How long is the road from Chivay to Arequipa?
Peru, south-america
149 km
4,879 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, cruising from the charming mountain village of Chivay to the vibrant city of Arequipa. This isn't just any road trip; it's a 149km (93-mile) adventure through the heart of the Colca Valley! We're talking about a mix of roads 34A and AR-109.
Most of the route is paved, but be warned, the higher you climb, the rougher it gets. Still, it's not too bad, and since there isn't much traffic, it's a pretty relaxed drive, even with the altitude.
Speaking of altitude, get ready to climb! You'll reach a staggering 4,879m (16,007ft) above sea level, with views that'll blow your mind. Think sweeping landscapes dotted with vicuña, llamas, alpacas, and even Andean ducks. Seriously, the scenery alone makes this trip worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 149 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,879 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in south-america
moderateA truck powered by solar energy sets altitude record: it has climbed a volcano in Chile
🇨🇱 Chile
Forget waiting for better batteries – check out this *solar-powered truck* that just conquered a volcano! Seriously, the Gebrüder Weiss Peak Evolution team took the Terren solar truck all the way up to 6,500 meters (that's over 21,000 feet!) on the Ojos de Salado volcano in Chile, the highest *active* volcano on the planet. This custom ride is based on an Aebi VT450 Transporter but kitted out with a solar-powered electric system designed by DPP Innovations. The cool part? They want to sell this as a retrofit kit for existing trucks. The Terren packs two Bosch electric motors cranking out a combined 320 horsepower and is linked to a special transmission that seriously boosts efficiency. It was running a 90 kWh battery pack (good for about 200 km of range while climbing), though the production kit is supposed to have a beefier 140 kWh battery. To make it to the top, the team had to get creative. They lightened the body with composites, added rear-wheel steering, slapped on some gnarly off-road tires, and even rigged up some hydraulic winches for extra grip. It's a wild build showcasing the power of innovation for eco-friendly adventures!
hardWhere is Laguna Llancanelo located, and what is the road like?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Mendoza Province, Argentina, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Your destination? The incredible Laguna Llancanelo, a high-altitude saline lake chilling at over 4,000 feet in the Andean foothills. The route in is Ruta Provincial 186, a 54-mile stretch from the paved RN40 (south of Malargüe) to the unpaved RP180, near Agua Escondida. The road's mostly sandy, and while it's usually okay for a regular car if it's dry, be warned: rain turns this track into a muddy slip-n-slide! If it's been wet, you'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle the slick sections. Keep your speed under 40 mph. But trust me, the views are worth it! Llancanelo Lake is a designated wetland of international importance. We're talking flamingos galore and tons of other migratory birds hanging out in this unique ecosystem. It's remote, rugged, and totally unforgettable.
hardWhere is Cerro Sairécabur?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Cerro Sairécabur, perched on the Bolivia-Chile border, is not for the faint of heart! This volcano boasts one of the highest roads in South America, clawing its way up to a dizzying 5,541m (18,179ft). The adventure starts in the Antofagasta region (Chile) or the Potosí Department (Bolivia), twisting and turning up a rough, abandoned mining road that eventually peaks at an insane 5,753m (18,874ft)! Yep, you read that right - it's one of the highest roads on Earth. Be warned: this is strictly 4x4 territory. For about 19.5km (12.11 miles), you'll grind your way up, gaining a whopping 1,220 meters in elevation. Expect some serious inclines – up to 13% in places! The first section is manageable, but above 5,400m, even seasoned adventurers might find themselves pushing. What's at the top? Besides bragging rights, you'll find the Receiver Lab Telescope, a cutting-edge radio telescope. There's also a sulfur mine at 5,300m. Heads up: bring everything you need from San Pedro! Pack plenty of food and water, as local sources are supposedly contaminated. And be prepared for wind, cold, and a seriously challenging climb. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so acclimatize beforehand. The access road is unmarked and tricky to find, but trust me, the views (if you can breathe enough to enjoy them) are unreal.
hardHow Can I Get by Car to Salar de Maricunga in the Atacama Region?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: blindingly white salt flats shimmering under an intense sun. That’s Salar de Maricunga, sitting way up high in the Chilean Atacama at a lung-busting 3,700 meters (that’s over 12,000 feet!). You'll find this unreal landscape inside Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, way over on the eastern side of Chile. Be warned, this place is extreme. Think scorching days and freezing nights – the temperature swings are wild! But it's worth it. Imagine stark volcanic scenery meeting vibrant turquoise lagoons, home to unique wildlife. It’s a photographer's dream! The road in, Ruta 31-CH, is a bit of an adventure in itself. It's about 280 km (173 miles) of mostly gravel, connecting Copiapó to the Paso San Francisco border crossing with Argentina. You'll find some paved sections at the start and end, but the middle is all about that rugged off-road feel. Luckily, you don't necessarily need a 4x4 for this one, a 2wd car should usually do the trick! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.