Is the Punta Olimpica Old Road unpaved?
Peru, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Ancash region of Peru, there's this insane old road near Punta Olimpica that'll have you clinging to the edge... literally! We're talking eastern-central Peru vibes, starting south of the main drag.
So, picture this: you're inching along this old road, but fair warning, it's blocked to cars these days. Think you can tackle it in a car? Think again: big rocks and massive potholes render it impassable. It's only suitable for bikes or hiking!
Now, elevation is no joke. You'll be gasping for air at roughly 4,735 meters above sea level, and be prepared for snow – it happens! Oh, and did I mention the *high* avalanche risk? Yeah, that's a thing.
It stretches for a respectable length and used to be *the* way before they built that famous Punta Olimpica Tunnel. Even though the road is no longer maintained, it still boasts unbelievable cliff views.
Seriously, this isn't for the faint of heart. One wrong move, and you might as well say goodbye to your tire! If you're a seasoned cyclist, maybe give it a whirl. If not, lace up those hiking boots and soak in the scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeLaguna Viscacha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Laguna Viscacha! This stunner of a high-altitude lake sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the Mariscal Nieto Province. We're talking a whopping 4,614 meters (that's 15,137 feet!) above sea level. The road up, known as 36A, is paved but don't let that fool you – it's a seriously steep climb. Pro tip: avoid it completely if the weather looks sketchy. This road has a reputation for sudden snowstorms and whiteout conditions, which can make driving seriously intense. The ascent is brutal, and the air gets thin FAST. Most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you get to the top, so be prepared. And near the summit? Oxygen is definitely optional!
extremeAbra Alpamarca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Central Peru, in Junín province, lies Abra Alpamarca, a mountain pass soaring to a staggering 15,456 feet (4,711m) above sea level. You'll find this beauty, the highest point on the road connecting Huayllay to Tanta, along route 20A, and be warned: it's a gravel road. This isn’t your average Sunday drive. Be prepared for a remote, high-altitude trek. After a rain shower, even a small one, the road can get pretty tricky. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities and can block the way, and icy patches can be super dangerous. Pack smart: water, food, extra fuel, warm layers, and reliable GPS with maps are must-haves. You'll likely share the road with mine trucks (there are a bunch of large mines nearby), though the closer you get to the pass, the quieter it gets. But hey, the reward is absolutely stunning scenery!
moderateWhere is La Virgen Pass?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
at an elevation of 4,071 m (13,356 ft) above sea level, located in Ecuador. Where is La Virgen Pass? The pass, also known as Pichincha and Napo Provinces , in the north-central part of the country, within the Parque Nacional Cayambe Coca Is the road through La Virgen Pass paved? The road through the pass is Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras How long is La Virgen Pass? The road through the pass is 85.3 km (53 miles) long west-east from Pifo to San Francisco de Borja Is La Virgen Pass worth it? Located on the road from Quito which leads into the , at the summit you can experience the stunning views of mountains and glaciers . The pass is home to a small chapel, known as Virgen del Paramo Papallacta . North of the pass, a defiant unpaved road climbs up to at an elevation of 4,350 m (14,271 ft) above sea level. How to get by car to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo? The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardVisviri Pass
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a border crossing that'll leave you breathless (literally!), Paso Visviri between Chile and Bolivia is calling your name. We're talking a lung-busting 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) above sea level – that's some serious altitude! Now, don't expect a smooth ride. This is a gravel road, and a relentlessly steep one at that. The air is thin, so be prepared to feel the effects of altitude sickness kicking in way before you reach the top. And if it's been raining? Mud and slippery conditions will be your new best friends (or worst enemies, depending on your driving skills!). Just a heads up – the border crossing is only open between 8 am and 10 pm, so time your trip accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable journey, the road up to Curiquinca Volcano will have you on the edge of your seat.