Crossing Puente Upamayo, a high mountain bridge

Crossing Puente Upamayo, a high mountain bridge

Peru, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,082 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Junin Region of Peru, right? Suddenly, BAM! You stumble upon the Upamayo Bridge, and it's not just any bridge—it's a wooden beauty stretching 30 meters across the stunning Junin Lake. But hold up, you're not just driving across any old puddle; you're at a whopping 4,082 meters (that's 13,392 feet!) above sea level. The views? Insane. The bridge itself? Rustic charm overload. Just keep your eyes peeled, though—you're up high, and you know what that means! But seriously, the scenery alone makes this little detour totally worth it.

Where is it?

Crossing Puente Upamayo, a high mountain bridge is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.7496, -75.1848

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Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
4,082 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-10.7496, -75.1848

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