Road CA-109 (Bambamarca-Celendín)
Peru, south-america
109 km
3,755 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for CA-109 in northern Peru – it's a wild one! This 109 km stretch between Bambamarca and Celendín in the Cajamarca region is definitely not for the faint of heart (or weak stomachs!). Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. Trust me, you don't want to overeat before tackling this road.
We're talking serious hairpin turns here – like, hundreds of them. Even seasoned drivers will be kept on their toes. The road's gravel surface and narrow passages demand constant attention, and with those dramatic drop-offs, you really need to focus.
But hey, you're driving in the Andes Mountains! This route climbs to a lung-busting 3,755 meters (over 12,000 feet!), so the views are absolutely incredible... assuming you dare to take your eyes off the road for a second! Just remember, CA-109 is a humbling experience, so leave the ego at home and drive carefully.
Where is it?
Road CA-109 (Bambamarca-Celendín) is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -11.8088, -75.8647
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 109 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,755 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -11.8088, -75.8647
Related Roads in south-america
hardAbra del Acay is said to be the highest road pass in America
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're headed to Abra del Acay in Argentina's Salta Province. This legendary mountain pass tops out at a staggering 16,259 feet (4,956 meters). It's rumored to be the highest point you can reach on a national highway anywhere in the Americas! Part of the iconic Ruta 40, Argentina's longest road, the stretch leading to Abra del Acay is a proper off-road adventure. Think unpaved, narrow gravel roads demanding your full attention. Those tight bends and steep drops? They're real! Watch out for strong winds, and remember, you're going off-grid. No cell service here, so pack accordingly – essential repair gear, plenty of food and water, and top up that gas tank whenever you can. The 83-mile (133 km) journey between Payogasta and San Antonio de los Cobres should take around 3 hours non-stop. Keep in mind that winter can bring icy and snowy conditions that may block parts of the road. While the conditions are tough – think poorly maintained surfaces and unpredictable weather – the views are out of this world. Prepare for breathtaking scenery that will reward every daring traveler!
extremeRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Abra Campana
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to Salta Province in the extreme northwest of Argentina and craving a seriously epic drive, you NEED to check out Abra Campana. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 4,399 meters (that's 14,432 feet!), so get ready for some thin air. You'll find it in the Santa Victoria Department, and the road, known as Ruta Provincial 7 (RP7), is a 67.2 km (41.75 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt. We're talking a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST, and after a bit of rain, you might even need to kick it into 4x4. Starting near Abra del Lizoite and winding its way east to Santa Victoria Oeste, this isn't a road for the faint of heart. Think hairpin turns galore and some seriously steep climbs. But trust me, if you're not afraid of a challenge, the views are absolutely worth it! If you're nervous about high mountain roads with a million twists and turns though, maybe sit this one out.
moderateWhere is Salar de Uyuni?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Ever dreamt of driving across a seemingly endless expanse of blinding white? Then buckle up and head to Salar de Uyuni in southwest Bolivia! This place is seriously unreal. Imagine a 10,500 square kilometer salt flat, the biggest on the planet, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains. It’s like driving on a frozen ocean...except it's salt! Your destination? Isla Incahuasi, or "house of the Inca." This island is smack-dab in the middle of the salt flat. The "road" to get there? Well, it's pure, unadulterated salt. It's a bumpy ride, but trust me, the views are worth every jostle. Keep in mind that this isn't your typical road trip. We're talking basic conditions and cold weather. Accommodation is in simple refuges. But the otherworldly scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just a heads-up: when the rainy season hits and the salt flat floods, Isla Incahuasi becomes off-limits. So, plan accordingly and prepare for an adventure you won't soon forget!
hardDriving a 4x4 mine road to Acotango Volcano in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! There's this crazy mining trail on the border of Bolivia and Chile that climbs Volcán Acotango, a beast of a volcano in the Andes, smack-dab in Sajama National Park. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a rugged, unpaved road that snakes its way up to a lung-busting 5,509 meters (18,074 feet)! The road kicks off from the Chachacomani-Tambo Quemado road in Bolivia's Departamento de Oruro and grinds its way to a sulfur mine clinging to the mountainside. You can make it to base camp around 4,900 meters, and the road stays relatively sane until about 5,250 meters. Beyond that, hold on tight – it gets seriously steep and the surface starts to crumble. This trek isn't just about altitude; it's about the mind-blowing scenery of the Andean highlands. Think sweeping vistas, endless skies, and a landscape that'll make you feel like you're on another planet. Keep in mind this road's usually only open during the summer, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Avalanches and heavy snow can shut things down in a heartbeat. A word of warning: don't even think about climbing the summit from the Chilean side, because of landmines! The Bolivian side is supposedly safer. The conditions here are known to change rapidly, so be prepared for a challenge!