A wild road to Laguna Uchucchacua in the Andes
Peru, south-america
43.5 km
4,390 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Laguna Uchucchacua! This hidden gem sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the province of Oyón – we're talking a staggering 14,402 feet (4,390m) above sea level.
The road to get there? It's a 27-mile (43.5 km) unpaved stretch of pure, rugged beauty, known as LM-18. Think of it as a scenic rollercoaster that winds its way from Oyón eastward, eventually linking up with the PA-100.
Fair warning: This isn't a Sunday drive. Expect countless twists and turns as you climb higher and higher. And remember, you're in serious mountain territory, so the air gets pretty thin. But trust me, the views are SO worth it!
Where is it?
A wild road to Laguna Uchucchacua in the Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.7129, -74.7019
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 43.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,390 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -10.7129, -74.7019
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow to get by car to Tequendama Falls?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, so you're in Colombia, right? About 30km outside of Bogotá in Cundinamarca, you absolutely HAVE to see Salto del Tequendama. This epic waterfall is 132m high, and legend says it was created by Bochica, a Muisca god, who struck the ground with his staff. Seriously impressive stuff! The road in – about 33.4km between El Colegio and El Charquito – is paved and mostly in good condition. But, heads up, it's super curvy! When it rains, or if there’s fog or a storm, it gets really hairy. Drive carefully! And speaking of hair-raising, check out the old Hotel del Salto near the falls. Back in the day, it was *the* place to stay, with stunning views of the waterfall. Unfortunately, the river got polluted, tourists stopped coming, and the hotel was abandoned in the 90s. It's now a museum but was once known for the many suicides that happened there. Rumor has it, the place is haunted. Definitely adds to the atmosphere, right? Only for the brave, I'd say. But even with the history, the scenery alone is worth the trip!
hardHuachococha Pass
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising through central Peru's Ancash region and have a serious craving for off-the-beaten-path thrills, Paso Huachococha is calling your name. Nestled high in the Cordillera Blanca at a whopping 4,366 meters (14,324 feet), this mountain pass is not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpiness as you connect San Luis and Cajay. This is a 4x4-only zone for experienced drivers who aren't afraid of heights. Seriously, this trail is steep! But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with scenery that'll blow your mind. Giant glaciers loom in the distance, and a stunning lagoon and mountain refuge await you at the top. Just be warned: this area is prone to heavy mist, so keep an eye on the weather and maybe skip it if visibility is low. Muddy conditions can also make things extra tricky, so be prepared. This isn't just a road; it's an epic journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Peru has to offer!
moderateAn Andean mountain road to Pehuenche Pass
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Pehuenche is calling your name. This high-altitude beauty straddles the border between Argentina (Mendoza Province) and Chile (Maule Region) at a cool 8,389 feet above sea level. We're talking a fully paved road trip (thanks to the 2018 upgrade!) stretching 104 miles between Las Loicas, Argentina, and San Clemente, Chile. Just hop on Ruta Nacional 145 (Argentina) or CH 115 (Chile) and get ready for some serious scenery. Factor in about 2.5 to 3.5 hours of pure driving bliss (without stops, of course!). Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – they love hanging out in the high country. And hold on tight, because this route isn't shy about its steepness, with gradients hitting a max of 11% in places! Nestled deep in the Andes, Paso Pehuenche is typically open from December to March, weather permitting. So, pack your bags, check those dates, and prepare for an unforgettable ride!
extremeCerro Yaritani
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in southeastern Peru's Cusco Region and have a serious craving for altitude, Cerro Yaritani is calling your name. This gravel road climbs to a whopping 4,956m (16,259ft)! Heads up: you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this bumpy ride. Rain turns the road into a real challenge, so check the weather and be prepared for loose gravel. Seriously, plan ahead for this one. The views are incredible, but the altitude is no joke. If you have any respiratory or heart issues, maybe skip this one. And definitely no babies under 4 months! The air is thin, even your engine will struggle, and altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters. It's a tough but rewarding journey!