Embalse La Laguna
Chile, south-america
N/A
3,180 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Ruta 41, the road to Embalse la Laguna in Chile's Coquimbo Region! We're talking seriously high altitude here – this epic reservoir sits at a cool 3,180 meters (that's 10,433 feet!).
Think rugged beauty because this is a gravel road all the way. You'll find it on the way to Paso de Agua Negra, the mountain pass that straddles the border with Argentina. A word of warning: this baby is only open during the summer months, so plan accordingly. Trust me, Ruta 41 isn't for the faint of heart! But the views? Totally worth it.
Where is it?
Embalse La Laguna is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -38.7876, -73.3955
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,180 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -38.7876, -73.3955
Related Roads in south-america
extremeThe road to Machu Picchu is pure adventure
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in the Urubamba Province of Peru, heading towards Machu Picchu, that legendary Inca site perched way up at 2,430m (almost 8,000ft). The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. This is the Carretera a Machu Picchu, or Hiram Bingham Highway, and it's not your average paved road. Nope, this one's all unpaved, a winding ribbon that climbs from Aguas Calientes (aka Machupicchu Town). It's a short 8.9km (5.5 miles) drive, but don't let that fool you! Inaugurated in 1948 and dedicated to Hiram Bingham, this road is starting to show its age and has had some close calls. Think landslides wiping out corners! It's a series of 14 hairpin turns, narrow, steep (hitting gradients of 27%!). Imagine buses having to reverse on a steep hill just to squeeze past each other. The scenery is stunning, carved into the Eastern Cordillera of Peru, and you'll cross the Vilcanota River along the way. You'll feel such relief at the end!
hardHow to get by car to Tequendama Falls?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, so you're in Colombia, right? About 30km outside of Bogotá in Cundinamarca, you absolutely HAVE to see Salto del Tequendama. This epic waterfall is 132m high, and legend says it was created by Bochica, a Muisca god, who struck the ground with his staff. Seriously impressive stuff! The road in – about 33.4km between El Colegio and El Charquito – is paved and mostly in good condition. But, heads up, it's super curvy! When it rains, or if there’s fog or a storm, it gets really hairy. Drive carefully! And speaking of hair-raising, check out the old Hotel del Salto near the falls. Back in the day, it was *the* place to stay, with stunning views of the waterfall. Unfortunately, the river got polluted, tourists stopped coming, and the hotel was abandoned in the 90s. It's now a museum but was once known for the many suicides that happened there. Rumor has it, the place is haunted. Definitely adds to the atmosphere, right? Only for the brave, I'd say. But even with the history, the scenery alone is worth the trip!
extremeSan Francisco de Mosca-Antapirca Road
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Carretera San Francisco de Mosca-Antapirca! Nestled high in the Pasco region of central Peru, this isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking a 10.9km gravel track that winds its way from San Francisco de Mosca (Huanuco) up to Antapirca (Pasco), never dipping below 2,000m above sea level! Think dramatic Andean scenery, but also think super steep climbs and a whopping 23 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Rain turns this road into a real challenge, so be prepared for potentially tricky conditions. The highest point hits a breathtaking 3,570m (11,712ft), so take it slow and steady. Oh, and did I mention the narrow sections and seriously exposed drop-offs? This is a road that demands respect and careful driving. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeHow to reach Cerro Azufrera de los Cuyanos by car?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up because Cerro Azufrera de los Cuyanos in Chile's Atacama Region is calling! Just a stone's throw from the Argentinian border, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the country, shooting you up to a dizzying 5,553m (18,218ft)! The journey kicks off somewhere around , leading to a climb of with a crazy 2,060-meter elevation gain. Picture yourself south of Cerro Piedra Parada, steadily ascending through the stark, beautiful, almost alien landscapes of the Atacama. But hold on tight! The road? Think rugged. Rocky, loose gravel, and near the top, a gauntlet of 13 hairpin turns that demand expert maneuvering. And watch out for those sharp volcanic rocks – they're hungry for tires! Seriously, leave your stock vehicle at home. High clearance, skid plates, and differential lockers aren't just recommended; they're mandatory. But the real kicker? The altitude. Over 5,500 meters, the air is thin, and things can get serious fast. Bring layers for brutally cold temperatures and winds that seem to never quit. This place is remote. We are talking majorly isolated. Be prepared for rapid weather changes and even snow, even in summer. This is a primitive, old mine track, reflecting its industrial past and is unmaintained. So load up on extra fuel, oxygen, cold-weather gear and be fully prepared for emergencies, because you won’t find any services or rescue teams out here. This isn't just a road; it's an adventure that demands respect.