A Memorable Road Trip to Abra Huacullo in the Andes

A Memorable Road Trip to Abra Huacullo in the Andes

Peru, south-america

Length

68.5 km

Elevation

5,002 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Huacullo in the Apurímac region of Peru is calling your name. Seriously, this mountain pass clocks in at a staggering 5,002 meters (that's 16,410 feet!), making it one of Peru's highest routes.

Tucked away near Cusco in southern Peru, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement – Carretera 111 is all about that raw, unadulterated dirt road experience. Word to the wise: a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST. Think sandy stretches, seriously steep inclines, and hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. Plus, it's a mining road, so expect plenty of truck traffic.

But hey, the views! Perched high in the Wansu range of the Andes, this 68.5-kilometer (42.56-mile) stretch of road running from Río Jeuñamarca to the AR-105 is absolutely epic. Prepare for landscapes that will blow your mind. Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and soak it all in!

Where is it?

A Memorable Road Trip to Abra Huacullo in the Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.1078, -77.1392

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
68.5 km
Max Elevation
5,002 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-9.1078, -77.1392

Related Roads in south-america

Where is La Virgen Pass?moderate

Where is La Virgen Pass?

🇪🇨 Ecuador

at an elevation of 4,071 m (13,356 ft) above sea level, located in Ecuador. Where is La Virgen Pass? The pass, also known as Pichincha and Napo Provinces , in the north-central part of the country, within the Parque Nacional Cayambe Coca Is the road through La Virgen Pass paved? The road through the pass is Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras How long is La Virgen Pass? The road through the pass is 85.3 km (53 miles) long west-east from Pifo to San Francisco de Borja Is La Virgen Pass worth it? Located on the road from Quito which leads into the , at the summit you can experience the stunning views of mountains and glaciers . The pass is home to a small chapel, known as Virgen del Paramo Papallacta . North of the pass, a defiant unpaved road climbs up to  at an elevation of 4,350 m (14,271 ft) above sea level. How to get by car to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo? The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our 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  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

The paved BR-174 is becoming impassablehard

The paved BR-174 is becoming impassable

🇧🇷 Brazil

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! BR-174 in Brazil: this paved road is a wild ride straight through the heart of the Amazonas! Stretching 1,581 km (982 miles), it's a north-south spine connecting Manaus (the Amazonas capital) to Pacaraima, right on the Venezuelan border. Now, don't let "paved" fool you. This route gets hammered by heavy trucks, especially when the rains come. We're talking potholes, mud pits, and potentially some serious quagmires. It's a true test for your vehicle (and your nerves!). If you're lucky with the weather, expect a solid 25-30 hours of driving to conquer the whole thing. Inaugurated in 1980 and finished in 1998, this road has seen some things! Keep an eye out for flooding when you cross the Anauá River. But hey, who wants a boring drive anyway? Get ready for some epic scenery and a true taste of the Amazon.

Portezuelo de Guaitiquina: Driving the remote 4,288m border passextreme

Portezuelo de Guaitiquina: Driving the remote 4,288m border pass

🇦🇷 Argentina

Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Portezuelo de Guaitiquina, a whopping 4,288m (14,068ft) high, straddles the Chile-Argentina border, offering a wild and solitary experience unlike the busier Paso de Sico. This route carves through the stunning, high-altitude deserts of the Andes, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province. This pass links you from the area near San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile all the way to the village of Catua in Argentina. The road itself is about 58.1 km (36.1 miles) from the B-357 junction in Chile to the border with Salta. Think stark beauty: salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and endless horizons. It’s a forgotten corner, so prepare for minimal traffic and a whole lot of silence. Yep, it's all gravel. Known as RP37 in Chile, it morphs into an unnamed track on the Argentine side leading to Catua. Be warned, this climb is steep! And the thin air will definitely put your engine to the test. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, making those inclines extra challenging. While technically open to all vehicles, a high-clearance 4WD is your best bet for dealing with the washboarding and sand drifts. The altitude is the biggest challenge here. At 4,288 meters, altitude sickness is a real possibility. Acclimatize properly! But there's another, more hidden danger: landmines. Parts of this border area were mined back in the 70s. While areas near the main road have been cleared, it's crucial to stick to the track and avoid wandering off into the desert. If you're crossing the border here, it's usually open from 8 am to 6 pm. But, because it's so remote, hours can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is arid but can get brutally cold fast. Strong winds are common, and winter can bring snow and ice. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear because help is a long way off, and cell service is non-existent.

Is La Raya Pass in Peru paved?moderate

Is La Raya Pass in Peru paved?

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventurers, buckle up for La Raya Pass! This Andean stunner straddles the Puno and Cusco regions of Peru, hitting a sky-high elevation of 4,352m (14,278ft). You'll find it deep in southern Peru, totally paved as you cruise along Carretera 3S, also known as the "Route of the Sun." This isn't a quick jaunt – we're talking a 107km (66-mile) stretch from Sicuani to Ayaviri. High up in the La Raya mountain range, the pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for winter closures due to weather. December and January are rain-heavy, so plan accordingly! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Picture this: you're trekking from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, winding through a landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, and serene pools of water. The summit reveals a vista of unforgettable views, and local vendors tempt you with alpaca wool crafts. Keep an eye out for the snow-dusted Chimboya! A word of warning: altitude is a beast. Even if you're used to Andean heights, the thin air can make you feel sluggish. Take it slow, enjoy the views, and don't even *think* about jogging! Headaches, dizziness, and breathlessness are real possibilities if you push yourself. Embrace the slow pace and soak in the beauty of La Raya.