
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
extremeCerro Capi
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Chile's Atacama Desert lurks Cerro Capi, a mountain reaching a sky-high 965 meters. Trust me, getting to the top – also called Cerro Las Antenas, thanks to all the communication towers up there – is no Sunday drive. We're talking a bone-jarring, 7-kilometer thrill ride up a gravelly, ridiculously steep path. Seriously, some sections hit a crazy 15% grade! This is strictly 4x4 territory, folks. Prepare for narrow passages, heart-stopping climbs, and views that'll make it all worth it. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road… if you can tear them away from the incredible scenery, that is.
hardWhere is Laguna Parón?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, east of Caraz, smack-dab in Huascarán National Park, heading toward Laguna Parón, a huge, unbelievably turquoise lake nestled way up high. We're talking serious elevation here! The road? Forget smooth sailing. This 30-km (18.45-mile) stretch from Caraz is pure, unadulterated dirt. The climb is intense, like 1788m (5866ft) intense, averaging around a 6% gradient. Think hairpin turns, and I mean *lots* of them—over 300, apparently! As you wind your way up, you're swallowed by a massive canyon. Imagine towering granite walls, some reaching a kilometer high, with crazy steep drops right beside the road. It's both stunning and a little terrifying, in the best way. But the views! Oh, the views. Keep your camera ready because the lake itself, the Cordillera Blanca peaks like Artesonraju (yep, the Paramount Pictures mountain!), Chacraraju, Pisco, and Huandoy, will blow your mind. This drive is worth every single bump and hairpin, trust me.
hardHow long is Ruta Provincial 70?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're way up in the extreme northwest of Argentina, practically on the border with Bolivia. You're about to tackle Ruta Provincial 70, a totally unpaved dirt track that's gonna test your off-road skills. The adventure kicks off where it meets the RP75, near the stunning Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument. This lake is HUGE, think 180,000 square meters, and sits way up high. Trust me, it's one of the most beautiful spots in the whole province. The route winds its way up, eventually spitting you out onto the legendary Ruta 40 (RN40) – you know, that ridiculously long highway that stretches across Argentina. Just a heads up: this road climbs seriously high, topping out at Médano de Fundiciones. You can explore the area year-round, but keep in mind that the summer months can sometimes bring access issues depending on the road conditions. So make sure you're prepared! And definitely take it slow on Cuesta del Farallon — it's not for the faint of heart.
hardDriving the unpaved Illampu Circuit through Abra de la Calzada in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra de la Calzada in Bolivia is calling your name. This epic mountain pass punches in at a staggering 5,062m (16,607ft) – seriously high! You'll find it nestled north of La Paz, right in the heart of the Andes. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The Illampu Circuit, as it's known, is a rough and rugged 140km (87 miles) unpaved track starting in Sorata. Think old mule trail meets modern mining road. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. But don't let that distract you. We're talking serious altitude here – constantly hovering between 4,000 and 5,000 meters. Expect steep climbs, four passes, and tracks that have seen better days. Acclimatization is KEY. Only tackle this one if you’re prepped, fit, and ready for a challenge. Oh, and heads up, this pass is usually snow-covered, so good weather is a must!