Laguna Pumacocha: this road is not for timid drivers
Peru, south-america
18.3 km
4,370 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Laguna Pumacocha, a breathtaking lagoon chilling way up high in the Peruvian Andes, in the Yauyos Province of the Lima Region. I'm talking 4,370m (14,337ft) high!
This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road, if you can call it that, is totally unpaved and barely wide enough for one car. Hope you don't mind getting cozy with the mountain! We're topping out at a whopping 4,920m (16,141ft), so be prepared for that thin mountain air.
But trust me, the views are worth it. Think shimmering glacial lakes and dramatic mountain scenery at every turn. The whole area is gorgeous. The adventure begins near Huancapallca, and it's a 18.3 km (11.37 miles) climb to the top. Get ready for a wild ride!
Where is it?
Laguna Pumacocha: this road is not for timid drivers is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -6.7525, -75.7660
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 18.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,370 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -6.7525, -75.7660
Related Roads in south-america
moderatePaso la Chapetona, pure adventure in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Paso la Chapetona! This high-altitude gem straddles the border between Argentina and Chile, clocking in at a lofty 3,654 meters (almost 12,000 feet!). Tucked away in the majestic Andes, this pass, also known as Paso del Azufre Norte, links Calingasta in Argentina with Chile's Coquimbo Region. Heads up: winter slams the door shut on this route – totally impassable! Now, for the nitty-gritty: We're talking a seriously unpaved road here – Ruta Lapislázuli, to be exact. Forget your sedan, a 4x4 is a must! This old mining road was built to service the Los Azules and Los Altares mines. The Chilean side is where the action is (25km of drivable road from Monte Patria), but the Argentinian side? Let’s just say it's more suited for mules than motors.
extremeWhere does the road to Pacaraos start?
🇵🇪 Peru
Ever heard of Pacaraos? This remote Peruvian town sits way up in the Andes, a staggering 3,331m (10,928ft) above sea level. Getting there is half the adventure! The road, Camino a Pacaraos, starts from a junction and it's not long - only a few kilometers. But don't let the short distance fool you. Think narrow. Think *really* narrow. We're talking barely enough room for one vehicle in sections. Now, picture this: extreme vertical drops right beside you, with absolutely nothing to stop you from taking a tumble. Yeah, it's *that* kind of road. The surface is all gravel. Which is fine, until it rains. Then it turns into a super slippery, muddy mess that'll have you wishing you had a 4x4 (and maybe a change of pants). Seriously, storms can make this road impassable. Sadly, this road has seen its share of accidents. It's a real test of your nerves, with those massive cliffs constantly reminding you to stay focused. If you're up for the challenge, and have a good vehicle, the views are incredible. But be warned, pictures don't do justice to how intense this drive really is!
moderateAbra de Zamora: enjoy a road among the clouds
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, Ecuador road trippers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Abra de Zamora, a sky-high mountain pass straddling the Zamora-Chinchipe and Loja provinces in southern Ecuador. We're talking about a dizzying 2,802 meters (that's 9,192 feet!) above sea level. The good news? The entire Ruta Panamericana (E45 and E50) route is paved and in great shape. This scenic stretch is nearly 60 kilometers (37 miles) long, winding from Loja in the west to Zamora in the east. Be prepared for some serious climbing! The ascent from Loja alone stretches over 14 kilometers, with a 757-meter gain in altitude. That's an average gradient of over 5% – get ready for those views, though! Keep in mind that the Troncal Amazonica is the easternmost main road in Ecuador, so be prepared for some remote, unforgettable scenery! This drive truly is one for the books!
moderateA memorable road trip to Abra Apacheta
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra Apacheta! This legendary mountain pass straddles the Huancavelica and Ayacucho regions of Peru, reaching a staggering 4,762m (15,623ft) above sea level. The entire route, known as 28A, is paved, making it accessible, but don't let that fool you! The wind whips fiercely at these altitudes year-round, so hold onto your hats. This east-west traverse stretches for 71.7 km (44.55 miles), connecting Corralpata and Totorilla. Be warned, heavy mist can roll in, turning visibility into a real challenge. If you're sensitive to altitude or have respiratory or heart issues, maybe skip this one. Altitude sickness is a genuine concern, and the conditions can make the trip tough. That being said, the views are absolutely breathtaking! Prepare to be mesmerized by Hatun Urqu and Chiqllarasu peaks dominating the landscape. It's a visual feast you won't soon forget!