How to Travel the Challenging 4x4 Road to Lagunas Cunta
Colombia, south-america
5.2 km
3,927 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure time! We're heading to Lagunas Cunta, a stunning string of five lagoons nestled high in Colombia's Santurbán páramo, specifically in the northeast of the Santander department.
Getting there is half the fun (and a bit of a challenge!). You'll need a 4x4 because the road is all unpaved – think rugged and bumpy. It's only 5.2 km (3.23 miles) from the unpaved road between Berlín and Vetas, Colombia's highest town, but packed with twelve hairpin turns and some seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients up to 11% in places!
Prepare to ascend! The road tops out at a breathtaking 3,927m (12,883ft). Up there, it's cold, and you're likely to encounter rain or thick fog, so layers are essential. Snowfall can happen, making the road impassable. Also, be aware you'll be passing through private property and need to pay a small toll to access the lagoons. Trust me; the views are worth it!
Where is it?
How to Travel the Challenging 4x4 Road to Lagunas Cunta is located in Colombia (south-america). Coordinates: 4.9125, -74.7373
Road Details
- Country
- Colombia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 5.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,927 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 4.9125, -74.7373
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is Abra Paves?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a wild ride for you in the Jujuy province of Argentina, south of Cuesta del Lipán–Abra Potrerillos, deep in the northern part of the country. We're talking about Abra Paves, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. Forget smooth tarmac – this baby is all unpaved, with rocks aplenty. It's not so much the steepness that'll get you (though it can hit 10%), but the sheer altitude, the crazy climate, and the middle-of-nowhere isolation. We're talking extreme oxygen deprivation here. Seriously, you need to take it slow and give your body time to adjust. The weather can change on a dime in this semi-arid Puna region, and the winds? They're strong enough to throw your vehicle around! And get this: it's remote. Like, really remote. No cell service, no emergency services. If your ride breaks down, you're on your own. That's why a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential for survival. So, how long is this epic journey? From the paved Ruta Provincial 52, it's about 13.57 km (8.43 mi) uphill, climbing . The average gradient is around 10%. But trust me, the views are worth it. Just be prepared for a challenge – this road is an adventure in every sense of the word!
extremeHow to get by car to Alto de Chorillos?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Deep in the rugged Salta Province of northwest Argentina awaits Alto de Chorillos, a high-altitude peak that'll leave you breathless (literally!). Situated in the heart of the Puna de Atacama, you'll feel like you've landed on another planet. The adventure kicks off from RN51, the iconic highway that connects Salta to Chile. From the junction, it's a mere 6.2 kilometers (3.8 miles) to the summit, but don't let the short distance fool you. While the gradient is manageable, the real challenge is the elevation. At nearly 5,000 meters, your engine will be gasping for air, losing up to half its power! Expect a tightly hairpinned, bumpy gravel road that demands a 4x4 to handle the loose gravel and steep ramps leading to the LLAMA astronomical observatory. The gravel track can be treacherous. Impassable in winter due to snow, it can close anytime snow isn't cleared. Even a bit of rain turns the arid soil into a slippery trap. If heights aren't your thing, be warned: significant drop-offs and narrow sections with no barriers abound. Proper preparation is key. Ensure your vehicle's cooling system is top-notch, and consider bringing extra oxygen or taking it slow to avoid altitude sickness. The climate here is arid and cold, with highs ranging from 14°C to 21°C (57F to 70F). The real danger lurks in the freezing nights and midwinter extremes. Precipitation, mainly in the form of summer storms, can be sudden and violent. High winds are a constant, and the intense solar radiation at this altitude can quickly dehydrate you and your vehicle. But why brave all this? Because reaching Alto de Chorillos means reaching one of South America's most advanced scientific sites. The LLAMA observatory sits atop the peak thanks to the thin, dry atmosphere, perfect for radio-astronomy. Conquering this high-altitude desert is an exercise in self-sufficiency. There are no services, water, or help for miles, so pack recovery gear and emergency supplies before leaving RN51. Get ready for an off-road experience that's as thrilling as it is scary!
hardPaso Guaitiquina
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up because Paso Guaitiquina in northern Chile's Antofagasta Region is a wild ride! We're talking serious altitude here—a whopping 4,451 meters (14,603 feet) above sea level. Fair warning: the air gets thin up there, and you might feel it! Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters, so pace yourself. The road, also known as B-357, is a gravel track that can get super muddy and slick when it rains. You'll definitely want a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle for this one, especially after a storm when it can be impassable. But if you're up for a challenge and rewarded by stunning Andes scenery, Paso Guaitiquina is an unforgettable experience!
extremeWhere does the road to Don Mario and Punta Pumacocha start and end?
🇵🇪 Peru
Ready for the ultimate Andean challenge? This 42km route punches through the heart of central Peru, connecting the Lima and Junin regions with some serious high-altitude thrills. We're talking two colossal passes and elevations pushing 5,000 meters! This isn't your Sunday drive. Think remote mining country, where the air is thin and the slopes are steep – a real test for both you and your rig. This epic traverse runs west to east, from the Laraos District to somewhere near Junin, carving through a landscape of jagged peaks, desolate plateaus, and valleys bursting with minerals. The first hurdle is the Don Mario Pass. Leaving the mine area behind, the road gets gnarly – unpaved and aggressively steep. Traction can be a nightmare, especially in wet conditions. After that initial climb, you'll cruise across a high plateau for a bit, but don't get too comfy. The altitude is already playing games, and your engine's gonna feel it. But the real fun starts as you climb toward Punta Pumacocha. The final stretch is brutal. The road becomes a gravelly, incredibly steep climb, averaging a gut-punching 10.5% grade in the last section. At this altitude, it’s simply savage on any vehicle. Expect your engine to be gasping and your low-range gearing to become your new best friend. And if you're not a fan of heights? Let's just say the drop-offs and narrow track will definitely test your nerve. Mining operations try to keep this route open, but the weather up here is wild. Even a little rain turns things into a muddy mess. Landslides, avalanches, and heavy snow can block the road without warning. Plus, frequent freezes on those steep slopes make things extra sketchy. And don't even think about skipping acclimatization – high-altitude sickness is a real risk. Before you leave, make sure you're packing extra fuel, emergency thermal gear and maybe some supplemental oxygen. You're gonna need it!