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
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is Abra Paves?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a wild ride for you in the Jujuy province of Argentina, south of Cuesta del Lipán–Abra Potrerillos, deep in the northern part of the country. We're talking about Abra Paves, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. Forget smooth tarmac – this baby is all unpaved, with rocks aplenty. It's not so much the steepness that'll get you (though it can hit 10%), but the sheer altitude, the crazy climate, and the middle-of-nowhere isolation. We're talking extreme oxygen deprivation here. Seriously, you need to take it slow and give your body time to adjust. The weather can change on a dime in this semi-arid Puna region, and the winds? They're strong enough to throw your vehicle around! And get this: it's remote. Like, really remote. No cell service, no emergency services. If your ride breaks down, you're on your own. That's why a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential for survival. So, how long is this epic journey? From the paved Ruta Provincial 52, it's about 13.57 km (8.43 mi) uphill, climbing . The average gradient is around 10%. But trust me, the views are worth it. Just be prepared for a challenge – this road is an adventure in every sense of the word!
extremeAbra Yanashalla: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through the Ancash region of Peru, you NEED to experience Abra Yanashalla. We're talking seriously high altitude here – 4,689 meters (that's a whopping 15,384 feet!). You'll find it smack-dab on Ruta 3N, the main drag from Huallanca to Conococha. Good news: the road's been paved recently, so it's a smooth ride, even though it's steep. Be warned, though: sometimes it gets a bit crowded. This pass marks the spot where the Bolognesi and Huari provinces meet, nestled between the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuas ranges. Keep your eyes peeled for hazards, though. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides that can strike anytime, especially due to icy patches. But trust me, the views from the top? Totally worth it. Picture this: panoramic vistas of the Cordillera Blanca mountains stretching out before you. Plus, there's a pretty unpaved road nearby that leads to Laguna Marcapomacocha, if you're feeling extra adventurous.
extremeLaguna Alcacocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Peru, ditch the tourist traps and make a beeline for Laguna Alcacocha. This unreal lake sits way up in the Andes Mountains, clocking in at a whopping 14,271 feet above sea level. The road to get there? Buckle up, buttercup, because Route 103 is no Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, narrow stretches, and mud – seriously slippery mud after it rains. Plus, Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting with potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. And as if that weren't enough, the air gets thin real quick. This climb is STEEP, so be prepared to feel that altitude sickness kick in! But trust me, the views are totally worth the white-knuckle drive.
hardDriving the road to Cerro Gigante is not a piece of cake
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cerro Gigante in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This beast of a mountain pass climbs to a staggering 5,286m (17,342ft), making it one of the highest in the country. You'll find it north of the stunning Lago Laramcota, deep in western Bolivia. Now, let's be real: this isn't your Sunday drive. The entire 15.2 km (9.44 miles) route from Rodeo is completely unpaved, throwing narrow stretches, sharp turns, and plenty of rocks your way. Trust me, you'll NEED a 4x4. But the views? Absolutely epic! Carved into the Kimsa Cruz range of the Andes, this road punches up 1,005 meters, averaging a 6.61% gradient. Get ready for your jaw to drop with every twist and turn!