
Driving a great paved road to Abra Pirhuayani in the Andes
Peru, south-america
46 km
4,725 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Quispicanchi Province of Peru, heading towards Abra Pirhuayani, a mountain pass that'll knock your socks off at a whopping 4,725m (15,501 ft) above sea level! Seriously, this pass is higher than any mountain in the continental US.
You're in southern Peru, practically rubbing shoulders with Mount Cayambe and Colque Cruz glaciers at the summit. And get this – there's even a little bar/restaurant, a church, and parking right at the top! Who knew you could grab a snack practically on the equator with year-round glaciers in view?
The road, Route 30C, has been recently paved, making it a smooth ride to views that will make you weep with joy. This stretch of road is about 46km (28 miles) of pure, winding bliss heading from Mahuayani to Marcapata. But hold on – some sections have a speed limit of 20kph, so slow down and soak it all in! It's a bit of a climb with tons of hairpin turns and some seriously steep bits, but trust me, it's worth every single second.
Perched high in the Peruvian Andes, this is the highest point of the Interoceanic Highway! Everywhere you look are snowy peaks towering over 5,500m. It's a view you will not soon forget.
Where is it?
Driving a great paved road to Abra Pirhuayani in the Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.2297, -74.2875
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 46 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,725 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -10.2297, -74.2875
Related Roads in south-america
hardA gravel road to Planchon Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Paso del Planchón, a seriously epic high-altitude pass straddling the Argentina-Chile border at a whopping 8,251 feet! We're talking rugged Andes Mountains scenery here. This beast, also known as Paso Internacional Vergara, is a 121-mile dirt road stretching from Las Loicas, Argentina (Mendoza Province) to Curicó, Chile (Maule Region). Forget smooth pavement – this is raw, unadulterated travel, complete with sandy stretches that'll test your driving skills. On the Argentina side, it's Ruta Provincial 226, morphing into J-55 once you cross into Chile. Now, a heads-up: this pass isn't always ready for visitors. It’s usually only open from November to April, when they fix it up for tourists and mining folks. The climate is super dry, with wild temperature swings. Think sun-baked days and freezing nights – summer highs around 59°F and winter lows plummeting to -13°F!
hardWhere is the Desierto de Siloli?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: You're trekking through the *wild* Siloli Desert in Bolivia, close to the Chilean border. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a high-altitude desert playground, clocking in at around 14,800 feet above sea level. Yep, you're gonna feel that thinner air! The Siloli is the real deal—think stark beauty, crazy rock formations, and enough wide-open space to make you feel like you're on another planet. It's a key part of the route through the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Now, about that road...or should I say, "road." Forget pavement! We're talking rugged, unpaved tracks that demand a high-clearance 4x4. You'll be cruising across salt flats, navigating volcanic ridges, and winding through a landscape dotted with bizarre, wind-carved rocks. Keep in mind there are absolutely no services around for miles, so pack accordingly! Most people tackle the Siloli Desert as part of a tour, either kicking off from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile or Uyuni in Bolivia. From Uyuni, expect about ** **days of travel south past the train cemetery. The drive from San Pedro de Atacama usually involves crossing the border at Hito Cajon on the second day of the trip. In both directions, it means facing down open desert, salt flats, and high-altitude passes. Highlights include the iconic "Árbol de Piedra" (Stone Tree), a rock formation sculpted by the relentless wind. And don't forget the epic views of the surrounding volcanoes, many boasting vibrant, mineral-streaked slopes. You can hop out and scramble on some of the rocks for even better vistas. The real challenge in the Siloli comes from the extreme conditions. Altitude sickness is a genuine risk, so acclimatize properly. Be ready for intense sun, brutal winds, and sudden temperature drops. The terrain itself isn't the most technical, but being so remote and exposed means you NEED to be prepared. A breakdown out here could mean a long wait with no help.
extremeLaguna Cochachuyo
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Laguna Cochachuyo in the Peruvian province of Pasco! This high-altitude stunner sits way up at 4,324m (14,186ft), so prepare for thin air. You'll find it via route PA-106, and let me tell you, "road" is used loosely here. Seriously, if your car is precious to you, think twice! This track is rough, narrow and features some unlit tunnels! This climb is steep, and that high altitude isn't just a number—most people start feeling the effects well below this point, so take it easy. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and icy patches can pop up anytime. But hey, you're rewarded with killer scenery that will make it all worth it!
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!