
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
extremeDon Mario and Punta Pumacocha: The grueling 42km 4x4 crossing in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a wild ride through the Peruvian Andes! We're talking about a 42km stretch between Lima and Junin that'll test your off-roading mettle. Forget leisurely drives; this is a high-altitude mining route, and you'll be flirting with the 5,000-meter mark as you conquer Don Mario Pass and Punta Pumacocha. Starting near Huancapallca and winding east toward the JU-110 Road, this isn't your average scenic detour. We're talking jagged peaks, desolate plateaus, and valleys bursting with minerals. The road itself? Think rugged, unpaved, and ready to throw surprises at you. First up, Don Mario Pass (4,739m). The climb out of the mine area is steep, often muddy, and slick – traction is your new best friend. Once you hit the plateau, the gradient eases, but the altitude? Not so forgiving! Your engine will be screaming for air, and you might feel a bit lightheaded yourself. But the real fun begins as you ascend to Punta Pumacocha (4,990m). The last few kilometers are seriously hardcore. Imagine a gravel road, a relentless 10.5% average gradient, and that delicious lack of oxygen. Low range is your only friend here. Oh, and if you're scared of heights, prepare for a serious mental game. The drops are vertical, and the track is narrow. Of course, Mother Nature loves to keep things interesting. The weather is brutally unpredictable, and a single rainfall can turn the road into a mud bath. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides? Just part of the experience. And don't even think about tackling this in winter without being ready for ice. Finally, altitude sickness (soroche) is a real risk. So pack your extra fuel, oxygen, emergency thermal gear, and your A-game, because you're going to need it!
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!
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.
hardIs the road to Lake Junin unpaved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Nestled high in the Junín Region of Peru, way up at 13,720 feet, lies the stunning Lago Junín. Seriously, this place is breathtaking! To get there, you'll be cruising along the western shore of the lake on about 36 miles of unpaved road running from Vicco to Junín. Most of the time, the road is pretty manageable, but I'd definitely suggest a high-clearance vehicle. After a good rain, though, things can get a little dicey. A 4x4 might be your best friend then. Keep your eyes peeled because you’ll be traveling through the Reserva Nacional de Junín. The views are absolutely worth the bumpy ride!