The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Chimboya Pass
Peru, south-america
N/A
5,114 m
extreme
Year-round
Abra Chimboya is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.114m (16,778ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between the regions of Cusco and Puno, in Peru. It’s
one of the highest roads of the country.
Set high in the Cordillera de Vilcanota range, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called CU-125. 4×4 vehicle required. Remember this is a mountainous area, climbing up a high mountain, with a notorius absence of oxygen. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor. The road is steep and runs from Santa Barbara to Corani, Fog, snow and cold are common.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez
https://skyhighandes.com/first-ascent-and-explorations-in-the-remote-north-eastern-cordillera-vilcanota/
Abra Llamaorgo: Driving one of the highest mountain passes in Peru
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Where is it?
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Chimboya Pass is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.1649, -75.7443
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,114 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.1649, -75.7443
Related Roads in south-america
extremeRoad LI-117
🇵🇪 Peru
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hardThe road to Portezuelo Paranal in the Andes will take your breath away
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Portezuelo Paranal! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a whopping 4,832m (15,853ft) in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, practically spitting distance from Argentina. You'll find it nestled in the Andes, way up in the northeastern corner of the country. The road is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but don't get complacent! At this elevation, you're playing in thin air in a Mars-like landscape—totally barren but strangely beautiful. The whole route is a 156.19 km (97.05 mi) stretch from San Pedro de Atacama to the Argentinian border. It was opened on December 6, 1991 and has been paved since 2005. Expect intense sun (sunglasses are a must!), crazy winds, and next to zero civilization. We’re talking up to 160 km (100 mi) to the nearest gas station. Phone signal? Forget about it. Pack water, spare tires (at least two!), and your wits. And while it is paved, keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections, reaching a maximum gradient of 12.6%. The drive itself can be a bit monotonous because it is a long straight road with the same scenery. Located in Los Flamencos National Reserve, it is open year-round but can be closed due to snow. The best views? Definitely on the way down. So, get ready for an unforgettable, if slightly surreal, ride across the Chilean high desert!
extremeAlto de Chorillos: Driving to 4,806m in the Argentine Puna
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to the wild, wild northwest of Argentina, to Salta province, where the Alto de Chorillos peak awaits. At a mind-blowing 4,806m (that's 15,767ft!), you'll feel like you've landed on another planet – seriously, the Puna de Atacama desert is *out there*. Your trek starts from the main RN51 highway (can't miss it!). From there, it's a 6.2km (3.8-mile) scramble to the top. The road's gradient is manageable, but the altitude? That's the real beast. Expect your engine to lose some serious oomph up here! This is a gravel road, all tight switchbacks and sneaky loose patches, so a 4x4 is essential for tackling those ramps leading to the LLAMA astronomical observatory. Speaking of beasts, this road can be a real monster, especially when winter snow hits. It's often impassable and can close anytime the snow gets too deep. Even a bit of rain can turn the dry ground into a muddy trap! And if you're not a fan of heights, be warned: sheer drops and narrow sections with zero barriers will test your nerve. Prep is KEY! Ensure your cooling system is tip-top, and pack extra oxygen, because altitude sickness (soroche) is no joke. The climate up here in the Puna is harsh. Temperatures range from mild to…well, freezing. Expect highs in the teens (Celsius), but be aware that nights (and midwinter) can drop to well below zero. Rain usually comes in summer, often in sudden, dramatic bursts. Oh, and did I mention the constant wind and intense sun? Pack water, lots of it, and make sure your vehicle's fluids are topped up. The payoff? Besides bragging rights, you'll reach one of South America's coolest scientific spots. The LLAMA observatory is perched up here because the air is so dry and thin, making for crystal-clear stargazing. Getting to the top is a true test of self-reliance. There are no services, no water, no help for miles! Pack your recovery gear and emergency supplies, and get ready for an unforgettable ride.
moderateAbra Turpo
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I just tackled Abra Turpo, a sky-high mountain pass way up in the Huancavelica Province of Peru, and let me tell you, it's breathtaking... literally! We're talking 4,798 meters (15,741 feet) above sea level. The road, known as Carretera 110, winds between Turpo and Acobambilla and it's mostly gravel. You won't find much traffic, and the slopes are pretty manageable. Think of it as a fantastic off-road experience if you know what you're doing. Definitely need a 4x4 for this one, and if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing a lot of them. And if it's been raining, expect a muddy challenge. Oh, and get this: for a solid 25 kilometers of the way towards Huayunca, you're basically floating above 4,900 meters! The views? Absolutely insane. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!