Abra Loncopata is an extreme high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.119m (16,795ft) above the sea level, located in Arequipa region in southwestern Peru. The road includes some 20% gradient sections. It's one of the highest mountain roads of the country.
The road to the pass, located in the Reserva Cotahuasi, is very steep and delightfully devoid of traffic. The surface is gravel. Due its unique location and the climb in elevation over thousands of feet, and passing through remote areas, it is important when driving in these conditions to be prepared. The road includes 20% gradient sections, pretty hard at the end. Don’t forget water, food, extra fuel, a warm jacket, a good GPS and maps. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls and landslides can occur anytime and can sometimes block some sections of the road, being extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice. It’s a climb amidst gorgeous scenery, in the route from Antabamba to Cotahuasi.
