Driving a great paved road to Abra Pirhuayani in the Andes

Driving a great paved road to Abra Pirhuayani in the Andes

Peru, south-america

Length

46 km

Elevation

4,725 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

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Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
46 km
Max Elevation
4,725 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-10.2297, -74.2875

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