An awe-inspiring drive to Punta Olimpica in the Andes
Peru, south-america
2 km
4,732 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Ancash, Peru, smack-dab in the middle of Huascarán National Park. You're about to tackle Ruta Departamental AN-107, heading towards Punta Olimpica, one of Peru's highest paved roads, topping out at a staggering 15,525 feet!
This isn't just any road trip; it's an adventure that’ll take your breath away – literally! We're talking stunning views of Huascarán, Peru’s highest mountain, and a climb so steep (maxing out at a 6.3% gradient) you'll feel like you're scaling the sky.
Get ready for "Sector de las Mil Curvas" – the "1000 turns section"! It’s a 26km stretch of pure adrenaline with 46 hairpin turns. Seriously, hold on tight! The whole drive is about 76.2km (47.34 miles) from Carhuaz to San Martín de Chacas.
Heads up: this road has a bit of history! Construction started way back in 1910 but wasn't finished until 1984. The pavement is mostly good, but there's a short, 2km stretch that's still unpaved. And, get this, near the top, you'll cruise through the Tunnel Punta Olimpica – a 1,384-meter marvel and one of the world's highest tunnels!
Keep in mind that at this altitude, the air is thin. If you're not used to it, take it easy or grab some altitude sickness meds. Rainy or snowy weather can shut this road down, so plan accordingly. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are worth every twist and turn!
Where is it?
An awe-inspiring drive to Punta Olimpica in the Andes is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -6.5663, -75.5272
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 2 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,732 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -6.5663, -75.5272
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is the road to Cerro Juquel?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Located in the remote Potosí Department of southwestern Bolivia, is a high mountain peak reaching an elevation of above sea level. This peak is a landmark in the desolate Andean landscape, known for its technical access road that serves a communication tower at the summit and offers some of the most dramatic views of the surrounding salt flats and volcanic terrain. Road facts: Cerro Juquel Potosí Department, Bolivia Where is the road to Cerro Juquel? The road starts from the vicinity of the Hostal De Sal La Escondida , a typical salt-constructed lodging in the Altiplano. From there, the track strikes upward into the dry, rocky mountainside of the Potosí region. This is a land of extreme isolation where the geography is defined by volcanic minerals and thin air. The ascent is 9.01 km (5.60 miles) long , and as you climb, the ground becomes increasingly loose and technical. This is definitely not a place to explore if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Is the road to Cerro Juquel unpaved? Yes, the road to the summit is and consists of a narrow, rocky track that demands a 19 sharp hairpin turns that snake up the mountain’s flank. These switchbacks are tight and often have significant drop-offs, so stay away if you're scared of heights. The surface is composed of high-altitude gravel and volcanic soil which can lose its grip easily, especially on the ramps where the 9.5% gradient forces the engine to work at its limit while fighting for traction. How challenging is the climb to Cerro Juquel? The challenge of Cerro Juquel lies in the combination of steepness and altitude . Over the 9 km course, you will tackle an elevation gain of 856 meters , resulting in a relentless average gradient of 9.5% . At over 4,600 meters, your vehicle's engine will struggle with the lack of oxygen, potentially losing a significant portion of its power. Low-range gearing is essential to maintain a steady pace through the hairpins. The communication tower at the top serves as a final waypoint, but the true reward is the panoramic view of the desolate Potosí wilderness that few travelers ever get to see. What are the weather hazards at Cerro Juquel? The weather in the Bolivian southwest is harsh and unpredictable . Even in the dry season, high winds are a constant factor at the summit, which can make steering a high-profile vehicle tricky on the exposed hairpins. Temperature drops are rapid as soon as the sun goes down, often falling well below freezing. If you encounter any moisture, the volcanic dust can turn into a slippery paste, making the 9.5% grade a dangerous slide. Always check local conditions and ensure you are carrying recovery gear, extra fuel, and warm clothing before leaving the salt plains behind. How to drive to Laguna Casiri Hembra and Casiri Macho? Luribay winding road is an epic drive in Bolivia Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our 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 to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardCuesta de Llanta
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers, because Cuesta de Llanta in Chile's Atacama Region is not for the faint of heart! Situated in the Chañaral Province, this climb is seriously brutal. You'll find it along Carretera C-13, otherwise known as Camino al Salvador or Camino a Diego de Almagro. The road itself is paved, but don't let that fool you – it's incredibly steep, and you'll be sharing the road with lots of trucks. This 2.4-kilometer stretch averages an 8% gradient. Get ready for a wild ride!
hardWhat are the highest roads in Peru?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: Peru. Not just the beaches, but the real heart of it – the Andes Mountains! We're talking about almost 1,500 miles of pure, unadulterated mountain majesty. These aren't just hills, people; these are colossal, ice-crowned peaks scraping the sky at over 20,000 feet. Seriously breathtaking. Now, to experience this firsthand, you've gotta drive. And let me tell you, the roads here? Epic. Think winding, high-altitude routes that'll challenge your driving skills and reward you with views you won't believe are real. We're talking some of the highest, most remote roads on the planet. Get ready for an adventure!
hardLaguna del Inca o del Portillo
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up into the Chilean Andes, near the Argentina border, on Ruta 60. This isn't just any drive; you're headed to Laguna del Inca (or del Portillo, if you prefer), a stunning lake shimmering at a cool 9,360 feet above sea level. The road itself? Paved, but hold on tight! It's a steep climb with hairpin turns galore that'll test your driving skills. Weather is a serious factor here. We're talking potential -30°C in winter, so definitely check conditions before you go. But trust me, the views are worth it. The stark mountain scenery reflecting in the lake's surface is something you won't soon forget!