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
moderateAn Andean border road to Futaleufú Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Paso Futaleufú, a seriously cool international mountain pass straddling the border between Chile and Argentina. We're talking about a relatively low-lying pass, only 335m (1,099ft) high, nestled in the stunning Futaleufu National Reserve and named after the wild Futaleufú River. This beauty connects Argentina's Chubut Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region, and it's THE go-to route if you're heading from Argentina to the northern stretches of Chile's legendary Carretera Austral. Border crossings are open during daylight hours, with slightly adjusted times in summer and winter. Get ready for a 118 km (73.32 miles) journey that kicks off on Ruta 235 in Chile and winds its way to Esquel in Argentina. The road itself? Think a mix of gravel and paved sections along Ruta Nacional 259 (Argentina) and Ruta Internacional CH-231 (Chile). Prepare for epic scenery!
moderateWhere is Parinacota?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Want to experience driving at a seriously high altitude? Head to Putre in the Arica and Parinacota Region, snuggled way up in the Lauca National Park. We're talking 4,400 meters (that's 14,400 feet!) above sea level, making this one of the highest drivable towns on the planet. The drive itself? Get ready for breathtaking scenery. Think snow-capped volcanoes piercing the sky, steaming hot springs bubbling away, and incredible high-altitude lakes reflecting the vastness of it all. Keep your eyes peeled for the unique plants and animals that call this place home! The road leads to Parinacota, a small village that's actually the capital of the General Lagos commune. This is more than just a drive; it's an immersion into a landscape unlike any other.
hardHow Can I Get by Car to Salar de Maricunga in the Atacama Region?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: blindingly white salt flats shimmering under an intense sun. That’s Salar de Maricunga, sitting way up high in the Chilean Atacama at a lung-busting 3,700 meters (that’s over 12,000 feet!). You'll find this unreal landscape inside Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, way over on the eastern side of Chile. Be warned, this place is extreme. Think scorching days and freezing nights – the temperature swings are wild! But it's worth it. Imagine stark volcanic scenery meeting vibrant turquoise lagoons, home to unique wildlife. It’s a photographer's dream! The road in, Ruta 31-CH, is a bit of an adventure in itself. It's about 280 km (173 miles) of mostly gravel, connecting Copiapó to the Paso San Francisco border crossing with Argentina. You'll find some paved sections at the start and end, but the middle is all about that rugged off-road feel. Luckily, you don't necessarily need a 4x4 for this one, a 2wd car should usually do the trick! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.
extremeWhat is the route from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta?
🇵🇪 Peru
The road connecting Yungay Pampa and Mirasanta is a challenging mountain drive located in the Huaylas Province, within the Ancash Region of Peru. Situated inside the Huascaran National Park, this unpaved route offers breathtaking views and a technical driving experience through the heart of the Andes. Road facts: Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta Huaylas Province, Peru What is the route from Yungay Pampa to Mirasanta? The road runs in a south-north direction, covering a total distance of . It serves as a vital but rugged link in the Ancash Region, climbing through steep terrain where the landscape changes rapidly as you gain altitude within the Huascaran National Park. Is the road to Mirasanta paved? No, the entire road is unpaved, consisting mostly of gravel and dirt. The track is notorious for its narrow sections, often scarcely wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other. In many parts, there are significant drop-offs of hundreds of meters without any guardrails, requiring total focus from the driver. How many hairpin turns are on the road? The ascent is highly technical, featuring more than 20 sharp hairpin turns . These switchbacks are necessary to overcome the steep slopes of the Peruvian Andes, making it a demanding drive that tests both steering precision and vehicle reliability. What is the elevation gain on this drive? Starting from Yungay Pampa, the road climbs steadily to reach an elevation of above sea level. This involves a total elevation gain of over the 22.2 km course, resulting in several very steep sections that are common in high-altitude mountain passes. Is a 4x4 vehicle required for the Yungay Pampa road? A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for this journey. The combination of loose gravel, steep gradients, and narrow passages makes it unsuitable for standard cars. Additionally, the area is known for its unpredictable weather, which can quickly turn the unpaved surface into a slippery and hazardous track. What should drivers consider before starting? Due to the narrowness of the road, drivers must be experienced in mountain driving and comfortable with reversing on winding paths if they encounter oncoming traffic. It is essential to check vehicle conditions before departure, as the route passes through remote areas with no immediate facilities or assistance. Punta Caudalosa Chica Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.