Where is Abra Chonta Pass?

Where is Abra Chonta Pass?

Peru, south-america

Length

54 km

Elevation

4,875 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Abra Chonta! This bad boy is a high-altitude mountain pass nestled way up in the Huancavelica Region of Peru, clocking in at a whopping 4,875 meters (that's almost 16,000 feet!).

You'll find it east of , right in the heart of Peru, dividing the Huancavelica and Angaraes provinces.

Now, the road itself, HV115, is a mixed bag. You'll encounter both smooth paved sections and some rougher unpaved bits. The good news is, in dry conditions, most 2WD vehicles can handle it! If you're rolling in from Huancavelica, it’s a relatively gentle climb by Andes standards: a 54 km stretch with gradients of only 2-3%, and all on paved road!

The whole journey from Road 28D to Lircay spans about 63.4 km (or 39 miles) going west to east. Get ready for stunning, panoramic views and that crisp, thin mountain air! Just keep an eye out for changing road conditions, and you'll be golden.

Where is it?

Where is Abra Chonta Pass? is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -13.0760, -75.0270

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
54 km
Max Elevation
4,875 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-13.0760, -75.0270

Related Roads in south-america

Driving the high-altitude RN76 to Pircas Negras Passextreme

Driving the high-altitude RN76 to Pircas Negras Pass

🇦🇷 Argentina

Get ready for the ride of your life on National Route 76 (RN76) in La Rioja, Argentina! This 259 km (161-mile) stretch of pure adventure winds its way from Villa Unión to the Chilean border at the Pircas Negras Pass. Imagine yourself cruising through the Reserva Natural Laguna Brava, a protected haven of shimmering salt lakes and flocks of pink flamingos. As you climb higher and higher, the views become absolutely unreal – think Cerro Bonete (one of the Andes' tallest giants) and Cerro Veladero. This is a world of intense quiet, sparkling turquoise lagoons, and weather that keeps you on your toes. RN76 throws some serious challenges your way with two high-altitude passes that'll test your mettle. First up, the Portezuelo de Laguna Brava at 4,379m (14,366ft), your gateway to the high plateau. Then, brace yourself for Abra Cerro Veladero, hitting a staggering 4,483m (14,708ft)! These stretches are entirely unpaved and seriously demanding. Think loose gravel, crazy steep inclines, and thin air that'll leave you breathless. This isn't a drive to take lightly. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance and a solid plan. The weather here is no joke – winter brings snowfalls over 2 meters, shutting down Laguna Brava Provincial Park to private vehicles. Even in summer, keep an eye out for sudden storms that can trigger landslides or create icy patches. This is remote, so pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Altitude sickness is a real concern here, as you'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good chunk of the trip. Expect the 259 km drive from Villa Unión to take a full day. The terrain is rough, and you'll want to stop often to adjust to the altitude. While the road is mostly gravel, be prepared for slippery mud near the salt flats, even after a little rain. But trust me, the reward is HUGE: some of the most incredible landscapes in South America, culminating at the Pircas Negras Pass. Before you go, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and double-check the border crossing status, as it's only open during the summer months when the route is clear of snow.

Driving the unpaved road to Paso Sanchez in La Paz Departmentextreme

Driving the unpaved road to Paso Sanchez in La Paz Department

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to hear about Paso Sanchez in Bolivia. We're talking about a seriously sky-high mountain pass, sitting pretty at a whopping 4,792m (15,721ft) above sea level. Yeah, it’s one of the highest roads you'll find in the whole country! You'll find this beast south of the already insane Rhity Apacheta Pass, in the Franz Tamayo Province, chilling near the border with Peru, inside the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. Think remote and rugged. Now, let's be real: this road is NO joke. It’s 100% unpaved and throws EVERYTHING at you. We’re talking endless turns, super narrow spots, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Add in the fact that you're basically in the middle of nowhere, and you've got yourself a challenge. Trust me, you’ll need a 4x4 for this one. The scenery, though? Absolutely unreal. This whole adventure winds through the Apolobamba mountain range. The road stretches about 123km (76 miles) from south to north, connecting Ruta Nacional 16 near Villa Gral Pérez all the way to Cueara. Get ready for some views you won't forget!

The wild road to Huayunca doesn’t drop below 4.900m for 25kmeasy

The wild road to Huayunca doesn’t drop below 4.900m for 25km

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure awaits at Huayunca Pass! Perched way up in the Peruvian Andes, right where the Cusco and Apurimac regions meet, this beast hits a staggering 5,115 meters (16,781 feet). Yeah, you're gonna feel that altitude! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 25.1 km (15.59 mile) unpaved stretch kicking off from Abra Culipampa, heading east towards Abra Azuca. Think mind-blowing views in the Wansu range, especially on the initial climb. Seriously gorgeous! Heads up, though: The actual summit's a bit of a letdown. You've gotta check in at the Azuca silver mine (yep, at 5,000m!), and the views from the very top aren't the greatest. The descent isn't super scenic either. BUT that initial climb? Totally worth it. The road's generally in good shape, and the slopes aren't too crazy most of the way. Just make sure you're used to the altitude before you even think about tackling this one!

How to get by car to Alto de Chorillos?extreme

How 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!