How Long is the Road from Pusac to Uchumarca?

How Long is the Road from Pusac to Uchumarca?

Peru, south-america

Length

34.1 km

Elevation

1,434 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Púsac-Uchumarca road in the Bolívar Province of northern Peru! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Starting in Púsac at 1,434m above sea level, you'll climb to a dizzying 3,684m as you approach Uchumarca.

This 34.1 km (21.18 miles) unpaved road is carved into the side of a seriously steep mountain. Translation: narrow, winding, and exposed – think hundreds of meters straight down with zero guardrails. Hope you're not afraid of heights!

The real test is "Cuesta de Uchumarca," a heart-pounding 4.9 km (3 miles) stretch boasting 16 hairpin turns! You'll gain 454m in elevation with gradients hitting up to 15%. But hey, the views are absolutely epic. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before you go; you don't want to be tackling this beast in bad conditions!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
34.1 km
Max Elevation
1,434 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in south-america

Travel guide to the top of Cerro Pachonhard

Travel guide to the top of Cerro Pachon

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Coquimbo Region of Chile, heading towards the Andes foothills, right? Your destination? The summit of Cerro Pachón, a staggering 2,696 meters (8,845 feet) high! The road, Camino Centro Astronómico, is mostly paved with a few concrete sections thrown in for good measure, but the final 200 meters is a smooth, graded dirt track. The climb from the D317 road is just shy of 15 kilometers (9.25 miles), with a hefty 951-meter elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 6.38 percent, so get ready for a steady climb! Up top, you're rewarded with views and some serious space-age tech. We're talking the Gemini South Telescope, the SOAR Telescope, and soon, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory – a game-changer in astronomy. This place is all about peering into the cosmos, so expect scenery that’s literally out of this world. A word of caution: due to the altitude, this trip isn't recommended if you have hypertension, cardiovascular, or lung problems. Little ones under 6 aren’t allowed either. But for everyone else? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refugemoderate

The Wild Road to Edward Whymper Refuge

🇪🇨 Ecuador

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Ecuadorian Andes, in the province of Chimborazo, lies Refugio Edward Whymper, a mountain hut chilling at a staggering 4,855m (15,928ft). Seriously, it's one of the highest points you can drive to in Ecuador! Perched high in the Cordillera Occidental, this refuge – also known as Carrel Brothers Refuge – is your basecamp for tackling Chimborazo, that massive stratovolcano towering at 6,263m. Fun fact: its summit is actually the furthest point from the Earth's core. Whoa! Getting to this surprisingly well-maintained mountain hut is an adventure in itself. The road is unpaved, but usually in decent shape. You'll need a 4WD with good clearance to handle the steep 7.2 km (4.47 miles). Don't underestimate the altitude – your engine will feel the burn as you climb 485 meters, averaging a 6.73% gradient. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before you go. Mist and fog can roll in quickly, so keep your eyes peeled. But the views? Absolutely epic. Just imagine the bragging rights when you make it to that parking lot!

Papallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Eartheasy

Papallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth

🇪🇨 Ecuador

Alright, wanderlusters, listen up! If you're cruising around Ecuador's Napo Province, you HAVE to check out Papallacta. This isn't your average pit stop – it's the highest town in the whole country, perched way up at 3,300m (that's over 10,800 feet!). Seriously, you can practically touch the sky. Word on the street is "Papallacta" means "Land of Potatoes" – fitting, right? But the real draw is the ridiculously awesome hot springs. Think steamy, soothing goodness surrounded by mountain views. It's the perfect day trip escape, especially if you're coming from Quito. Getting there is a breeze on the fully paved E20 highway. This 76.7 km (47.65 mile) stretch winds its way from Pifo to Baeza, slicing right through the Andes. Heads up: you'll be climbing! The road takes you up to a breathtaking peak of over 4,000m (we're talking serious views of mountains and glaciers), after you pass through cute towns and tiny villages. You're basically driving from Quito, on the edge of the Amazon jungle, straight into postcard-perfect scenery. Get your camera ready!

How to drive the challenging Carretera 104 from Jauja to San Ramon?extreme

How to drive the challenging Carretera 104 from Jauja to San Ramon?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Carretera 104 in Peru's Junín Region! This wild ride connects Jauja and San Ramón, snaking along the eastern Andes. It's the ultimate shortcut between the highlands and the Chanchamayo Province. Forget pavement, this 123 km (76-mile) stretch is pure, unadulterated dirt road. Get ready for crazy steep inclines, hairpin turns galore, and an oxygen-thin summit at 4,428m (14,527ft) near Laguna Corazon. Trust me, your engine will feel it! Heads up: you'll be mesmerized by lagoons and waterfalls, but there are zero guardrails. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential, especially when it rains. This area is notorious for landslides. But the views! As you descend over 3,600 meters towards San Ramón, prepare for a tropical transformation. Humidity skyrockets, the landscape explodes with green, and fog hangs thick in the air. And watch out – some waterfalls actually cascade *onto* the road! The final descent can be super slick due to the mud. Get ready for an epic (and slightly hairy) adventure!