How long is the road to Laguna Cerro Negro?
Argentina, south-america
17.7 km
4,492 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Jujuy Province, Argentina, ready for an adventure to Laguna Cerro Negro. This hidden gem sits way up high at 4,492m (14,737ft)!
The adventure starts in Lagunillas del Farallón, and the road stretches for about 17.7 km (11 miles). You'll climb through the golden Puna grasslands, with views that will blow your mind – perfect for those Insta-worthy shots.
Heads up: before you reach the lake, you'll tackle the Cuesta del Farallón, topping out at 4,625 m. Seriously high!
Forget smooth tarmac. This road is all gravel and loose rocks, super narrow, and often hugs the edge with massive drop-offs. Passing another car? Good luck! Someone might be reversing for ages.
4x4 is non-negotiable. Expect hairpin turns, ridiculously steep climbs, and conditions that turn treacherous after rain. Think mud and slippery rocks. Only seasoned drivers with seriously prepped vehicles should attempt this.
Altitude is a real factor at over 4,400 meters, so take it easy. Landslides are also a risk.
But the reward? A visual masterpiece! The deep blue lagoon is framed by the dark, volcanic Cerro Negro. The raw, lonely beauty of this place is unforgettable – easily one of the most spectacular sights in Jujuy.
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 17.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,492 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardHow to drive the remote 4x4 route to Abra Mallachuma?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Hey thrill-seekers! Ever dreamed of touching the sky? Abra Mallachuma in Bolivia lets you do just that, topping out at a staggering 5,131m (16,833ft)! Nestled in the La Paz Department, west of Quime in the Inquisivi Province, this is Andean adventure at its finest. Forget smooth asphalt; this is raw, unpaved mining track, folks! You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle the narrow paths and seriously steep ascents. Trust me, the insane views of the lagoons make it worth every bump and lurch. Just keep your eyes on the road — we're talking major drop-offs and exposed edges that'll test your nerves. The 67.8 km (42.12 miles) route from Araca to Rodeo is a north-south rollercoaster ride. Be warned: there's nothing out here. No gas stations, no snack shacks, nada. Oh, and did I mention you're basically living above 5,000m (16,400ft) the whole time? The air is thin, and altitude sickness is a real threat – headaches, dizziness, the works. Even your ride might feel sluggish! And the weather? It can flip from sunny to snowy in a heartbeat, so pack accordingly. Acclimatize beforehand, hydrate like crazy, and don't push yourself. Bring layers, water, and emergency supplies – you're out in the wild!
hardClaudio Lucero Refuge
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Refugio Claudio Lucero, a mountain hut chilling way up high in the Chilean Atacama Region, practically spitting distance from Argentina. We're talking serious altitude here—14,852 feet! Forget smooth asphalt; the road is a sandy, rocky beast. This is strictly for seasoned off-roaders with a 4x4! If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, steer clear. The challenge isn't just the terrain, though. The altitude can kick your butt with altitude sickness, and the weather can turn on a dime. Plus, it's seriously remote. But hey, the scenery? Totally worth it! Think vast desert landscapes stretching to the horizon. Snow's rare unless it's winter, so mostly you'll be dealing with dry, dusty conditions. Just remember, you're way out there. Help is a long time coming if anything goes wrong – potentially a day or more – and a helicopter rescue? Forget about it. This wild track is mainly used by climbers tackling the Ojos del Salado volcano. Get ready for an epic (and challenging) ride!
moderateAn epic road to Portezuelo del Cajon in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the ride of your life! We're heading to Portezuelo del Cajón, a crazy-high mountain pass straddling the border between Chile and Bolivia. Perched at a lung-busting 4,480m (that's almost 14,700ft!), you'll feel like you're on top of the world. This epic route, also called Hito Cajón, connects Chile's Antofagasta Region with Bolivia's Potosí Department, nestled on the flank of the Juriques volcano in the Andes. The Bolivian side drops you right into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, practically spitting distance from the stunning Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca. Think Uyuni Salt Flats to San Pedro de Atacama – this is the road many tourists use to bounce between these iconic destinations. The whole shebang is about 150km (93 miles) of mixed terrain, from smooth pavement to rugged unpaved sections, stretching from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) to Quetena Chico (Bolivia). Keep an eye out for Cerro Toco to the south! Be prepped for some serious altitude changes and isolated landscapes. Random fact: the Bolivian Customs office is like, 80km into Bolivia, basically in the middle of nowhere and even higher than the pass itself at over 5,000m! You'll find it hidden behind a guarded barrier at a processing plant. The Chilean border post is conveniently located on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama, a good 40km back down the road. And pro tip: check the weather! High altitude means colder temps and a higher chance of storms.
extremeLaguna Tototral
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, so you're heading to Peru? Forget the tourist traps and get ready for Laguna Tototral, a stunning high-altitude lake chilling way up at 14,245 feet! This ain't no Sunday drive though. Route 120 to get there? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, super-narrow sections, and mud that'll swallow your tires whole if it's been raining. Seriously, 4x4 is your BFF here. And be warned: this road's notorious for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, plus sneaky patches of ice that can appear out of nowhere. The climb is BRUTAL. We're talking seriously steep and the air gets thin, fast. Most people start feeling the altitude sickness kick in well before you even reach the lake. But, trust me, the views? Absolutely worth the lung-busting trek. Just take it slow, stay hydrated, and prepare to be amazed.