
Laguna Jalcuy
Peru, south-america
10 km
4,925 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, high in the Andes, about to tackle a wild gravel road up to Laguna Jalcuy, a stunning lagoon straddling the Lima and Pasco regions at a dizzying 16,158 feet!
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 6.2-mile climb with 13 hairpin turns that'll test your nerves. You'll gain over 1,000 feet in elevation, averaging a 3.26% gradient. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The challenge? Very real.
Keep in mind that the weather here can change in a heartbeat. Extreme weather is normal. And with that altitude, those winds can be brutal. Plus, you'll be navigating through Infiernillo Canyon, which is no walk in the park. This road demands respect, but the reward – that incredible lagoon view – is worth every white-knuckle moment!
Where is it?
Laguna Jalcuy is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.0653, -73.9471
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 10 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,925 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.0653, -73.9471
Related Roads in south-america
moderateKahuish Tunnel is one of the world's highest tunnels
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes in the Ancash region, right? Boom! You hit the Tunel de Kahuish, a mind-blowing tunnel at a whopping 14,816 feet above sea level. Seriously, this place is HIGH! You'll find it nestled in Huascarán National Park, surrounded by the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Oh, and don't miss the giant Christ statue (Cristo Blanco) watching over the valley just past the tunnel – photo op alert! Fun fact: they started building this tunnel way back in 1927, and it was a tough job, with lots of dynamite and a few accidents. But hey, they finished it in 1941, and gave it a makeover in 2007. You'll drive it on the AN-110 road connecting Huaraz and Chavin. This tunnel basically cuts through the Cordillera Blanca, taking you from the Santa River valley to the Marañon valley. The west side of the road is smooth sailing on pavement, but watch out – the east side gets a little rougher with mostly unpaved sections. The tunnel itself is pretty long at around 1,587 feet, and it's pitch black inside, so be prepared! It's the highest point on the main road, and there's no way around it, so cyclists, you're going through! Get ready for an unforgettable Andean adventure!
hardLaguna del Inca o del Portillo
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up into the Chilean Andes, near the Argentina border, on Ruta 60. This isn't just any drive; you're headed to Laguna del Inca (or del Portillo, if you prefer), a stunning lake shimmering at a cool 9,360 feet above sea level. The road itself? Paved, but hold on tight! It's a steep climb with hairpin turns galore that'll test your driving skills. Weather is a serious factor here. We're talking potential -30°C in winter, so definitely check conditions before you go. But trust me, the views are worth it. The stark mountain scenery reflecting in the lake's surface is something you won't soon forget!
extremeOswaldo Cruz Highway: 1st gear all the way down
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about the Rodovia Oswaldo Cruz in Brazil! This isn't just any road; it's a wild 91km (56 miles) ride through the stunning Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar in São Paulo. Picture this: you're cruising from Taubaté in the Paraíba Valley to the coastal paradise of Ubatuba. SP-125, completed in 1976, isn't for the faint of heart. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs – think first gear practically the whole way! You'll also be navigating hairpin turns that'll put your driving skills to the test. Make sure your car is in tip-top shape, especially the brakes and tires, because you'll need them! But hey, with views like this, it's totally worth it!
moderateThe Wild Road to Cerro Galan in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventurers, listen up! You NEED to add Cerro Galán in Argentina to your bucket list. Picture this: you're in the wild, remote Catamarca Province, practically spitting distance from Salta, ready to tackle one of the world's biggest volcanic calderas. First thing's first: leave your low-rider at home! This ain't no Sunday drive. We're talking 80km (50 miles) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved road starting from El Peñón. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously. Also, check the width of your vehicle, some parts get a bit tight. The altitude? A cool 4,964m (16,286ft). Translation: breathtaking views, thin air. And speaking of breathtaking, this is NOT the place to go rogue. Seriously, hook up with a guide through the local tourist office. Trust me on this one. You do NOT want to get lost out here. But the scenery? Totally worth it.