
Alto Lagonilla
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,410 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Alto Lagonilla in Peru's Lampa province, a mountain pass that'll steal your breath—literally! We're talking a whopping 4,410 meters (14,468 feet) above sea level.
The Carretera Interoceanica is your asphalt ribbon to the top. BUT, don't let the pavement fool you. This climb is a BEAST. The air gets thin up there, so prepare for that altitude sickness to kick in. Most people start feeling it around 2,500-2,800 meters.
Keep an eye on the weather – snow can shut things down fast. Plus, heavy mist can roll in, slashing visibility. And let's not forget the potential for avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and icy patches. It's rugged, remote, and utterly breathtaking (when you CAN breathe!). Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Alto Lagonilla is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.5227, -76.7650
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,410 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -8.5227, -76.7650
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