The Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles

The Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles

Peru, south-america

Length

50 km

Elevation

5,206 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Caliz, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, is calling your name. This crazy-high mountain pass straddles the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces in Peru, clocking in at a staggering 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!) above sea level. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in Peru.

You'll find it nestled in the Cusco Region, way up in the southern highlands, practically breathing the same air as the snow-capped Quesso Queperina and the Quelccaya Glacier. Think stunning Cordillera Vilcanota range scenery!

Word of warning: winter here means game over. Snow makes it totally impassable. So, peep that weather forecast like your life depends on it (because, well, kinda!).

Road 1406 is the name, and unpaved is the game. This 50-kilometer (31-mile) stretch from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) to CU-125 Road is no Sunday drive. Expect gnarly drop-offs, super-skinny sections, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? Oxygen's thin up here, so pack your common sense and prep for potential AMS.

But hey, if you're up for the challenge, this north-to-south trek is an absolute must. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this planet has to offer.

Where is it?

The Road to Caliz Pass in the Andes: Be Ready to Make Room for Oncoming Vehicles is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.4586, -75.5746

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
50 km
Max Elevation
5,206 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-9.4586, -75.5746

Related Roads in south-america

Is the road from Balzas to Celendin paved?extreme

Is the road from Balzas to Celendin paved?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because the road from Balzas to Celendín in northern Peru is a wild one! This 35-mile stretch of Route 8B isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. Freshly paved and in great condition, it still throws over 200 curves your way, including 34 hairpin turns that’ll test your nerves. Forget about a relaxing cruise – this road climbs from 854m in Balzas to a lofty 2,643m in Celendín, packing in an elevation gain of 1,789m. Expect some serious gradients, with sections hitting a steep 7%! But here’s the kicker: sheer drops. We're talking about a 1000m drop on one side and a vertical cliff on the other. Seriously, at some corners, your back tire might be flirting with the void. If you’re scared of heights or landslides, maybe grab a bus. But if you're after adrenaline and breathtaking views of the valleys far below, this is your road. Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!

Walking on a busy highway: The unique experience of the Minhocao in Sao Paulomoderate

Walking on a busy highway: The unique experience of the Minhocao in Sao Paulo

🇧🇷 Brazil

Welcome to the Minhocão, São Paulo's CRAZY elevated highway turned urban playground! Originally built in 1970 to tame the city's wild traffic, this 3.4 km (2.1 miles) stretch of concrete cuts right through the heart of downtown. But here's the twist: it's not just for cars anymore! Picture this: every night from 8 PM to 6 AM, and all weekend long, the Minhocão transforms into a pedestrian and cyclist paradise. Seriously! This former speedway becomes a vibrant space where you can stroll, jog, bike, and soak in the unique urban vibes. Forget your typical park – this is an experience. Walking along this flat, paved path gives you a completely new perspective of São Paulo's architecture. And those vertical gardens painted on the surrounding buildings? Total eye-candy! It's more than just a walk; it's a social hub. Imagine food stalls, street art, and families hanging out where cars usually zoom by. The Minhocão is proof that you can turn grey infrastructure into something green and awesome. Sundays are especially buzzing! Expect music, pet parades, and a full-on "urban beach" atmosphere. Just remember, during the week, it's still a highway during the day, so plan your visit for the pedestrian-friendly times to experience the magic. It's a wild ride!

What are the highest roads in Argentina?hard

What are the highest roads in Argentina?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Argentina, the land of tango and stunning landscapes, also boasts some seriously high-altitude roads! We're talking about routes snaking through the Andes Mountains in western Argentina, a range that stretches for over 4,000 kilometers. Forget flat plains – we're climbing to some of the highest navigable roads on Earth, often over 4,700 meters (15,400 ft)! These aren’t your average paved highways, though. Expect rugged, unpaved tracks originally carved out for mining or to connect with Chile. So, get ready for a wild ride across challenging mountain passes, rewarded with views that’ll take your breath away (literally, the air is thin up there!). Prepare for an adventure on some of Argentina’s most demanding – and highest – roads!

Chagual-El Pallar Roadhard

Chagual-El Pallar Road

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising through the La Libertad Region and craving a serious adrenaline rush, you HAVE to check out the Chagual-El Pallar road. This beast clocks in at 104 km of pure, unadulterated mountain driving between the towns of Chagual and El Pallar. Think gravel under your tires, hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, and drop-offs that'll have you clinging to the steering wheel. A high clearance 2WD vehicle should be able to handle it just fine, so long as you take it slow and steady. This part of the 10C road ain't for the faint of heart! It's a seriously steep climb with hundreds of turns. We're talking a lung-busting 3.900m above sea level, so be prepared for that thin mountain air. Trust me, you might start feeling the altitude sickness around 2,500-2,800 meters! But hey, the views are killer, right?