Abra de Toroya, a winding road only for experienced drivers
Peru, south-america
72.9 km
4,750 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra de Toroya! This high-altitude pass in the Puno region of southeastern Peru tops out at a breathtaking 4,750 meters (that's 15,583 feet for you imperial system folks).
The road, mostly paved and known as Carretera 34C, stretches for about 73 kilometers (45ish miles) between Santa Lucía and Eslagunero. The scenery on the way up? Get ready for views of Volcan Misti and Nevado Chachani from the summit. The descent is a gradual cruise, although the landscape can be a bit…underwhelming, let's say. But hey, you're in the Andes! Embrace the stark beauty!
Where is it?
Abra de Toroya, a winding road only for experienced drivers is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -11.2150, -75.2414
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 72.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,750 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -11.2150, -75.2414
Related Roads in south-america
extremeMirador de Carhuayno
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You HAVE to check out Mirador de Carhuayno, a natural viewpoint perched way up high in the Huancaya District of Peru. We're talking 3,695 meters (that's over 12,000 feet!) above sea level. Getting there is half the fun, if "fun" means a seriously intense drive. You'll be tackling Ruta 120 (Camino a Vilca), a gravel road that's about as wide as your grandma's hallway. Seriously, two cars passing each other? Forget about it. It's steep, it's gnarly, and it demands your FULL attention. This road is NOT messing around. Think dramatic drop-offs, hairpin curves, and stunning (but distracting!) scenery. We're talking sheer cliffs plummeting hundreds of meters with absolutely zero guardrails to save you. This road has earned its fearsome reputation, so bring your A-game and maybe an extra pair of pants. Definitely not recommended for newbie drivers or anyone with a fear of heights! But oh man, the views… the views are SO worth it. Just drive carefully and prepare for an adrenaline rush!
moderateKahuish Tunnel is one of the world's highest tunnels
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes in the Ancash region, right? Boom! You hit the Tunel de Kahuish, a mind-blowing tunnel at a whopping 14,816 feet above sea level. Seriously, this place is HIGH! You'll find it nestled in Huascarán National Park, surrounded by the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Oh, and don't miss the giant Christ statue (Cristo Blanco) watching over the valley just past the tunnel – photo op alert! Fun fact: they started building this tunnel way back in 1927, and it was a tough job, with lots of dynamite and a few accidents. But hey, they finished it in 1941, and gave it a makeover in 2007. You'll drive it on the AN-110 road connecting Huaraz and Chavin. This tunnel basically cuts through the Cordillera Blanca, taking you from the Santa River valley to the Marañon valley. The west side of the road is smooth sailing on pavement, but watch out – the east side gets a little rougher with mostly unpaved sections. The tunnel itself is pretty long at around 1,587 feet, and it's pitch black inside, so be prepared! It's the highest point on the main road, and there's no way around it, so cyclists, you're going through! Get ready for an unforgettable Andean adventure!
extremeA curvy gravel road to Abra Viraco
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a truly off-the-beaten-path experience in Peru, you HAVE to check out Abra Viraco. This mountain pass tops out at a whopping 4,940 meters (that's 16,207 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Castilla province, near the Viraco District. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road (AR-106) is gravel, and let's just say it's seen better days. Get ready for a whole lotta switchbacks! The climb from the north is pretty gradual, but hold on tight for the descent into Viraco – it's rocky, bumpy, and will test your suspension (and your nerves!). Seriously, pack smart for this one. We're talking water, snacks, extra fuel, a warm jacket (it gets chilly up there!), and a reliable GPS with offline maps. You're heading into some seriously remote terrain, so preparation is key. Keep an eye on the weather, too – even a little rain can make things tricky. And be aware that avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides can happen, potentially blocking sections of the road and creating icy patches. But, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely unreal!
extremeWhere is the Portezuelo de Guaitiquina pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure! The Portezuelo de Guaitiquina is a high-altitude border crossing between Chile and Argentina that's way less touristy than the Paso de Sico. We're talking raw, isolated beauty through the Andes' high-desert terrain, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province. This route, spanning roughly from the B-357 junction in Chile to the Salta border, is a wild 4x4 ride. Think endless salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and huge horizons. It’s you, your rig, and the silence of the desert. The road itself? Mostly unpaved. In Chile, it's known as RP37, but on the Argentine side, it’s just an unnamed track towards Catua. Expect some seriously steep climbs that will push your engine and cooling system to the limit in the thin air. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, so a high-clearance 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. Hazards? Oh, there are a few. First, the altitude – a whopping 4,288 meters! Acclimatize beforehand, because altitude sickness is no joke. Second, and this is a big one, some areas around the border are still mined from back in the day. Stay. On. The. Road. Seriously. Don't wander off! If you're planning to cross the border here, opening hours are typically 8 am to 6 pm, but they can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is harsh – think extreme cold, high winds, and potential snow or ice, especially in winter. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Help is a long way off, and you won't find cell service out here.