How long is LM-106 road in Peru?
Peru, south-america
140 km
54 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Carretera 106, or LM-106, in Peru, is calling your name! This isn't just a road trip; it's an epic quest stretching 140 km (87 miles) from the coastal town of Pativilca up into the Andes towards Cajatambo.
Prepare for a wild ride as you climb from practically sea level (54m) to a lung-busting 3,457m! Yes, it's paved, but let's just say the asphalt isn't winning any beauty contests. And hold onto your hats—some sections are barely wider than a bicycle lane, so caution is key. Oh, and did I mention the heart-stopping drop-offs? Yeah, those are a thing.
But here’s the kicker: the views! You'll wind through the stunning Catajambo Canyon and tackle the legendary Subida a Cajatambo—a stretch boasting 25 hairpin turns that will test your driving skills and reward you with jaw-dropping vistas. Trust me, the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 140 km
- Max Elevation
- 54 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
extremeVolcan Ticsani
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Ticsani Volcano in Peru! We're talking seriously high altitude here – almost 16,000 feet! You'll find this bad boy nestled in the Moquegua Region, specifically in the Mariscal Nieto Province, between Cuchumbaya and San Cristóbal. Now, the road to the top (also called Tixani) is a gravel beast, and it's STEEP. Think challenging. Seriously, don't even think about it if the weather looks sketchy. This climb isn’t for the faint of heart. The air gets thin, making every step and every turn a test of endurance. Remember, altitude sickness can kick in around 8,000-9,000 feet, and up near the peak, oxygen is a luxury! But hey, the views along the way? Absolutely mind-blowing. Just be prepared for an epic adventure!
extremePortezuelo de Guaitiquina: Driving the remote 4,288m border pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Portezuelo de Guaitiquina, a whopping 4,288m (14,068ft) high, straddles the Chile-Argentina border, offering a wild and solitary experience unlike the busier Paso de Sico. This route carves through the stunning, high-altitude deserts of the Andes, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province. This pass links you from the area near San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile all the way to the village of Catua in Argentina. The road itself is about 58.1 km (36.1 miles) from the B-357 junction in Chile to the border with Salta. Think stark beauty: salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and endless horizons. It’s a forgotten corner, so prepare for minimal traffic and a whole lot of silence. Yep, it's all gravel. Known as RP37 in Chile, it morphs into an unnamed track on the Argentine side leading to Catua. Be warned, this climb is steep! And the thin air will definitely put your engine to the test. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, making those inclines extra challenging. While technically open to all vehicles, a high-clearance 4WD is your best bet for dealing with the washboarding and sand drifts. The altitude is the biggest challenge here. At 4,288 meters, altitude sickness is a real possibility. Acclimatize properly! But there's another, more hidden danger: landmines. Parts of this border area were mined back in the 70s. While areas near the main road have been cleared, it's crucial to stick to the track and avoid wandering off into the desert. If you're crossing the border here, it's usually open from 8 am to 6 pm. But, because it's so remote, hours can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is arid but can get brutally cold fast. Strong winds are common, and winter can bring snow and ice. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear because help is a long way off, and cell service is non-existent.
moderateRuta 3 Tierra del Fuego is the southernmost paved road on Earth
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for an epic adventure on Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina! This 395km (245 mile) stretch is rumored to be the southernmost paved road on the planet, so you can brag about that later. Starting near Cabo Espíritu Santo on the Chilean border, Ruta 3, aka Argentina's National Route 3, winds its way to Ushuaia, the "End of the World" town. But the journey doesn't stop there! Push on into Tierra del Fuego National Park, ending at Bahía Lapataia where a sign proudly declares "you've reached the end!" The road through the park starts a little rough and narrow but mellows out into smooth pavement. Just watch out – some patches can be a bit bumpy due to maintenance issues and the big rigs hauling heavy machinery. Heads up for the remote vibes: keep your gas tank topped off, because gas stations can be few and far between (especially the functional ones). Expect border police checks – keep your documents handy! This is a long haul, so schedule plenty of breaks. Booking ahead is crucial, especially during summer. Ruta 3 is the only road to the island, and they keep it clear of snow year-round. But trust me, avoid April to September if you can, unless you like road closures and crazy weather. Always double-check road conditions before you go, and watch out for those Patagonian winds – you can use passing trucks as temporary wind shields!
extremeLlanganuco Orconcocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, high in the Andes, staring at a lake so blue it looks like it's been photoshopped. That's Llanganuco Orconcocha, sitting pretty at 3,850m (12,631ft)! The only way to get there is Carretera de Yungay, or Carretera 106. This gravel road isn't messing around. Think crazy hairpin turns, switchbacks that'll make your head spin, and oh yeah, massive drop-offs on one side and towering rock cliffs on the other. You're basically driving through a super narrow glacial valley, with giants like Huascaran, Huandoy, and Chopicalqui mountains all around. The scenery is unreal, like straight out of a postcard. But heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking zero guardrails, a serious lack of oxygen, and a steep climb that'll leave you breathless. Altitude sickness is a real thing up here. If you're not comfortable with heights or unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. One wrong move and… well, let's just say it's a long way down. But if you're an experienced driver with a sense of adventure, this is one unforgettable ride.