Driving the high altitude road 670 to Abra Achallaque
Abra Achallaque is a massive mountain crossing that reaches a staggering 4,962 meters above sea level, sitting on the high-altitude boundary between the Cusco and Arequipa regions in southern Peru. This is a journey through a desolate, mineral world where the sky feels close and the air is painfully thin. The road, known as Carretera 670, is a raw Andean track that pushes both drivers and engines to their absolute limit in one of the most remote corners of the country.
| Road facts: Abra Achallaque | |
|---|---|
| Location | Cusco-Arequipa border, Peru |
| Elevation | 4,962m (16,279ft) |
| Road Name | Carretera 670 |
| Length | 44 km (27.3 miles) |
Where is Abra Achallaque located?
The pass is tucked away in the southern highlands of Peru, marking the physical divide between the departments of Cusco and Arequipa. This is "puna" territory, a high-altitude plateau where the landscape is stripped of almost all vegetation. Driving through Abra Achallaque means navigating through a labyrinth of mountains far from any major urban centers. The isolation here is total; if you have a breakdown or get stuck, you are hours away from the nearest help, surrounded only by the silence of the high Andes and the occasional herd of vicuñas.
Is the road through Abra Achallaque unpaved?
Yes, the Carretera 670 is entirely unpaved. While the surface is generally in decent condition for a high-altitude track, it consists mainly of loose gravel, dirt, and sharp volcanic stones. As seen on the ground, the road is wide enough in most sections, but the lack of asphalt means that the state of the path depends entirely on the latest weather. Heavy Andean rains or sudden snowfalls can turn the "decent condition" into a muddy trap or wash out entire sections near the small bridges and drainage pipes. You need a high-clearance 4x4 to handle the ruts and the rocky steps that appear as you approach the 4,962m summit.
How long is the road through Abra Achallaque?
The journey spans 44 kilometers, running north-south from the settlement of Callanca to the mining area of Caylloma. It is a grueling trip that will take much longer than the distance suggests due to the extreme altitude. At nearly 5,000 meters, your engine will lose about 50% of its power, making every incline feel twice as steep. Keep a close eye on your cooling system, as the thin air is less efficient at dissipating heat while you grind up the pass in low gears. On the descent, stay in a low gear and let engine braking control your speed; if you ride the brakes on these long, loose slopes, you will glaze your pads long before you reach Caylloma. Carrying extra fuel, oxygen, and full-sized spare tires is mandatory for anyone attempting this route.