride. Now, the road IS paved... but hold your horses! It’s seen better days, let’s just say. Think narrow stretches, seriously steep climbs, and more potholes than you can shake a stick at. Trust me, you do NOT want to tackle this at night. Some of those potholes are absolute monsters and could leave your ride seriously hurting – we're talking suspension, shocks, the whole shebang. But, if you're up for it, the scenery along this route is seriously dramatic, with pass after pass offering insane highland views! Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeWhere is the road to Cordón de Inacaliri?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Chile and Bolivia, deep in the heart of the Central Andes. You're about to tackle a mining road that claws its way up the side of a massive volcano – Curiquinca Volcano. This isn't just any road; it's one of the highest in the country! Forget smooth asphalt; this is a brutal mix of gravel and loose rock. We're talking strictly 4x4 with serious high clearance. Finding the exact route can be a challenge because the landscape is constantly changing due to crazy high-altitude winds. It starts near Inacaliri, and from there, it's a bumpy, "tippy" ride that demands your full attention. The elevation? Intense. You're talking a lung-busting climb where you're dealing with about 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Seriously, altitude sickness is a real risk here. Movement gets tough, and your heart rate will be through the roof. If you've got any respiratory or heart issues, or you're traveling with a baby, this isn't the trip for you. When can you even attempt this adventure? Probably only during the summer months, but even then, be prepared for anything. The weather in the Andes is wildly unpredictable. You could encounter snowy days in the middle of summer! High winds are a constant, and temperatures can plummet way below freezing, especially in winter. Ice and snow can turn that rocky road into a seriously slick hazard. So, load up on extra fuel, oxygen, and cold-weather gear before you leave Inacaliri. The scenery? Totally worth the challenge.
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.