
Lagunas de Epulafquen
Argentina, south-america
40.2 km
1.49 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, practically spitting distance from Chile, high up in the Andes. You're heading toward the stunning Lagunas de Epulafquen, a pair of shimmering lakes sitting pretty at almost 5,000 feet!
The adventure starts on Ruta Provincial 45, a gravel road stretching about 25 miles from Las Ovejas. Now, this isn't your average highway cruise. While generally maintained, the road can get pretty dicey. Think washboarding, ruts, and dips that'll keep you on your toes. A high-clearance vehicle is a must! And be warned: after a rainstorm, this track transforms into a muddy slip-n-slide. In bad weather, even 4x4s might struggle. But trust me, the views are worth it. Imagine winding through the mountains, the air crisp and clean, with the promise of those gorgeous lakes waiting for you at the end. This is an off-the-beaten-path experience you won't forget!
Where is it?
Lagunas de Epulafquen is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -40.1398, -63.4278
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 40.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.49 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -40.1398, -63.4278
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow long is the road to the Junín Lakes?
🇵🇪 Peru
Deep in the Peruvian Andes, if you're hunting for a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Junín Lakes route is calling your name! This high-altitude gravel track loops you past three incredible glacial lakes: Laguna Alcacocha, Laguna Tarusmachay, and Laguna Oshgomachay. Prepare to be blown away by the stark beauty of the Meseta de Bombón – a vast, treeless plateau that feels like another planet. Picture this: a winding, white gravel ribbon cutting through endless *ichu* grass with towering peaks in the distance. This isn't your average Sunday drive; the wind howls, the weather can change in minutes, and you're totally exposed to the elements. Okay, let's talk logistics. This stunner is north of Junín, Peru, and you'll top out at a breathtaking 4,443 meters (Laguna Tarusmachay). From the main highway, it's about a 15 km gravel grind to complete the loop. While the average slope seems mellow at 2.85%, remember you're dealing with serious altitude! You'll gain a cumulative 426 meters, and trust me, your engine will feel it. You'll hit Laguna Alcacocha first (4,366m), then crest the highest point at Laguna Tarusmachay (4,443m), before cruising down to Laguna Oshgomachay (4,430m). Expect a slow and steady climb where you'll definitely notice the lack of oxygen! The road surface is mostly loose gravel and packed earth. Dry conditions are dusty but manageable, but don't underestimate this drive. We're talking *extreme* high-altitude conditions. Many will feel the effects of *soroche* (altitude sickness) if they haven't acclimatized in Junín. Rainy season (November to April) turns this into a whole different beast. Snow, landslides – things can get dicey FAST. There are NO services out here, so be prepared. A 4x4 with good tires is essential. The gravel gets slippery when wet, and you'll need that traction on the steeper sections. Before you ditch the highway, give your vehicle a good once-over. Check those tires and your cooling system – your engine will be working overtime. Speaking of you, that thin air messes with your reflexes. If you feel dizzy or get a headache, stop and descend. This is your ticket to experiencing the authentic Peruvian puna, far from the usual tourist traps. Expect only the company of alpaca herds and the haunting silence of those high-altitude lakes.
moderateAn exciting drive to the top of Abra Malaga Pass
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Malaga, a sky-high pass in Peru's Cusco Region that'll steal your breath (literally, it's at 14,248 feet!). We're talking Ruta 28B, a 75-mile ribbon of asphalt stretching from Ollantaytambo to Santa Maria. This isn't just any drive; it's a visual feast. Picture this: leaving the charming Inca town of Ollantaytambo behind, the road begins its ascent, twisting and turning through hairpin after glorious hairpin, each revealing a more jaw-dropping panorama of the Sacred Valley. But hold on tight, because the eastern descent plunges you into a mystical "neblina" zone – think rugged terrain, ethereal mist, and windswept grasslands. Now, a word of caution: those stunning Andean peaks can be fickle. Autumn and winter bring snow, often shutting down the road completely, and icy conditions make it a slippery gamble. So, plan accordingly! With over a hundred hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections, it’s not for the faint of heart, but the dramatic landscapes? Totally worth it. This drive is a pure shot of Peruvian beauty straight to the soul.
moderateIs Abra del Gallo Unpaved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle one of Argentina's highest roads? Then you NEED to check out Abra del Gallo in Salta Province! We're talking serious altitude here—we're well above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be cruising along Provincial Route 129 (RP129), but be warned: pavement is a myth. Expect a bumpy ride, with mostly ripio (that's gravel to you and me), and some sections of sand that'll keep you on your toes. So how long is this epic adventure? The road stretches for quite a distance. But trust me, the views are totally worth the shaky ride and potential dust inhalation! Get ready for some seriously jaw-dropping scenery that will make your Instagram followers green with envy. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road and be prepared for tricky conditions. This one's not for the faint of heart!
extremeWhat is the route from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta?
🇵🇪 Peru
The road connecting Yungay Pampa and Mirasanta is a challenging mountain drive located in the Huaylas Province, within the Ancash Region of Peru. Situated inside the Huascaran National Park, this unpaved route offers breathtaking views and a technical driving experience through the heart of the Andes. Road facts: Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta Huaylas Province, Peru What is the route from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta? The road runs in a south-north direction, covering a total distance of . It serves as a vital but rugged link in the Ancash Region, climbing through steep terrain where the landscape changes rapidly as you gain altitude within the Huascaran National Park. Is the road to Mirasanta paved? No, the entire road is unpaved, consisting mostly of gravel and dirt. The track is notorious for its narrow sections, often scarcely wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other. In many parts, there are significant drop-offs of hundreds of meters without any guardrails, requiring total focus from the driver. How many hairpin turns are on the road? The ascent is highly technical, featuring more than 20 sharp hairpin turns . These switchbacks are necessary to overcome the steep slopes of the Peruvian Andes, making it a demanding drive that tests both steering precision and vehicle reliability. What is the elevation gain on this drive? Starting from Yungay Pampa, the road climbs steadily to reach an elevation of above sea level. This involves a total elevation gain of over the 22.2 km course, resulting in several very steep sections that are common in high-altitude mountain passes. Is a 4x4 vehicle required for the Yungay Pampa road? A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for this journey. The combination of loose gravel, steep gradients, and narrow passages makes it unsuitable for standard cars. Additionally, the area is known for its unpredictable weather, which can quickly turn the unpaved surface into a slippery and hazardous track. What should drivers consider before starting? Due to the narrowness of the road, drivers must be experienced in mountain driving and comfortable with reversing on winding paths if they encounter oncoming traffic. It is essential to check vehicle conditions before departure, as the route passes through remote areas with no immediate facilities or assistance. Punta Caudalosa Chica Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.