
Driving the 200 curves and hairpin turns on the road from Cincha to Huanca
Peru, south-america
43.9 km
2,500 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure-seekers, let's talk about the Cincha-Huanca road in the Peruvian Andes! This beauty is a real high-altitude trek, never dipping below 2,500m, so get ready for some thin air.
Starting in Cincha and winding north to Huanca, this 43.9km stretch is no Sunday drive. We're talking over 200 curves, including some seriously tight hairpin turns to test your skills. The highest point? Abra de Rumualdo, clocking in at a cool 3,434m.
Keep in mind the road quality changes as you go. It starts paved in Cincha, narrows to a single lane, and eventually becomes a gravel track. But the views? Absolutely worth it. Just be prepared for a rough and tumble ride through some stunning southern Peruvian landscapes.
Where is it?
Driving the 200 curves and hairpin turns on the road from Cincha to Huanca is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.1785, -73.2993
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 43.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,500 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -8.1785, -73.2993
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhy is Termas Valle de Colina famous?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, itching for an adventure, and someone whispers about natural hot springs nestled high in the Andes. That's Termas Valle de Colina, sitting pretty at 2,500 meters! Getting there is half the fun. You'll cruise from Santiago for about 76 kilometers (almost 50 miles!) towards Argentina, following Camino Al Volcán (Ruta G-25). The road hugs a river, snaking its way deeper and deeper into the mountains. It's paved at first, but don't get too comfy. The last 10 kilometers are rocky, unpaved, and begging for a 4x4. Seriously, leave the sedan at home. Expect some steep sections! Once you arrive, it's a short 3-kilometer hike to a killer viewpoint of the San José Volcano. But the real reward? Nine natural thermal pools, terraced down the mountainside, with water temps hitting up to 50°C. Imagine soaking in those mineral-rich waters with snow-capped peaks all around – bliss! Word to the wise: check the weather. Even in summer, it can get chilly up there, especially at night. The weather can change fast, from sunny skies to misty rain, or even snow. In winter, the road's usually closed, so plan accordingly. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience!
extremeWhere is the road to Portezuelo Sairécabur?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're blazing a trail northeast of San Pedro de Atacama, right on the knife's edge of the Chilean/Bolivian border. You're heading to Portezuelo Sairécabur, an old, forgotten mining route punching way up into the Andes. Seriously, this isn't your Sunday drive—it's a raw, off-road odyssey into one of the most desolate corners of South America. This "road," officially the B-221, kicks off near Laguna del Inca o del Portillo, but don't expect pavement. Think loose gravel, deep sand, and gnarly volcanic rock. This is 4x4 territory, no question. We're talking a relentless climb, averaging around a 7% gradient, that’ll have your engine screaming for mercy thanks to the thin air. Oh, and did I mention the 15 super-tight hairpin turns? One wrong move in that loose sand, and you're stuck. Be ready for the "road" to vanish under fresh snow or shifting dunes at any moment. And the altitude? Whoa, buddy, it’s a killer. We're talking 5,541 meters (18,179 feet)! Seriously, you NEED to acclimatize in San Pedro before even thinking about this. Otherwise, altitude sickness can ruin your trip – or worse. Expect to move in slow motion as the air robs you of energy, and your brain feels like it’s wading through peanut butter. Plus, your engine is going to lose a ton of power, so low gear and a super-chill driving style are your best friends. The weather? Forget about it. Harsh doesn't even begin to cover it. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're getting hammered by a blizzard. It's almost always windy and freezing, even in summer. Summit temps? Rarely above zero. So, check the forecast, but pack for Armageddon: thermal gear, emergency blankets, and enough fuel to keep your heater blasting if you get stranded. Bottom line: Portezuelo Sairécabur is an epic adventure, but respect the mountain, and come prepared.
moderateWhere is Ruta Provincial 26?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the heart of Argentina, ready for an off-road adventure. That's where you'll find Ruta Provincial 26! This isn't your everyday smooth highway – we're talking a full-on, 86-mile dirt track. Don't let that scare you, though; it's generally well-maintained. This rough-and-tumble shortcut links a couple of key spots in the Puna Jujeña region. But a word of caution: the Cuesta del Farallon section is strictly for seasoned pros with serious off-road skills! Get ready for a bumpy ride and unbelievable scenery – this road is a real test, but the views are totally worth it.
hardPaso Cacanapunta
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a beast of a pass in Peru? I'm talking about Cacanapunta Pass, chilling way up high in the Ancash Region at a staggering 13,654 feet! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta shaking. Winter? Forget about it – impassable. This one's for the seasoned off-roaders. If you're not comfy on unpaved mountain roads, maybe grab a postcard instead. But hold on, because the reward is HUGE! Picture this: insane, wide-open views of the wild Huayhuash mountains. Seriously breathtaking. 4x4 highly recommended, and if heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one too. It's STEEP. And when it's wet? Muddy mayhem! Heads up: you're climbing high, so take it easy. The air gets thin, and you'll feel it. Most people start feeling the altitude around 8,200-9,200 feet, and up here near the top, oxygen is scarce. But you know what? It's SO worth it. You'll be straddling the South American Continental Divide, with views of snow-capped peaks like Ninashancaa and Rondoy, plus the stunning Pucacocha Lake. Unforgettable!