An exciting drive to the top of Abra Malaga Pass
Peru, south-america
121 km
4,343 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Malaga, a sky-high pass in Peru's Cusco Region that'll steal your breath (literally, it's at 14,248 feet!). We're talking Ruta 28B, a 75-mile ribbon of asphalt stretching from Ollantaytambo to Santa Maria.
This isn't just any drive; it's a visual feast. Picture this: leaving the charming Inca town of Ollantaytambo behind, the road begins its ascent, twisting and turning through hairpin after glorious hairpin, each revealing a more jaw-dropping panorama of the Sacred Valley. But hold on tight, because the eastern descent plunges you into a mystical "neblina" zone – think rugged terrain, ethereal mist, and windswept grasslands.
Now, a word of caution: those stunning Andean peaks can be fickle. Autumn and winter bring snow, often shutting down the road completely, and icy conditions make it a slippery gamble. So, plan accordingly!
With over a hundred hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections, it’s not for the faint of heart, but the dramatic landscapes? Totally worth it. This drive is a pure shot of Peruvian beauty straight to the soul.
Where is it?
An exciting drive to the top of Abra Malaga Pass is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.9945, -75.4194
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 121 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,343 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -7.9945, -75.4194
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhy is it called Edward Whymper Refuge?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're in the Ecuadorian Andes, specifically in Chimborazo province, you HAVE to check out the road to Refugio Edward Whymper. This high-mountain hut, perched at a staggering 4,855 meters (15,928 feet), is named after Edward Whymper, the first guy to climb Chimborazo back in 1880. The road itself? It's a 7.2 km (4.47 miles) unpaved climb to the parking lot near the hut. Expect a steep ascent with an average gradient of 6.73%, gaining 485 meters in elevation. You'll definitely want a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle in good condition — the altitude will sap your power. The views are mind-blowing, but be warned: mist and fog roll in often. Keep an eye on your surroundings! This remote road requires a full tank of gas and a sense of adventure. From the hut, it's a launching point for tackling Chimborazo, the stratovolcano whose summit is the farthest point from the Earth's core. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
extremeDriving the road to Katantika Pass in La Paz is for brave drivers only
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Katantika, aka Paso de Keansani, is calling your name! This Bolivian bad boy tops out at a staggering 4,717m (15,475ft) in the Franz Tamayo Province. We're talking La Paz Department, way up in the northwest corner of the country, practically winking at Peru inside the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. Nestled high in the Apolobamba range, this 19km (12-mile) stretch from Pelechuco to Hilo Hilo is strictly unpaved, seriously challenging, and weaves its way through abandoned mines. Forget your sedan; a 4x4 is a MUST. And leave the oversized vehicles at home – things get tight. Speaking of tight, if you have a fear of heights, this isn't your road. Think narrow ledges and unprotected drops of around 600 meters, especially around those summit hairpin turns. Locals often prefer to walk it – that tells you something! Oh, and after the snow melts, be prepared to ford some seriously rushing waterfalls. Respect the water's power! But hey, for views and bragging rights, it's an absolute winner.
extremeLaguna La Viuda
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Lima Region of western Peru and you're craving an adrenaline rush, you HAVE to check out Laguna La Viuda. This stunning high-mountain lake sits way up at 4,560m (that's nearly 15,000ft!). Getting there on the gravel road 20A is...well, let's just say it's an experience. This isn't your Sunday drive. Think seriously steep inclines, a serious lack of oxygen, and some seriously mind-blowing vertical drops. We're talking hundreds of meters down, with no guardrails to keep you company! If you get dizzy easily, this might be one to skip, especially on a windy day. While the road tests your courage, it rewards you with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Just keep your eyes on the road! It connects Lima and Colquijirca. Be aware that this road can be closed due to snow. The area is known for heavy mist, making visibility a challenge. Plus, avalanches, snowfalls, and landslides are a real possibility, and icy patches are common. So, yeah, keep your wits about you. Make sure to take altitude into account, most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters.
extremeCerro Toco
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro Toco! This insane gravel road climbs to a whopping 5,416m (17,769ft) in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. We're talking seriously lunar landscapes in the Atacama Desert. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking remote, rough, and definitely not for your average car. You'll need a seasoned driver who knows how to handle steep climbs (some sections hit 10%!), dust, and bumps galore. The reward? Mind-blowing views and bragging rights. The summit boasts some of the world’s highest telescopes, making it a stargazer's dream. But don't get too dreamy – the conditions up here are BRUTAL. Expect high winds, icy patches, and the potential for heavy snow. Seriously, don't even think about it in bad weather; avalanches and landslides are a real threat. The wind is almost always howling, and even summer can bring snowy surprises. Winter? Forget about it – bone-chilling cold! Despite being inhospitable to humans, this place is an astronomer's paradise. The incredibly dry climate makes it perfect for spotting those millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths!