
Where is Oquepuño Pass?
Peru, south-america
44 km
4,883 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because Abra Oquepuño in Peru is about to blow your mind! We're talking serious altitude here: 4,883 meters (that's 16,020 feet!). Some say it's one of the highest paved roads in all of South America.
Find this gem in the Puno region, way down south. The road itself, Ruta Nacional PE-34B (Carretera Interoceanica), is completely paved, stretching 44 km (27.34 miles) from Macusani to Puerto Arturo.
Heads up: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. You're way up in the Andes, so the air gets thin. Take it easy to avoid altitude sickness! The climb is steep, with gradients hitting 11% in places, and there are 10 hairpin turns to navigate. At the top, you'll find a tiny chapel called Santísima Cruz. The views? Absolutely killer!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 44 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,883 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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