Abra Livini-Tarata
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,803 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in southern Peru's Tacna Region, chilling in the Andean Cordillera, lies Abra Livini-Tarata. We're talking serious altitude here: 4,803 meters (15,757 feet) above sea level!
This isn't your average Sunday drive. Carretera 38, as it’s known, is a gravel and sandy track calling all experienced 4x4 drivers. Road conditions are a total wildcard, so be prepared for anything. In dry weather, it can be a fun challenge. But after rain? Muddy, slippery, and potentially impassable.
Oh, and did I mention this route cuts through a super harsh area known as the "Siberia of Peru?" The scenery, though, is absolutely mind-blowing – raw, rugged, and totally worth the effort. Just be sure your vehicle and your nerves are up to the task!
Where is it?
Abra Livini-Tarata is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.5705, -74.1894
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,803 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -8.5705, -74.1894
Related Roads in south-america
moderateAndahuaylas Airport
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in the Apurímac Region of Peru, heading to Andahuaylas Airport. Buckle up, because you're in for a ride! We're talking about a high-altitude landing strip sitting pretty at 11,300 feet. The road you'll be on? It's known as 30B, and it’s mostly gravel. Think of it as a wide, steep mountain track that definitely keeps you on your toes. Local buses brave this route daily to and from Ayacucho, but be warned – it's a solid 10-hour trek on a dusty road. But hey, don’t let that scare you! The views are absolutely worth it. The bus crawls along, giving you heaps of time to soak in the incredible mountain scenery. This place is seriously stunning, plus you can brag you’ve been to one of the highest airports on the planet! Besides the usual flights, you'll probably see some chartered planes coming and going too.
easyRuta de los 7 Lagos, an iconic drive in Patagonia
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northwest Patagonia in northern Argentina, wind in your hair (maybe!), on the legendary Ruta de los 7 Lagos – the Seven Lakes Route! This baby is paved from start to finish, winding you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes you've ever seen. Think crystal-clear, deep-blue lakes reflecting snow-capped Andes mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. You'll be driving through Lanín and Nahuel Huapi National Parks, so keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife. The road gets its name from the seven stunning lakes it connects: Machónico, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo, Lácar, Falkner, and Villarino. The whole shebang is about 107km (66 miles) between Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes. I'd say dedicate a full day to really soak it all in, with plenty of stops for photos and maybe a picnic by one of those gorgeous lakes. Just a heads-up: you might share the road with some semi-trailer trucks, so stay alert and enjoy the ride! Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget.
hardWhere is Cerro Sairécabur?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Cerro Sairécabur, perched on the Bolivia-Chile border, is not for the faint of heart! This volcano boasts one of the highest roads in South America, clawing its way up to a dizzying 5,541m (18,179ft). The adventure starts in the Antofagasta region (Chile) or the Potosí Department (Bolivia), twisting and turning up a rough, abandoned mining road that eventually peaks at an insane 5,753m (18,874ft)! Yep, you read that right - it's one of the highest roads on Earth. Be warned: this is strictly 4x4 territory. For about 19.5km (12.11 miles), you'll grind your way up, gaining a whopping 1,220 meters in elevation. Expect some serious inclines – up to 13% in places! The first section is manageable, but above 5,400m, even seasoned adventurers might find themselves pushing. What's at the top? Besides bragging rights, you'll find the Receiver Lab Telescope, a cutting-edge radio telescope. There's also a sulfur mine at 5,300m. Heads up: bring everything you need from San Pedro! Pack plenty of food and water, as local sources are supposedly contaminated. And be prepared for wind, cold, and a seriously challenging climb. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so acclimatize beforehand. The access road is unmarked and tricky to find, but trust me, the views (if you can breathe enough to enjoy them) are unreal.
hardWhere is Pastoruri Glacier?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Pastoruri Glacier in the Ancash region of Peru, smack-dab in Huascarán National Park. This baby sits at a lung-busting 4,955m (16,256ft) above sea level. The road itself? It's called the Carretera a Pastoruri and it's a short but sweet 1.8km (1.11 miles) jaunt to the parking lot, but don't let the length fool you. This is not a drive for your grandma's sedan! The road's pretty narrow, with some steep climbs and rocky sections. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet. And remember, that altitude is a real thing, so take it easy. Once you park, it's a roughly 500m walk to the glacier itself. Now, while Pastoruri was once a big tourist draw and one of the few tropical glaciers in South America, climate change has taken its toll. It's shrunk considerably, and where there was once a natural ice slide, now there's a small lagoon. But don't let that deter you! The drive is still totally worth it for the stunning views of the surrounding Andes mountains and valleys. Plus, there are cool stops along the way, like the Pumapampa gasified springs. And keep your eyes peeled for the thousands of towering Puya Raimondii flowers – they're unreal! Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes!