
Cerro Cachi Laguna
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
5,491 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cerro Cachi Laguna in southwest Bolivia, near the Chilean border, is not for the faint of heart. We're talking a whopping 5,491 meters (18,015 feet) above sea level! This is one of the highest roads in the whole country, so buckle up.
The road is pure, unadulterated gravel and rock. Imagine a harsh desert landscape, dotted with seriously steep, rocky climbs. A 4x4 isn’t optional; it's essential. We're talking high clearance, skid plates, and differential lockers. Seriously, leave your stock vehicle at home. Huge, jagged rocks demand precision driving, and punctures are a real threat.
Oh, and navigation? Forget about it! The network of roads is a confusing mess, and even a GPS can struggle to keep you on track. Never, ever attempt this solo. The altitude is brutal, altitude sickness is a genuine risk, and the weather can turn on a dime. Add in the steep grades and complete isolation, and you've got a recipe for a seriously challenging drive. Plus, it's a mine road, so expect some industrial traffic. But hey, if you're after epic scenery and bragging rights, this might just be your ultimate adventure.
Where is it?
Cerro Cachi Laguna is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.4015, -63.1932
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 5,491 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -16.4015, -63.1932
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