Jatunchacua: Driving the high Paso Retrochero in the Peruvian Andes
Peru, south-america
26 km
4,833 m
extreme
Year-round
Crank up your adventure meter because Jatunchacua Pass, a.k.a. Paso Jatunchacua (or maybe Paso Retrochero, depending on who you ask!), is calling your name! Straddling the Lima and Pasco regions of Peru, this beast tops out at a breathless 4,833m (15,856ft). Yep, you're practically touching the sky!
Nestled in the Cordillera Negra, south of Huascarán National Park, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think desolate beauty, crazy weather, and a landscape that keeps you on your toes. The road itself? A masterpiece of engineering, clinging to the sides of jagged, mineral-rich mountains.
This 26 km (16.1 mile) stretch from Pampahuay to Bañadería is slow going, thanks to the rough, unpaved surface and the lack of oxygen. But trust me, the views are worth it. Picture stunning high-altitude lagoons mirroring dramatic rock formations—this is the "unknown" Andes at its finest.
You'll need a 4x4 with a low-range gearbox – seriously. This isn't a joyride for standard vehicles or newbies. The weather can flip from scorching sun to a blizzard in minutes, turning the gravel into a slippery nightmare.
The climb? Exceptionally steep, with ramps hitting a 14% gradient. Brace yourself for the summit's 10 hairpin turns carved into the mountainside. These switchbacks demand precision, as the drops are no joke, and guardrails are MIA.
Whether you call it Jatunchacua or Retrochero, the challenge is the same: a grueling ascent through the thin air of the Cordillera Negra. High-altitude sickness is real, and your vehicle will feel the strain. Pack extra fuel, respect the mountain, and prepare for an adventure you won't forget!
Where is it?
Jatunchacua: Driving the high Paso Retrochero in the Peruvian Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.8383, -75.8301
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 26 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,833 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.8383, -75.8301
Related Roads in south-america
extremeToromocho
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna experience something truly epic? Head to the Morococha District in Peru's Junín Region and tackle the road to Toromocho, a whopping 4,996 meters (that's 16,391 feet!) high. This isn't your average Sunday drive. It's an old gravel mine road that winds its way up to the Mina Toromocho, a working mine for molybdenum and silver. Think rugged terrain, steep climbs, and views that'll knock your socks off (if the altitude doesn't first). Speaking of altitude, this climb is no joke. We're talking serious Andean Highlands, thin air that'll test your lungs, and some seriously steep sections. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness and pack accordingly! Water, snacks, extra fuel, warm layers, and a reliable GPS are must-haves. Up top, expect harsh conditions: intense sun, howling winds, freezing temperatures. But the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. This is an adventure you won't soon forget!
hardAntenas de Entel (Jamp'aturi)
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Las Antenas de Entel in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This isn't just a road; it's a climb to the heavens, topping out at a staggering 4,937 meters (16,197 feet)! Tucked away in the Cordillera Real of the Andes, it's easily one of Bolivia's highest roads. Picture this: a gravel track winding its way skyward, relentlessly steep. Trust me, you'll feel the burn, and not just in your legs. The air gets thin up here, and altitude sickness is a real possibility, especially since most people start feeling it below 3,000 meters. As you approach the summit, prepare for seriously short oxygen supplies. This road is not for the faint of heart, and definitely not one to attempt in bad weather. But the views? Totally worth the challenge.
extremeCerro Capi
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Chile's Atacama Desert lurks Cerro Capi, a mountain reaching a sky-high 965 meters. Trust me, getting to the top – also called Cerro Las Antenas, thanks to all the communication towers up there – is no Sunday drive. We're talking a bone-jarring, 7-kilometer thrill ride up a gravelly, ridiculously steep path. Seriously, some sections hit a crazy 15% grade! This is strictly 4x4 territory, folks. Prepare for narrow passages, heart-stopping climbs, and views that'll make it all worth it. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road… if you can tear them away from the incredible scenery, that is.
hardWhere is Abra de Chorrillos?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Abra de Chorrillos! This high-altitude pass punches through the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northwest Argentina, topping out at a whopping 4,555 meters (14,944 feet)! Imagine yourself cruising along Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), mostly on unpaved roads, but totally doable in a regular car, *if* the weather's dry. You'll be tracing the path of an old, abandoned railway for much of the way, adding to the vintage vibe. Stretching nearly 58 kilometers (36 miles) from San Antonio de los Cobres to Olacapato, this route serves up some serious scenery. Think arid landscapes, shimmering salt flats, and the kind of wide-open spaces that make you feel truly small. The weather is a bit extreme, with daytime temps varying from 14°C to 21°C (57F to 70F). Nightime temperatures in midsummer go to 6°C (43F) and in midwinter to -8°C (18F). Expect the chance of rain exclusively in the summer. Prepare for a ride that's both challenging and breathtaking!