Driving a great paved road to Abra Pirhuayani in the Andes
Abra Pirhuayani is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,725m (15,501 ft) above sea level, located in the Quispicanchi Province of Peru. The pass is higher than any mountain in the lower 48 states of the US.
Where is Abra Pirhuayani?
Located in the southern part of the country, at the summit, you will be very close to both the Mount Cayambe and Colque Cruz glaciers. At the summit, there’s a small bar/restaurant, a church and a parking lot. Despite being almost on the equator, there are year-round glaciers on these mountains.
Is the road to Abra Pirhuayani paved?
The road to the summit is called 30C Road. It was recently paved, and the views at the summit are amazing. The pass road is 46km (28 miles) long, running west-east from Mahuayani to Marcapata. In some sections, the speed limit is 20kph. The climb is not easy, with countless hairpin turns and steep parts.
How long is the road to Abra Pirhuayani?
Set high in the Andes of Peru, this is the highest point of the Interoceanic Highway, with snowy peaks on the horizon towering over 5,500m.