Pacoorcco Pass
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,758 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Paso Pacoorcco in the Peruvian Andes is a wild ride! We're talking serious altitude here: 15,610 feet (4,758m), to be exact, nestled way up in the Moquegua Region.
The road, also known as P'aqu Urqu or Carretera 104, is a gravel beast and seriously steep. Word to the wise: check the weather before you go! This area is known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards that can turn this epic drive into a white-knuckle nightmare.
The climb is brutal, trust me. The air gets thin, real thin – expect to feel the altitude. You'll be pushing your limits as you grind your way to the top. But hey, you can't beat the scenery here, its remoteness, or the bragging rights. Just remember to take it slow and steady!
Where is it?
Pacoorcco Pass is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -6.8943, -74.0996
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,758 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -6.8943, -74.0996
Related Roads in south-america
moderateThe World’s Fastest Downhill Mountain Bike Ride in the Atacama desert
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're carving down a mountain in the Chilean desert, wind screaming past you, scenery blurring... pure adrenaline! This isn't your average Sunday cruise; we're talking about the very slope where Austrian daredevil Max Stöckl smashed the world speed record on a stock mountain bike. We’re at Cerro "El Flaco", peaking at almost 4,000 meters. The initial slope is a heart-stopping 45 degrees, and the run is a nail-biting 1.2km blast from top to bottom. Stöckl himself said it was an exhausting 20 seconds of pure exhilaration! While I wouldn't advise trying to hit 167 km/h yourself, just imagine the view and the rush – definitely a trip for the adventurous soul.
extremeHow to get by car to Alto de Chorillos?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Deep in the rugged Salta Province of northwest Argentina awaits Alto de Chorillos, a high-altitude peak that'll leave you breathless (literally!). Situated in the heart of the Puna de Atacama, you'll feel like you've landed on another planet. The adventure kicks off from RN51, the iconic highway that connects Salta to Chile. From the junction, it's a mere 6.2 kilometers (3.8 miles) to the summit, but don't let the short distance fool you. While the gradient is manageable, the real challenge is the elevation. At nearly 5,000 meters, your engine will be gasping for air, losing up to half its power! Expect a tightly hairpinned, bumpy gravel road that demands a 4x4 to handle the loose gravel and steep ramps leading to the LLAMA astronomical observatory. The gravel track can be treacherous. Impassable in winter due to snow, it can close anytime snow isn't cleared. Even a bit of rain turns the arid soil into a slippery trap. If heights aren't your thing, be warned: significant drop-offs and narrow sections with no barriers abound. Proper preparation is key. Ensure your vehicle's cooling system is top-notch, and consider bringing extra oxygen or taking it slow to avoid altitude sickness. The climate here is arid and cold, with highs ranging from 14°C to 21°C (57F to 70F). The real danger lurks in the freezing nights and midwinter extremes. Precipitation, mainly in the form of summer storms, can be sudden and violent. High winds are a constant, and the intense solar radiation at this altitude can quickly dehydrate you and your vehicle. But why brave all this? Because reaching Alto de Chorillos means reaching one of South America's most advanced scientific sites. The LLAMA observatory sits atop the peak thanks to the thin, dry atmosphere, perfect for radio-astronomy. Conquering this high-altitude desert is an exercise in self-sufficiency. There are no services, water, or help for miles, so pack recovery gear and emergency supplies before leaving RN51. Get ready for an off-road experience that's as thrilling as it is scary!
extremeCan you drive to Machu Picchu?
🇵🇪 Peru
So, you wanna hit up Machu Picchu? Buckle up, because the road there is an adventure in itself! We're talking about the Carretera a Machu Picchu, or as some call it, the Hiram Bingham Highway. This isn't your typical smooth ride, though. Imagine a totally unpaved, zigzagging road snaking its way up to the historic site. Only authorized vehicles are allowed, so hop on a bus in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). This little town, nestled at the foot of the mountain, is worth a visit, with hotels, restaurants, and natural hot springs (yep, that's where the name comes from!). The road climbs a solid 8.9km (5.53 miles) to Machu Picchu. Don't let the term "highway" fool you – it's more like a rollercoaster built into the side of a mountain. Expect a thrilling series of 14 hairpin turns that are super narrow and steep, with gradients hitting a maximum of 27%! Talk about a climb! It's definitely not for the faint of heart. Picture this: two buses meeting on one of these tight turns. One has to reverse uphill just to find a spot wide enough for them to squeeze past each other. You'll be gripping the armrest, but the views along the way are incredible. The road also crosses a bridge over the Vilcanota River. The Hiram Bingham Highway isn't just a road; it's an experience, a rite of passage before you even set foot in Machu Picchu. Get ready for a wild ride!
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!