
A memorable road trip to Acumulacion Mariela Mine
Peru, south-america
N/A
5,298 m
extreme
Year-round
Mina Acumulación Mariela is an open-pit mine at an elevation of 5,298m (17,381ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between the Puno and Moquegua regions of Peru. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Set high in the southern part of the country, in the Andes Mountains, Mina Acumulación Mariela is a gold mine. At this elevation, it’s one of the 10 highest mines in the world.
The road to the mine is entirely unpaved. It’s a mining trail that starts from the paved 36B Road (Interoceanica Sur). The climb is extremely challenging, with a notorious lack of oxygen that tests the body, combined with a high degree of steepness. Expect harsh weather, extreme solar radiation, very high winds, and low temperatures.Pic: Luis Alberto Bernabe Quispe
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map 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 here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Acumulacion Mariela Mine is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.1111, -74.1638
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,298 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.1111, -74.1638
Related Roads in south-america
extremeRoad Varvarco-Barrancas
🇦🇷 Argentina
Hey adventure junkies! Wanna tackle a real beast in Patagonia? Ruta Provincial 54 and Ruta Provincial 53 link Varvarco and Barrancas in Neuquén Province, Argentina, near the Chilean border, and it’s a wild 233 km gravel ride. Forget your sedan – this baby demands a 4x4! Seriously, the gravel's loose, especially on the edges. You'll be crisscrossing rivers like Rio La Crianza, Rio de Los Chenques, Rio Neuquen, Rio Barrancas, Río Buta Mallín, and Rio Colorado, so be ready to get wet. The scenery is stark, arid, and unbelievably beautiful in its desolation. Expect some serious climbs; this road is STEEP! You'll reach a dizzying 2,825m above sea level, near Laguna Cari Lauquen. This lake has a tragic history; a dam collapse in 1914 lowered the water level dramatically, and caused hundreds of deaths. So, while you're soaking in the views, remember the past. Get ready for an epic Patagonian adventure!
extremeThe breathtaking road to Cerro La Gitana in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro La Gitana! This hidden gem sits way up high in the Coquimbo Region of Peru, scraping the sky at a whopping 4,696 meters (15,406 feet). We're talking serious altitude, making it one of Peru's loftiest routes! You'll find this beauty nestled near the Argentinian border in central Peru. Legend has it that the name comes from the mountain's shape and vibrant mineral colors, reminding locals of a gypsy's dress. Now, for the road itself: forget smooth asphalt, this is pure, unadulterated dirt-road action. Think mining road vibes, starting from Ruta 41 on the way to Agua Negra Pass. It’s only 9 km (5.59 miles), but don’t let the short distance fool you. Get ready for a white-knuckle drive with narrow stretches, crazy steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore! Because of the altitude, this road is typically only open during the summer months (December to April), but always check conditions, because snow can close it down. Be prepared for wind and serious cold! Reach the summit and BAM! You're rewarded with panoramic views of some of the Elqui range's most impressive peaks, like Cerro Tórtolas, Nevado de Olivares, Glaciar El Tapado, and Cerro Coquimbo. Trust me, the vistas are worth every bump and turn.
moderateThe Inhumane Climb to Cerro El Amago with 19% Ramps
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! We're heading to Cerro El Amago in the San Luis Province of Argentina, a seriously cool mountain pass topping out at 1,703m (5,587ft). Out here in central Argentina, this isn't just any drive; it's an experience. At the summit, you'll find a collection of antennas beaming out TV and phone signals - a unique twist! The road, Provincial Route 9, is paved all the way, though the top section throws in some interesting concrete wrinkles to keep you on your toes. Speaking of toes, be prepared for a workout. This climb is a long, demanding 35.1 km (21.81 miles) stretch between San Francisco del Monte de Oro and Carolina. The real fun starts from San Francisco del Monte de Oro with a 17.4 km (10.81 miles) climb, gaining 905m in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 5.2%, but hold on tight – some ramps crank up to a leg-burning 19%! Nestled in the Precordillera, the views are absolutely killer. Think panoramic vistas of San Francisco, a dramatic deep gorge, the majestic Cerros del Socoscora, and the serene Valle Reservoir Las Palmeras. Keep your eyes peeled, too; you might spot some magnificent condors soaring overhead. It's a visual feast you won't soon forget.
extremeTake An Unforgettable Drive to Cañon del Rio Mala
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Central Peru is calling, and it's bringing the heat with the Mala River Canyon. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about a road that demands your full attention, a true test of driving mettle. Think twisty, turny, 92.5 km of mostly gravel mayhem along Highway 1S. It's gorgeous, no doubt, but also seriously narrow and not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin curves and unprotected drop-offs plunging over 200 meters down into the abyss! One wrong move and… well, let's just say this road has a reputation for a reason. You'll climb from the Mala District at sea level to the Huarochirí District at a breathtaking 2,755m. The views? Epic. The challenge? Real. The road condition? Dreadful. So, if you're up for an adrenaline-pumping ride and have nerves of steel, the Mala River Canyon awaits. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road and respect the canyon – it's a wild ride you won't soon forget!