
How long is the road from Santa Maria to Santa Teresa?
Peru, south-america
22.6 km
1,748 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you find yourself in the Cusco Region of central Peru and are feeling *extra* adventurous, you HAVE to check out the road from Santa Maria to Santa Teresa.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking a completely unpaved, rugged track stretching for about 22.6 kilometers (or roughly 14 miles) between these two towns in the La Convención Province. Plan for about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes to conquer it, assuming you don't stop to catch your breath (and trust me, you might need to!).
What makes it so wild? Well, for starters, you'll be climbing to a staggering 1,748 meters (that's 5,734 feet!) above sea level. Add to that some serious exposure with massive drops down to the Urubamba River below, and a distinct lack of guardrails in many spots, and you've got yourself a nail-biting experience. If you're afraid of heights or landslides, maybe sit this one out! But if you're up for a challenge and incredible views, this is one road you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 22.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,748 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaram Quta
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Laram Quta! This stunning high-altitude lake sits way up in the Bolivian Andes, at a staggering 14,744 feet. Getting there is half the fun (and half the challenge!). The road? Think rugged. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and more than a few hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. This isn't a Sunday drive – experienced off-roaders will love it, but if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Definitely bring your 4x4! Snow can shut things down at any time, so be prepared. It's a 6.5km climb from Ruta 41, gaining 154 meters in elevation. Once you're up there, the views are unreal. There's even a campsite if you're feeling brave! Just a heads up, this road isn't for the faint of heart – expect serious drop-offs! The lack of oxygen will definitely test you. Altitude sickness can kick in way before you even reach the top, so take it slow. If it's wet, the mud makes things even tougher. But trust me, the scenery is worth it!
moderateA paved road to Laguna Miscanti
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure awaits in the Chilean altiplano! We're heading to Laguna Miscanti, a stunning mountain lake chilling way up at 4,120 meters (that's 13,517 feet for you imperial system folks!). The road there? Newly paved, which is a bonus. But don't think it's a cakewalk. This climb is a real lung-buster, thanks to the seriously thin air. Prepare to feel the burn, and maybe a bit of altitude sickness – most people start feeling it way before you even get there! The views are incredible, though. It's one of those drives where you'll be stopping every five minutes to snap photos, even if you’re gasping for breath.
moderateWhere is Abra Malaga Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just conquered Abra Malaga Pass, and you NEED to add this one to your bucket list. This beast of a road winds its way up to a staggering 4,343 meters (that's 14,248 feet!) in the Cusco Region of Peru, right on the border of La Convención and Urubamba provinces. The entire 121 km (75 miles) stretch is paved, thankfully, and follows Ruta 28B from Ollantaytambo to Santa Maria. Leaving Ollantaytambo, you're immediately greeted with hairpin after hairpin, each revealing more breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley below. Trust me, your camera roll will be overflowing! Heads up, though – on the eastern side, you'll descend into a mystical "neblina" zone – think mist, tough grasses, and marshy fens. Super cool, but drive carefully! Speaking of careful driving: this road ain't for the faint of heart. Over a hundred hairpin turns combined with some seriously steep sections mean you need your wits about you. And listen to this: during autumn and winter, snow can shut the whole thing down, making it super risky. Despite the challenges, the scenery is UNREAL. You're basically driving through postcard-perfect landscapes the entire time. So, if you're looking for a ride that'll test your skills and reward you with insane views, Abra Malaga Pass is calling your name!
extremeCocachacra-Santiago de Tuna Road
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're headed to the Huarochirí province in Peru and you're craving a serious adrenaline rush, the Cocachacra-Santiago de Tuna road is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a true test of skill and nerve. Connecting the villages of Cocachacra and Santiago de Tuna, this roughly 20-kilometer stretch of gravel is narrow. Think one-car-at-a-time narrow. And did I mention the sheer drops of hundreds of meters? Yeah, those are there, and they're totally unprotected. Nestled in the Andes, the views are stunning, assuming you can peel your eyes off the road long enough to enjoy them. Expect over 20 hairpin turns on a seriously steep climb. We're talking about an elevation gain of nearly 1,500 meters from Cocachacra. Vertigo sufferers, beware! Landslides are a possibility, and one wrong move could send you tumbling. This isn't for the faint of heart (or lungs, or legs!). Trust me, this road is an experience, and photos just don't capture the full intensity of it.