Salkantay Refuge

Salkantay Refuge

Peru, south-america

Length

18.2 km

Elevation

3,849 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure lovers! We're heading to Refugio Salkantay, a mountain paradise perched way up in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco Region, at a whopping 3,849m (12,627ft). Get ready for views that will blow your mind – seriously, the mountain scenery is epic!

This isn't your Sunday drive, though. Carretera 109, the gravel road leading up from Mollepata, is a true test of skill and nerve. We're talking steep climbs, an 18.2km stretch with a 987-meter elevation gain (that's an average gradient of 5.42%!), and drop-offs that will make your palms sweat. If you're scared of heights, this might not be for you.

The road winds through the Vilcabamba range and has some seriously unprotected edges. Keep an eye on the weather, too. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real dangers, especially with those icy patches. Basically, be prepared for an unforgettable, but challenging, ride!

Where is it?

Salkantay Refuge is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.2528, -74.7544

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
18.2 km
Max Elevation
3,849 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-8.2528, -74.7544

Related Roads in south-america

Termas del Flacomoderate

Termas del Flaco

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: You're heading to Termas del Flaco, a super cool hot springs resort nestled high in the Chilean Andes, about 1,776 meters above sea level. We're talking the Región del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, specifically the Colchagua valley. To get to these amazing thermal baths (also called Baños del Tinguiririca or Las Vegas del Flaco), you'll be cruising along I-45, a gravel road that hugs the wild Tinguiririca River. The adventure begins in San Fernando, just off the Panamericana Sur 64. From there, it's a 77.8 km journey on unpaved road that winds its way eastward into the mountains. Any car can handle it, but be prepared for a bumpy, scenic ride! Keep in mind, this dirt road is only open from December to April, so plan your trip accordingly. It's usually snowed in from May to November, so winter is a no-go! Get ready for some epic views!

Where is Cerro Sanabria?moderate

Where is Cerro Sanabria?

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just discovered this insane mountain pass called Cerro Sanabria in the Bolivian Andes, and you HAVE to hear about it. Picture this: you're deep in the Sur Lípez Province, practically in the middle of nowhere in southwest Bolivia, inside the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. The road? Forget pavement – we're talking pure, unadulterated dirt track all the way up this beast. It's called Camino al Sol de la Mañana, and "road" is used loosely. Seriously, 4x4 ONLY. This ain't your Sunday drive. You're climbing to a staggering 4,844m (that's 15,892ft!), so the air is THIN. The views though? Worth every gasp. The Camino al Sol de la Mañana stretches for about 48.6 km (30.19 miles), and it's basically one long, lung-busting climb. You'll be above 4,100m the whole time. It runs from the stunning Laguna Colorada to the tiny town of Quetena Chico.

Travelling through the dangerous Karkatera Tunnelsextreme

Travelling through the dangerous Karkatera Tunnels

🇵🇪 Peru

# Túneles de Karkatera: Peru's Heart-Pounding Mountain Drive Ready for a serious adrenaline rush? Head to Peru's Apurímac region, just north of Abancay, where the infamous Túneles de Karkatera awaits the brave—and honest-to-goodness, only the brave. This unpaved mountain road hugs the right bank of the Pachachaca river and is legitimately terrifying. We're talking a narrow, winding stretch with a jaw-dropping 1,500-meter drop straight down to the canyon below. Two cars can't pass each other, so you're committed once you start. If you're new to extreme driving, this isn't your training ground—seriously consider skipping it or hiring a local guide. The road's claim to fame? Three tunnels carved right into the mountainside, ranging from 5 to 50 meters long. It's genuinely impressive engineering, and the tunnels have become quite the tourist attraction lately. Fair warning though: if heights make you queasy, keep your eyes on the road ahead and resist the urge to look out the window. The payoff? Stunning vistas of the Pachachaca river canyon unfold around every hairpin turn. The key to tackling this route safely is timing—stick to the dry season between April and October, and absolutely drive during daylight hours. Night driving here is a recipe for disaster. This one's for experienced drivers only who crave an unforgettable—if slightly terrifying—mountain adventure.

How to drive to Cerro Morado in Salta?extreme

How to drive to Cerro Morado in Salta?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Cerro Morado, also known as Abra Ciénega, is calling your name! Located in the Santa Victoria department of Argentina, way up north where Salta kisses Jujuy province, this beast tops out at a staggering 4,726 meters (15,505 feet)! Yeah, it's one of Argentina's highest roads, no big deal. Forget pavement – this entire route is rugged, unpaved heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills). You'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle, and 4x4 is your best friend, especially if it's been raining. Speaking of friends, you won't want to bring too many vehicles – this road is narrow! Oh, and did I mention the seriously steep drops? Let's just say you need your A-game here because the weather can flip on you in a heartbeat. Altitude sickness is a real possibility too. Starting from Paltoroa, it’s about 17.86 km (11.1 miles) to the summit, with a climb of 932 meters (3,058 feet), averaging a 5.21% gradient. What do you get for your effort? Unbelievable scenery! Think vibrant, colorful mountains and dramatic, eroded rock walls stretching as far as the eye can see. Just remember, this drive isn't for the faint of heart – it's tough, it's challenging, and it demands respect, but the views? Totally worth it!