Driving the road from Celendin to Yerbabuena: absolutely no room for mistakes
Peru, south-america
163 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because the Celendín-Yerbabuena Highway in Cajamarca, Peru is a WILD ride! Picture this: 163 km (101 miles) of perfectly paved road snaking between the towns of Celendín and Yerbabuena, which sounds idyllic, right? Wrong!
This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We’re talking seriously narrow stretches with a sheer 1,000-meter drop on one side and a towering rock face on the other. Seriously, you’ll be gripping the wheel so hard your knuckles will turn white.
The road’s in great condition, thankfully, but those corners! Imagine feeling like one of your tires is flirting with the edge as you navigate over 500 hairpin turns. Talk about stunning views – you’ll be gazing at incredible mountains the entire time. But be warned, if you’re afraid of heights, this might be your personal hell, with hundred-meter drops and zero guardrails in many places. It's an unforgettable – and slightly terrifying – adventure!
Where is it?
Driving the road from Celendin to Yerbabuena: absolutely no room for mistakes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.5707, -74.3935
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 163 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -10.5707, -74.3935
Related Roads in south-america
extremeIs the unpaved road to Abra Mañazo in Peru difficult to drive?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Mañazo! This high-altitude pass in southern Peru's Puno Province sits at a whopping 4,518m (14,822ft). Get ready for a wild ride across some seriously desolate Andean scenery. Picture this: you're cruising (and I use that term loosely!) through a vast plateau surrounded by rugged, rocky peaks. Don't let the "Panamericana" label fool you; this is a raw, unpaved mountain track that will test your mettle. You're more likely to spot alpacas than other vehicles as you traverse the heart of the Altiplano. Speaking of vehicles, you'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this 55.2 km (34.29 miles) stretch from Mañazo to the 34C junction. The gradient's not too crazy at around 2%, but the road surface is rough and ready to change for the worse in a heartbeat. The real kicker? Significant drop-offs with zero safety barriers. Yep, it's just you, your tires, and some seriously deep ravines. Extra caution is a MUST, especially when it's wet and the gravel turns treacherous. But hey, the views! Think sweeping vistas of the Andes, plus the stunning Laguna La Calzada and Laguna Maquera – high-altitude lakes teeming with birdlife. Abra Mañazo is a quiet, desolate drive that will give you a taste of the real Peruvian highlands. Just be warned: if heights aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out!
moderatePuente Las Corrientes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Araucanía Region of southern Chile when BAM! You stumble upon Puente Las Corrientes. Seriously, this wooden bridge is a total showstopper. Stretching 43 meters over the Rehue River, this isn't your average shortcut. Keep in mind, though, it's a wooden structure, so there's a 15-ton weight limit. You'll find it on the gravel R-264 road, where a scenic paved road takes you to Laguna Miscanti. Trust me, the views are worth it! It's a bit of an adventure, but unforgettable.
hardTravelling through Huahum Pass, one of the lowest passes of the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Paso Huahum! This Andean beauty straddles the border between Chile and Argentina, clocking in at a cool 625 meters (2,051 feet). It's one of the lower crossings in the southern Andes, making it a pretty accessible option. Also known as Paso Pirihueico, this route connects San Martín de los Andes (Argentina) and Panguipulli (Chile). You'll be cruising Ruta CH-203 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 48 on the Argentinian side. Heads up: both are gravel roads! Expect it to be rocky and steep on the Chilean side. To reach the pass from Chile, you’ll need to hop on a ferry across Lake Pirihueico. The Hua Hum ferry makes daily trips between Puerto Fuy and Puerto Pirihueico, and the ride itself is a scenic 1.5-hour mini-adventure. This pass is the main route from Chile's Los Ríos Region into Argentina's Neuquén Province. And the best part? It stays open year-round, so snow won't stop you!
moderateThe Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Ecuadorian Andes, in the province of Chimborazo, lies Refugio Edward Whymper, a mountain hut chilling at a staggering 4,855m (15,928ft). Seriously, it's one of the highest points you can drive to in Ecuador! Perched high in the Cordillera Occidental, this refuge – also known as Carrel Brothers Refuge – is your basecamp for tackling Chimborazo, that massive stratovolcano towering at 6,263m. Fun fact: its summit is actually the furthest point from the Earth's core. Whoa! Getting to this surprisingly well-maintained mountain hut is an adventure in itself. The road is unpaved, but usually in decent shape. You'll need a 4WD with good clearance to handle the steep 7.2 km (4.47 miles). Don't underestimate the altitude – your engine will feel the burn as you climb 485 meters, averaging a 6.73% gradient. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before you go. Mist and fog can roll in quickly, so keep your eyes peeled. But the views? Absolutely epic. Just imagine the bragging rights when you make it to that parking lot!