Abra Jahuaycate: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Peru, south-america
48.4 km
3,354 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Jahuaycate! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 5,065 meters (that's 11,003 feet!) high in the Peruvian Andes, specifically in the Canchis province. We're talking seriously high altitude here.
Get ready for a bumpy ride because this isn't your typical paved highway. CU-124, also known as Ruta del Ausangate, is a dirt road that was improved a few years back. Think rugged terrain and epic alpine scenery.
The pass stretches for about 48.4 kilometers (or 30 miles) between Uchullujllo and Cayena. Be prepared for some steep climbs too—some sections hit nearly 12% grades! This route is all about the journey, so get your camera ready and prepare to be amazed!
Where is it?
Abra Jahuaycate: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.9238, -75.8948
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 48.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,354 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -7.9238, -75.8948
Related Roads in south-america
hardThe road to Portezuelo Paranal in the Andes will take your breath away
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Portezuelo Paranal! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a whopping 4,832m (15,853ft) in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, practically spitting distance from Argentina. You'll find it nestled in the Andes, way up in the northeastern corner of the country. The road is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but don't get complacent! At this elevation, you're playing in thin air in a Mars-like landscape—totally barren but strangely beautiful. The whole route is a 156.19 km (97.05 mi) stretch from San Pedro de Atacama to the Argentinian border. It was opened on December 6, 1991 and has been paved since 2005. Expect intense sun (sunglasses are a must!), crazy winds, and next to zero civilization. We’re talking up to 160 km (100 mi) to the nearest gas station. Phone signal? Forget about it. Pack water, spare tires (at least two!), and your wits. And while it is paved, keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections, reaching a maximum gradient of 12.6%. The drive itself can be a bit monotonous because it is a long straight road with the same scenery. Located in Los Flamencos National Reserve, it is open year-round but can be closed due to snow. The best views? Definitely on the way down. So, get ready for an unforgettable, if slightly surreal, ride across the Chilean high desert!
hardAbra de Porcuya
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, folks, buckle up for Abra de Porcuya! This high-altitude mountain pass, sitting pretty at 2,137 meters (that's 7,011 feet for my American friends), is nestled in the Huancabamba province of Peru. You'll be cruising along Carretera 3N, also known as the Fernando Belaúnde Terry Highway, and yes, it's paved. But don't let that fool you, this road is STEEP. Seriously, maybe skip the extra helping of that delicious Peruvian food before you head out. The winding roads and high elevation might have your stomach doing somersaults. And a word to the wise: check the weather before you go – you don't want to be caught up here in a storm! But hey, the views are totally worth it.
extremeLaguna Capalococha: The ultimate 4x4 challenge in the Cordillera Blanca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've just discovered the most ridiculously secluded lagoon nestled high in the Peruvian Andes: Laguna Capalococha. We're talking remote – deep in the Ancash Region, near the Cordillera Blanca range. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This 25 km (16-mile) dirt track is a north-south rollercoaster connecting the Chicarhuapunta pass (already at 4,289m!) with the tiny village of Purhuash. Forget the tour buses; this hidden gem is for the truly intrepid. Seriously, this road is a beast. Imagine loose rocks, gravel, and zero guardrails staring down some serious vertical drops. And the hairpin turns? We're talking about 30 of them, carving their way up those insanely steep slopes. A high-clearance 4x4? Non-negotiable. But the altitude? That's the real kicker. At over 4,600 meters (15,167ft!), the weather is unpredictable. Think blinding fog rolling in out of nowhere, making those already-narrow roads even more treacherous. You'll need your A-game, folks – maximum concentration and high-altitude driving experience are a must. But if you're up for it, this is the kind of raw, wild driving experience that you just don't find anymore. The views? Epic, if you can see through the fog!
hardThe road to Curiquinca Volcano isn’t an easy one
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Curiquinca! This bad boy is a stratovolcano straddling the Bolivia-Chile border, clocking in at a whopping 18,454 feet above sea level. We're talking serious altitude! Nestled in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the gravel track isn't just a scenic route; it's a rugged climb up to a sulfur mine. Translation? This road is not for the faint of heart! Oxygen gets thin up there, and the climb is seriously steep. Most people start feeling altitude sickness way before you reach the top, so be prepared. Think harsh sun, relentless winds whipping up dust devils, and a trail that'll test your off-roading skills to the max. Sunglasses are a must, water is your best friend, and trust me, bring two full-sized spare tires – you'll thank me later. 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. But hey, the views from one of the highest roads in South America? Totally worth it!