Wiswillani Pass

Wiswillani Pass

Peru, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,807 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Arequipa Region of Peru and craving some serious off-road thrills, Paso Wiswillani (also known as Q'asa) is calling your name!

This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a whopping 4,807 meters (15,771 feet) above sea level. We're talking serious altitude here. The road itself? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of tippy sections along Route 34E. Think a good 4x4 is optional? Think again! You'll need it, especially if it's wet and muddy.

This isn't a joyride for Sunday drivers; it's a proper climb, and it's steep! But hey, if you're an experienced wheeler who loves a challenge and isn't afraid of heights, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the desolate but beautiful Andean countryside. Just be aware that winter can make this pass totally impassable. Trust me, the views are worth the challenge!

Where is it?

Wiswillani Pass is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -11.0240, -75.4240

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
4,807 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-11.0240, -75.4240

Related Roads in south-america

An awe-inspiring drive to Punta Olimpica in the Andeshard

An awe-inspiring drive to Punta Olimpica in the Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, picture this: you're in Ancash, Peru, smack-dab in the middle of Huascarán National Park. You're about to tackle Ruta Departamental AN-107, heading towards Punta Olimpica, one of Peru's highest paved roads, topping out at a staggering 15,525 feet! This isn't just any road trip; it's an adventure that’ll take your breath away – literally! We're talking stunning views of Huascarán, Peru’s highest mountain, and a climb so steep (maxing out at a 6.3% gradient) you'll feel like you're scaling the sky. Get ready for "Sector de las Mil Curvas" – the "1000 turns section"! It’s a 26km stretch of pure adrenaline with 46 hairpin turns. Seriously, hold on tight! The whole drive is about 76.2km (47.34 miles) from Carhuaz to San Martín de Chacas. Heads up: this road has a bit of history! Construction started way back in 1910 but wasn't finished until 1984. The pavement is mostly good, but there's a short, 2km stretch that's still unpaved. And, get this, near the top, you'll cruise through the Tunnel Punta Olimpica – a 1,384-meter marvel and one of the world's highest tunnels! Keep in mind that at this altitude, the air is thin. If you're not used to it, take it easy or grab some altitude sickness meds. Rainy or snowy weather can shut this road down, so plan accordingly. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are worth every twist and turn!

Jatunchacua: Driving the high Paso Retrochero in the Peruvian Andesextreme

Jatunchacua: Driving the high Paso Retrochero in the Peruvian Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Crank up your adventure meter because Jatunchacua Pass, a.k.a. Paso Jatunchacua (or maybe Paso Retrochero, depending on who you ask!), is calling your name! Straddling the Lima and Pasco regions of Peru, this beast tops out at a breathless 4,833m (15,856ft). Yep, you're practically touching the sky! Nestled in the Cordillera Negra, south of Huascarán National Park, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think desolate beauty, crazy weather, and a landscape that keeps you on your toes. The road itself? A masterpiece of engineering, clinging to the sides of jagged, mineral-rich mountains. This 26 km (16.1 mile) stretch from Pampahuay to Bañadería is slow going, thanks to the rough, unpaved surface and the lack of oxygen. But trust me, the views are worth it. Picture stunning high-altitude lagoons mirroring dramatic rock formations—this is the "unknown" Andes at its finest. You'll need a 4x4 with a low-range gearbox – seriously. This isn't a joyride for standard vehicles or newbies. The weather can flip from scorching sun to a blizzard in minutes, turning the gravel into a slippery nightmare. The climb? Exceptionally steep, with ramps hitting a 14% gradient. Brace yourself for the summit's 10 hairpin turns carved into the mountainside. These switchbacks demand precision, as the drops are no joke, and guardrails are MIA. Whether you call it Jatunchacua or Retrochero, the challenge is the same: a grueling ascent through the thin air of the Cordillera Negra. High-altitude sickness is real, and your vehicle will feel the strain. Pack extra fuel, respect the mountain, and prepare for an adventure you won't forget!

Where is Oquepuño Pass?hard

Where is Oquepuño Pass?

🇵🇪 Peru

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!

Where is Abra del Lizoite?extreme

Where is Abra del Lizoite?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra del Lizoite, a crazy-high mountain pass clinging to the spine of Argentina! We're talking a whopping 14,882 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in the whole country. You'll find this beast out west, straddling the border between Salta and Jujuy provinces, way up north near the Chilean border. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a purely unpaved, rough-and-tumble ride. Picture endless curves and hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills (and maybe your stomach!). Seriously, bring your high-clearance vehicle; you'll need it. The route goes by Ruta Provincial 5 (RP5) in Jujuy and Ruta Provincial 7 (RP7) in Salta. The epic journey stretches for about 48 miles, running from the west near Mina Pirquitas in Jujuy, all the way east to San Antonio de los Cobres, a town perched at 12,359 feet in the northwest corner of Salta. Get ready for views that'll take your breath away and a drive you won't soon forget!