A Remote and Rugged Route: Abra Caballuni Pass in Puno Province
Peru, south-america
71 km
4,960 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Caballuni in the Puno Province of Peru! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a sky-high mountain pass hitting a whopping 16,272 feet above sea level.
You'll find this beauty south of Puno, nestled in the southern reaches of the country.
The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. Think unpaved, all gravel, all the time. Prepare for hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, seriously steep climbs, and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Oh, and did I mention the dramatic drop-offs? A high-clearance vehicle isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory.
Clocking in at around 44 miles between Ichuña and Cutimbo, this west-to-east route is a feast for the eyes. Get ready for views that'll make your jaw drop!
Where is it?
A Remote and Rugged Route: Abra Caballuni Pass in Puno Province is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.9407, -74.3128
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 71 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,960 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -7.9407, -74.3128
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA steep unpaved road to Cerro La Hoya
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Tucked away in the Patagonian wilds of Argentina's Chubut Province is Cerro La Hoya, a seriously stunning peak clocking in at 1,650 meters (5,413 feet). You'll find it snuggled in the foothills of the Andes, and getting there is half the fun. The "Camino a la Hoya" is all unpaved road, but don't worry, it's generally in great shape! Apparently, it was once a 4x4 and mountain bike-only kind of track. This road, built in the 50s, leads to the La Hoya ski resort. Starting from Esquel, a cool little town nearby, it's a 14-kilometer (8.69 miles) climb to the top. Get ready for a serious workout for your car – you'll gain 1,041 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7.43% and some pitches hitting a maximum of 16%! Heads up - a service road north of the resort can take you even higher, up to 1,890 meters (6,200 feet).
moderateLaguna de Pacucha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, in the Apurímac Region, heading toward the stunning Laguna de Pacucha in the Andahuaylas Province. This high-altitude lake sits pretty at 3,100 meters (that's over 10,000 feet!), and getting there is half the adventure. The road? Think gravel loop—Contorno Laguna, to be exact. It hugs the lake for about 13.8 kilometers, giving you killer views the whole time. You’ll want to take it slow because it can get a little dicey in spots. But trust me, the scenery is worth every bump in the road. Seriously, keep your camera handy!
easyThe Ultimate Road Trip from Chivay to Arequipa
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about the Chivay-Arequipa road in the Arequipa region of Peru! This beauty clocks in at about 93 miles, linking the charming mountain town of Chivay with the vibrant city of Arequipa. You'll be cruising on Route 34A and AR-109 through the heart of the Colca Valley. While it's mostly paved, be ready for some rough patches as you climb higher. But hey, don't sweat it too much – the road isn't too gnarly, the traffic's usually light, and the hills aren't super steep, so it's a pretty smooth ride overall! The real reward? The unbelievable views! You'll be soaring to a staggering 16,007 feet above sea level at Abra Patapampa, where the scenery is absolutely epic. Keep your eyes peeled for vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and Andean ducks hanging out in their natural habitat. Seriously, this drive is a feast for the senses!
extremeDriving the international border road to Salin Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a truly epic border crossing? Then set your sights on Portezuelo de Salín, aka Paso de Salín. This bad boy straddles the Argentina-Chile divide at a lung-busting 13,172 feet! We're talking serious Andes mountain territory here, north of the Socompa volcano. Now, don't expect any smooth sailing. The road is totally unpaved and in seriously rough shape. This is a 4x4-only kind of adventure. Plus, you're way out there – think minimal traffic, scorching desert heat, and not a lot of water. It's a challenging drive, to say the least. Word to the wise: stick to the marked roads. Seriously. Back in the '70s, things got a little tense between Chile and Argentina, and some areas were mined. While they're supposedly marked, things shift, so stay alert and follow the obvious paths. Also, only cross the border at official points. But hey, the scenery is unreal! Just be prepared for extremes – baking sun during the day and freezing temps at night. Arid landscapes as far as the eye can see! This is one unforgettable ride for those who dare to take it on.