The road to Abra Loncopata in Arequipa is pure adventure
Peru, south-america
128 km
5,100 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra Loncopata in the Arequipa region of Peru is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) above sea level – that's high! Nestled in the Reserva Cotahuasi, this unpaved beauty, also known as AR-105, stretches for 128 km (almost 80 miles) of pure, unadulterated, north-to-south Peruvian bliss, connecting Road 111 to Puica.
Prepare for some serious steepness! We’re talking gradients hitting 20% – your vehicle (and your lungs!) will definitely feel it. And the best part? You'll likely have this epic road all to yourself. Just be sure to pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, a warm jacket (altitude, remember!), and reliable GPS and maps are essential. Oh, and did I mention the scenery? Get ready for views that'll blow your mind! Seriously, this is a journey you won't soon forget.
Where is it?
The road to Abra Loncopata in Arequipa is pure adventure is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.8799, -74.7504
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 128 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,100 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -7.8799, -74.7504
Related Roads in south-america
extremeThe breathtaking road to Cerro La Gitana in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro La Gitana! This hidden gem sits way up high in the Coquimbo Region of Peru, scraping the sky at a whopping 4,696 meters (15,406 feet). We're talking serious altitude, making it one of Peru's loftiest routes! You'll find this beauty nestled near the Argentinian border in central Peru. Legend has it that the name comes from the mountain's shape and vibrant mineral colors, reminding locals of a gypsy's dress. Now, for the road itself: forget smooth asphalt, this is pure, unadulterated dirt-road action. Think mining road vibes, starting from Ruta 41 on the way to Agua Negra Pass. It’s only 9 km (5.59 miles), but don’t let the short distance fool you. Get ready for a white-knuckle drive with narrow stretches, crazy steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore! Because of the altitude, this road is typically only open during the summer months (December to April), but always check conditions, because snow can close it down. Be prepared for wind and serious cold! Reach the summit and BAM! You're rewarded with panoramic views of some of the Elqui range's most impressive peaks, like Cerro Tórtolas, Nevado de Olivares, Glaciar El Tapado, and Cerro Coquimbo. Trust me, the vistas are worth every bump and turn.
moderateA truck powered by solar energy sets altitude record: it has climbed a volcano in Chile
🇨🇱 Chile
Forget waiting for better batteries – check out this *solar-powered truck* that just conquered a volcano! Seriously, the Gebrüder Weiss Peak Evolution team took the Terren solar truck all the way up to 6,500 meters (that's over 21,000 feet!) on the Ojos de Salado volcano in Chile, the highest *active* volcano on the planet. This custom ride is based on an Aebi VT450 Transporter but kitted out with a solar-powered electric system designed by DPP Innovations. The cool part? They want to sell this as a retrofit kit for existing trucks. The Terren packs two Bosch electric motors cranking out a combined 320 horsepower and is linked to a special transmission that seriously boosts efficiency. It was running a 90 kWh battery pack (good for about 200 km of range while climbing), though the production kit is supposed to have a beefier 140 kWh battery. To make it to the top, the team had to get creative. They lightened the body with composites, added rear-wheel steering, slapped on some gnarly off-road tires, and even rigged up some hydraulic winches for extra grip. It's a wild build showcasing the power of innovation for eco-friendly adventures!
moderateJama Pass is an Andean road from Chile to Argentina
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Paso de Jama, an insane high-altitude pass perched way up at 14,051 feet! You'll find this border crossing connecting Jujuy, Argentina, with the super cool desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. This is the northernmost road linking these two countries, and it's your gateway to where Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina almost touch. We're talking about 100 miles from the Chilean border. You'll cruise through parts of Los Flamencos National Reserve before hitting San Pedro. Keep an eye out for trucks, too – it's a popular route for them heading to Chilean ports. The road's been paved since '05, so you can leave the off-roader at home. This baby's open year-round for all vehicles, but snow can sometimes close it down, so check ahead! Daytime temps can hit a balmy 86°F, but nights? They plunge, especially in winter – think freezing! And the wind? Let's just say it can get a little wild. Remember, you're in the Andes, cruising through a semi-desert at an average of 9,800 feet. Pack layers! And maybe skip that massive lunch before you head up – trust me, your stomach will thank you. You'll be rolling on Ruta 27 (CH-27) in Chile and National Route 52 in Argentina. Heads up, the Chilean side climbs even higher, topping out at 15,853 feet at Portezuelo Paranal. From Jujuy, it's mostly uphill to Jama (217 miles to be exact!). Once you conquer the pass, it’s still another 100 miles to San Pedro – but hey, it's downhill from there!
hardWhere is La Cumbre Choroni?
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, picture this: you're in Venezuela, about to tackle La Cumbre Choroni, a wild ride up to 1,611 meters (5,285 feet)! This mountain pass snakes through Aragua state, right in the heart of Henri Pittier National Park. The road, Carretera Maracay (also known as Via Choroni or Carretera Local 6), is paved—though with some concrete sections to keep things interesting. It's a throwback, originally built way back in the 1920s, but fully paved only by 1990. Get ready for 50 kilometers (32 miles) of twisty, narrow mountain road. You'll start in Maracay, the lively capital of Aragua, and wind your way north down to Puerto Colombia, one of Venezuela's best Caribbean beach getaways. Now, don't let the beautiful scenery fool you. This road is not for the faint of heart. Expect cracks in the road, random obstacles, and be on alert for floods and landslides, especially after rain. Seriously, it’s narrow, windy, and packed with hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. You'll be navigating cloud forests one minute and descending towards the sea the next. Even taxis bomb around blind corners like they’re auditioning for a stunt driving movie. Buckle up and keep your eyes on the road!