Laguna Jochauma
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,947 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just discovered Laguna Jochauma, a super-remote lagoon chilling way up at 4,947 meters (that's over 16,000 feet!) in the Arequipa Region of Peru.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking deep into the Andes, in the Wansu range. The road? Let's just say "unpaved" is an understatement. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this trek.
Fair warning: winter can make the whole thing impassable. And even when it's not winter, be prepared for some serious weather. The altitude, combined with strong winds and crazy-fast weather changes, can be brutal. Seriously, if you've got any kind of heart or breathing issues, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for a true off-the-beaten-path experience with views that'll blow your mind (and maybe your hat off!), Laguna Jochauma is calling your name.
Where is it?
Laguna Jochauma is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.6869, -74.8164
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,947 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -10.6869, -74.8164
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow to get by car to Abra Condorillo?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a spot for you in Peru that'll blow your mind: Abra Condorillo! This high mountain pass sits way up high in the Arequipa region, clocking in at a staggering 4,993m (16,381ft) above sea level. You'll find it chilling north of Abra Arcata in the Condesuyos province, nestled within the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve. The whole area is pretty remote. The road itself? It's a 57km (35 miles) unpaved gem called AR-611, starting near Arcata. Think dramatic, multi-colored hills and a serious sense of isolation. Heads up, though: once you pass the Arcata gold and silver mine (around 4,700m), there's a seriously steep kilometer stretch, and you'll encounter some sandy sections and hairpin turns that demand your full attention. You even drive through a working mine at one point! But hang in there, because the climb to the summit gets gentler, and the views…oh, the views! They are absolutely epic, and the descent into the valley on the other side? Pure magic.
hardIs the Punta Olimpica Old Road unpaved?
🇵🇪 Peru
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.
moderateDriving through the defiant road to Laguna Margarita
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for a wild ride on the Carretera a Laguna Margarita in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll kick things off from Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego, and from there you'll cover about 20km of pure, unadulterated gravel road. Expect it rough, narrow, and potentially impassable after a good rain. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? As you bump along, keep your eyes peeled for stunning views of Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano, and the road culminates at the beautiful Laguna Margarita. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the bumpy journey.
hardRuta Provincial 70 is a road you'll never forget in Jujuy
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience in Argentina, Ruta Provincial 70 (RP70) in Jujuy province is calling your name! Picture this: you're in the extreme northwest of Argentina, practically straddling the borders of Chile and Bolivia, tackling a 41km unpaved road. Your journey begins where RP7 joins Ruta Provincial 7, near the mesmerizing Pozuelos Lake – a Biosphere Reserve with an area of 180,000 square meters. This natural monument sits high at 4320m above sea level! The route winds its way to Liviara, dropping you right onto the legendary Ruta Nacional 40 (RN40), Argentina's longest route and a world-class road trip in itself. But here's the kicker: this isn't just any road; it's a high-altitude challenge, peaking at 4343m above sea level in Médano de Fundiciones. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The best time to visit is year-round, though summer rains can throw a wrench in your plans. Be sure to check road conditions in Abra Pampa or Cieneguilla before you head out.