How to Get by Car to Laguna Canchiscocha, Laguna Fudococha, and Laguna Tayacocha in the Cordillera Negra?
Peru, south-america
8.9 km
4,561 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a seriously epic road for you: the route to Laguna Canchiscocha, Laguna Fudococha, and Laguna Tayacocha in Peru's Yungay Province. Nestled way up in the Ancash Region, in the Huaylas Valley, this trio of high-mountain lagoons is worth the trek, but be warned: it's not for the faint of heart!
The road is a beast – unpaved, rocky, and clinging to the side of the Cordillera Negra range with zero guardrails. Think serious drop-offs and a few hairpin turns right at the end to keep you on your toes. You'll top out at a staggering 4,561m (14,963ft), so keep an eye on the weather, as fog is a frequent visitor.
This is seriously remote, so rally your crew. You'll need a 4x4 for this one; anything less just won't cut it. Starting from Abra Tsactsapunta, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 4,472m (14,671ft), you've got a wild 8.9 km (5.5 miles) to go. Trust me, the views of those lagoons at the end make it all worthwhile!
Where is it?
How to Get by Car to Laguna Canchiscocha, Laguna Fudococha, and Laguna Tayacocha in the Cordillera Negra? is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -12.6370, -75.6016
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 8.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,561 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -12.6370, -75.6016
Related Roads in south-america
moderateSalar del Hombre Muerto
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in northwest Argentina, Catamarca province, standing on a salt flat called Salar del Hombre Muerto. We're talking serious altitude here, like 13,123 feet above sea level! The road in, RP43, is a gravel track, so a 4x4 is definitely recommended. This place is famous for its lithium-rich brine (yep, that stuff in your phone battery!), but be warned, if it's wet, that road can turn into a muddy mess. Heading south, the road gets a bit rougher as you climb towards Antofagasta. Expect plenty of sandy and corrugated sections – it's hard work! If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Heights bother you? Steer clear! The southern part of the road is usually in better shape though, so there's that. Get ready for some incredible scenery and a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure!
extremeAbra de Viscos
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de Viscos in the Arequipa region of Peru is calling your name! We're talking about a serious high-altitude experience here, topping out at a whopping 4,695 meters (15,403 feet)! Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is mostly gravel, and after a bit of rain, things can get tricky. Think potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides that can block the way. Plus, watch out for those icy patches – they can be sneaky! This climb is long, so make sure you're prepped for those conditions, because you're heading into some seriously remote territory. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You're climbing out of one of the deepest canyons on the planet, and the scenery is mind-blowing. As you ascend, keep an eye out for Solimana mountain – the views are incredible once you crest the Cotahuasi valley. And near the top of the pass, you'll catch a glimpse of the majestic Coropuna. The road itself isn't too steep, and the surface is usually in pretty good shape (either gravel or tarmac), so you can relax and soak it all in. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeTejos Refuge is one of the highest roads of South America
🇨🇱 Chile
# Refugio Tejos: The Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Tucked away in Chile's Copiapó Province at a jaw-dropping 5,800m (19,000ft), Refugio Tejos isn't just a mountain hut—it's one of the world's highest motorable destinations. Perched in the Atacama region near the Argentine border, this legendary pit stop serves climbers tackling Ojos del Salado, the Andes' most impressive peak and the planet's tallest volcano. The hut itself is pretty humble: an L-shaped structure with six beds, a gear room, and a poignant history. A Chilean mining company left it behind as a memorial to a helicopter pilot who lost his life in these brutal mountains. Getting here? That's where things get serious. The unpaved road is absolutely relentless—steep, rocky, and unforgiving. Only experienced 4x4 drivers should even attempt it. The terrain climbs to rank among South America's highest roads, and those vertical cliff faces hundreds of meters high? Yeah, they're real, and they're terrifying. One wrong move and you're staring into dizzying valleys below. Weather up here doesn't play nice either. Even in summer, sudden snowstorms can materialize out of nowhere, with temperatures plummeting without warning. Wind is your enemy too—gusts can be genuinely dangerous given the exposed cliff edges and minimal margin for error. This isn't a scenic Sunday drive. Refugio Tejos demands respect, skill, and nerves of steel. But if you're a true adventure seeker? It's unforgettable.
hardA memorable road trip to Alto de Pasa
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just found another killer Andean climb for your bucket list: Alto de Pasa in Ecuador’s Tungurahua province! We're talking seriously high altitude here, topping out at 4,123 meters (that's over 13,500 feet!). This isn't your Sunday drive. The 8.5-kilometer (5.28-mile) route from Tiliví is a completely unpaved, super steep climb. I'm talking gradients hitting 11% in places! If it's been raining, expect mud...lots of it. The payoff? Incredible central Andean valley views and you'll end up at the pristine Embalse Chiquiurco, a high-altitude reservoir. Get ready for an unforgettable trek, people!