Laguna Saquicocha
Peru, south-america
4 km
4,397 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Laguna Saquicocha, a mind-blowing lagoon chilling way up in the Ancash Region of Peru, at a staggering 14,425 feet!
The road to get there? Buckle up, buttercup! It's a bumpy gravel track that demands a 4x4, especially after any rain. Seriously, even a little drizzle can make things interesting. Be warned: the road can get seriously steep with some sudden loose gravel spots waiting to surprise you!
The climb kicks off from the AN-111 road, winding upwards for about 4 kilometers, tackling a crazy 12 hairpin turns. You'll gain almost 300 meters in elevation, making for an average climb of nearly 7%. Oh, and keep an eye on the weather – this high up, snow is a real possibility, and the road can close in winter. But trust me, if you can handle the challenge, the views in the Pampas Galeras National Reserve are absolutely worth it!
Where is it?
Laguna Saquicocha is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.7780, -74.0039
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 4 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,397 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -7.7780, -74.0039
Related Roads in south-america
extremeAn epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes on the JU-116, headed for Abra Anta Q'asa, a seriously high mountain pass. We're talking 4,881m (16,013ft) above sea level – that air gets thin! You'll straddle the border between Junín and Lima regions, winding between Marcapomacocha (27km away) and Casapalca (16km). The road? Think gravel, with some sandy bits and some hairpins thrown in for good measure. It’s not crazy steep overall, but don’t underestimate it. Watch out for sudden patches of loose gravel and be aware that any rain turns this into a muddy, potentially impassable mess. This isn't a trail for the faint of heart, and definitely not if you're afraid of heights or unfamiliar with unpaved mountain roads. The climb itself is a beast. That high altitude will test your lungs and your car, and the lack of oxygen can really hit you hard. The area’s known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, which can make driving seriously challenging. Once you hit the Carretera Central, be prepared for a traffic jam – it's a busy one! But hey, at the top you’ll find the Mirador de Tres Cruces, where you can see it all. Just be prepared for incredible views... and a wild ride!
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.
moderateDriving the Rodovia Deputado Miguel Bufara in southeastern Brazil
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through the Brazilian state of Paraná and have a hankering for some off-the-beaten-path exploring, Rodovia Deputado Miguel Bufara is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 117km (72-mile) stretch of unpaved road that winds from near Morretes all the way to Guaraqueçaba, one of Paraná's coolest coastal cities. Now, let's be real: this road is RUGGED. Think narrow paths, plenty of potholes, and the potential for flash floods after a good rain. Seriously, a high-clearance vehicle isn't just recommended, it's practically essential. But trust me, the scenery is worth it! Just keep an eye on the weather, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateDriving the forbidden border road to Portezuelo de Chaxas in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're hunting for a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience, check out the Portezuelo de Chaxas. This wild border crossing sits way up in the Andes, clocking in at a lung-busting 4,494 meters (that's 14,744 feet!). You'll find it straddling the line between Chile's Antofagasta Region and Bolivia's Potosí Department. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is rough, rugged, and completely unpaved, so you'll need a 4x4 to even think about attempting it. Be advised, though, that the road is closed to private vehicles due to dangerous conditions. There's even a mined area on the Chilean side. Still, the scenery is absolutely epic, with stunning views that stretch for miles.