A hairy paved road to Anticona Pass in the Andes

Abra Anticona is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,824m (15,826ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between the Lima and Junin regions of Peru. The pass is incorrectly said to be the highest paved road in South America.

Abra Anticona

Can you drive to Abra Anticona?

Located high in the Cordillera Central of the Peruvian Andes, the road to the summit is completely paved. It is known as Carretera Central (Ruta 22). At the summit, there is a small bar and a parking lot.

How long is the Abra Anticona?

The pass is 37.4 km (23 miles) long, running west to east from Casapalca to the JU-102 road.

How challenging is the road to Abra Anticona?

This treacherous drive winds through the Andes and features bends that will make you pray, wild llamas darting out of the scenery, and mountains prone to landslides. The drive is steep and filled with countless turns. The road is heavily congested with trucks and coaches. It poses a significant risk for cyclists, so it's best to avoid it altogether. Expect extreme weather conditions.

How long does it take to drive through Abra Anticona?

Plan about 1 hour to complete the drive. The summit, also known as Ticlio Pass and Nevado de Ticlio, marks the Continental Divide of South America, between the Pacific and Atlantic drainage basins.

 

 

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