Dare to drive the dangerous Punta Chanca
Peru, south-america
61 km
4,852 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Punta Chanca, a seriously breathtaking (literally!) mountain pass nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, in the Department of Lima. We're talking a whopping 4,852 meters (that's 15,918 feet!) above sea level.
You'll find it along Carretera 113 (also known as LM-113), connecting Cajatambo to Oyón. The whole shebang is about 61 kilometers (37 miles) of pure, unadulterated mountain road. Now, it *is* paved, but let's just say the asphalt isn't winning any beauty contests. Some sections get seriously narrow, under 3 meters wide in spots! And hold on tight, because you're in for some seriously steep climbs – we're talking gradients up to 27% in places! Get ready to spend some quality time in your lowest gear.
But trust me, the views are worth the effort. From the top, you're rewarded with incredible panoramas, including the stunning Laguna Tocto. Just be careful out there, and you'll have an epic story to tell!
Where is it?
Dare to drive the dangerous Punta Chanca is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.7884, -76.1716
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 61 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,852 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.7884, -76.1716
Related Roads in south-america
moderateDriving a great paved road to Abra Pirhuayani in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Quispicanchi Province of Peru, heading towards Abra Pirhuayani, a mountain pass that'll knock your socks off at a whopping 4,725m (15,501 ft) above sea level! Seriously, this pass is higher than any mountain in the continental US. You're in southern Peru, practically rubbing shoulders with Mount Cayambe and Colque Cruz glaciers at the summit. And get this – there's even a little bar/restaurant, a church, and parking right at the top! Who knew you could grab a snack practically on the equator with year-round glaciers in view? The road, Route 30C, has been recently paved, making it a smooth ride to views that will make you weep with joy. This stretch of road is about 46km (28 miles) of pure, winding bliss heading from Mahuayani to Marcapata. But hold on – some sections have a speed limit of 20kph, so slow down and soak it all in! It's a bit of a climb with tons of hairpin turns and some seriously steep bits, but trust me, it's worth every single second. Perched high in the Peruvian Andes, this is the highest point of the Interoceanic Highway! Everywhere you look are snowy peaks towering over 5,500m. It's a view you will not soon forget.
hardWhere is the Chucusvalle Bridge located?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up! You HAVE to check out Puente Chucusvalle, this wild metallic bridge chilling way up in northwestern Peru. We're talking La Libertad and Ancash regions, right on the border, so you get a double dose of Peruvian awesome. Picture this: You're hugging a narrow, unpaved mountain road (Route 3N if you’re map-obsessed), all gravel and loose stone, snaking around crazy hairpin turns. Below? A serious drop down to the Tablachaca River. No guardrails here, folks! Then, BAM! You hit this steel modular bridge, a Bailey bridge to be exact, stretched across the canyon floor. It's not a super long bridge (around 21 meters), but it feels epic because of the setting. This thing can handle a decent amount of weight, but honestly, you'll be too busy taking in the views to worry about that. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking with those steep slopes and the river rushing below. Just keep your eyes on the road... and maybe a finger hovering over the prayer beads!
extremeAbra Yanashalla: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through the Ancash region of Peru, you NEED to experience Abra Yanashalla. We're talking seriously high altitude here – 4,689 meters (that's a whopping 15,384 feet!). You'll find it smack-dab on Ruta 3N, the main drag from Huallanca to Conococha. Good news: the road's been paved recently, so it's a smooth ride, even though it's steep. Be warned, though: sometimes it gets a bit crowded. This pass marks the spot where the Bolognesi and Huari provinces meet, nestled between the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuas ranges. Keep your eyes peeled for hazards, though. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides that can strike anytime, especially due to icy patches. But trust me, the views from the top? Totally worth it. Picture this: panoramic vistas of the Cordillera Blanca mountains stretching out before you. Plus, there's a pretty unpaved road nearby that leads to Laguna Marcapomacocha, if you're feeling extra adventurous.
hardAbra Muñano, a road less traveled
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Abra Muñano, a seriously high mountain pass chilling at 4,067 meters (13,343 feet) in Argentina's Salta Province. You'll find it in the Rosario de Lerma department. Now, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking a 16.6 km (10.31 miles) unpaved road – Route R12, if you're keeping notes. Get ready for a wild ride with a crazy amount of hairpin turns – 18 to be exact! Passenger cars and RVs can usually handle it, so no need for a monster truck. Keep in mind, though, this road got a bit overshadowed back in the '90s when the paved Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51) came along. It now travels from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres. But, if you want something off the beaten path, Abra Muñano is a great adventure.