
How to drive the challenging 4x4 road to Quiscapampa in the Andes?
Peru, south-america
23 km
5,351 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled one of the highest roads in Peru, and it's a beast – Quiscapampa, clocking in at a whopping 17,555 feet! You’ll find this bad boy chilling in the Castilla Province, specifically in the Chachas District.
We're talking remote Arequipa Region, deep in the southern part of Peru.
Now, let’s be clear: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, so 4x4 is a MUST. It’s actually a mining road still in use for the Paula Mine. The 14-mile (23km) route winds its way from Anchaca to Chuañuma, near the Marhuas volcano, offering insane views of the Andes’ Chila range. Just prepare yourself for some seriously extreme cold temps!
Where is it?
How to drive the challenging 4x4 road to Quiscapampa in the Andes? is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.8182, -76.3455
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 23 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,351 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -7.8182, -76.3455
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