How to drive the hairpin turns to Collpani?
Bolivia, south-america
10.4 km
3,894 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collpani in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This ain't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: a tiny village nestled high in the Andes, accessible by a road that redefines "twisty."
We're talking 52 hairpin turns packed into just 10.4 kilometers! Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out. Or at least pack some ginger ale. You'll be climbing 819 meters, going from 3,075 m to a lung-busting 3,894 m above sea level. That's an average gradient of nearly 8%, with sections hitting a wild 15%.
The entire road is unpaved and super narrow. The scenery? Absolutely stunning, but you'll be too busy wrestling the steering wheel to fully appreciate it. This route is an adventure, to say the least! Just remember to take it slow, enjoy the ride, and maybe don't eat a huge meal beforehand. You've been warned!
Where is it?
How to drive the hairpin turns to Collpani? is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -15.9842, -63.2210
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 10.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,894 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -15.9842, -63.2210
Related Roads in south-america
moderateRuta Provincial 47
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for Ruta Provincial 47, a seriously stunning gravel road adventure in Argentina's Valdes Peninsula! This 83km stretch of 'ripio' connects Estancia Punta Norte to Punta Delgada on the Golfo Nuevo. Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Valdes Peninsula has a semi-arid climate, so expect wild weather swings and crazy winds. Keep it under 60km/h to save yourself from cracked windshields or flat tires. The gravel gets loose, especially on the edges, and turns into a slippery mud bath after rain. But hey, the views! You're cruising through prime real estate for spotting some of the world's biggest marine animals doing their thing. While a high-clearance 2WD can *technically* handle the long, dry stretches at slow speeds, a 4x4 is your best friend. Trust me, the extra comfort and peace of mind are worth it when the road gets rough with washboarding, ruts, and dips. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
moderateDriving the paved Estrada Cunha-Paraty in Brazil
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: the Cunha-Paraty Road in Brazil. It's a 44.6km (27.71 miles) ribbon of road straddling São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states. Think lush scenery and a real sense of adventure! The road's fully paved, since 2016! The first 30km (SP-171) is smooth sailing in São Paulo, well-signed, and generally in great shape (though it can get a little busy). Then you hit a sweet 10km stretch (RJ-165) through Serra da Bocaina National Park – cobblestones galore! Seriously, this part is a highlight. The last 10km gets a bit rougher, with a narrower road and some potholes, so keep your eyes peeled. Expect some steep climbs and descents, especially within the national park. You'll be dropping into 1st or 2nd gear in spots, no doubt. The highest point? A cool 1,531m (5,022ft) above sea level. You *could* blast through it in an hour without stopping. But seriously, give yourself at least two! This road is part of the Estrada Real, a.k.a. the "Old Road" or "Gold Road," used way back in the 17th century to haul minerals (gold, mostly) to the coast. It's all about stunning views: forests, waterfalls, and incredible peaks. Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in!
extremeCerro Juquel: Driving the steep 9.5% climb in PotosÃ, Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Deep in the Potosà Department of southwestern Bolivia lies Cerro Juquel, a mountain peak soaring to 4,612m (15,131ft). This landmark pierces the desolate Andean landscape, offering access to a communication tower via a seriously dramatic, technical road. The views? Absolutely insane – think salt flats stretching forever and stark volcanic terrain. Your adventure kicks off near Hostal De Sal La Escondida, that cool salt hotel you'll find in the Altiplano. From there, the track claws its way up the dry, rocky mountainside of the Potosà region. It’s a land of pure isolation, sculpted by volcanic minerals and super thin air. The climb is 9.01 km (5.60 miles) long, and as you gain altitude, the ground gets looser and more technical. This is not for the faint of heart (or the 2WD). Yep, the road to the summit is 100% unpaved. It's a narrow, rocky track demanding a 4x4 beast. The trail is super steep, featuring 19 hairpin turns that will have you gripping the wheel. These switchbacks are tight and often have significant drop-offs, so maybe skip this one if you're scared of heights. The surface is high-altitude gravel and volcanic soil, which can get slippery, especially on those ramps where the 9.5% gradient makes your engine scream. The real challenge of Cerro Juquel is that brutal combo of steepness and altitude. Over those 9 km, you'll gain 856 meters in elevation, resulting in an average gradient of 9.5%. Up at 4,600+ meters, your engine will struggle with the lack of oxygen, seriously impacting power. Low-range gearing is a must to keep things smooth through those hairpins. The communication tower at the top is your final destination, but the real reward is that mind-blowing panorama of the desolate Potosà wilderness – a view few travelers ever witness. Weather here is harsh and unpredictable. Even in the dry season, high winds are a constant, making steering tricky on the exposed hairpins. Temperatures plummet the moment the sun dips, often well below freezing. If you encounter any moisture, the volcanic dust transforms into a super-slippery paste, turning that 9.5% grade into a dangerous slide. Always check local conditions and pack recovery gear, extra fuel, and warm layers before ditching the salt plains.
moderateDriving 25km above 4,900m on the gravel road to Peru's Abra Azuca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just conquered Abra Azuca, and WOW, what a ride! Perched way up high in the Peruvian Andes, right on the border between Cusco and Apurimac, this baby tops out at a staggering 5,190 meters (that's 17,027 feet!). Seriously, you're breathing some thin air up there. This isn't your typical Sunday drive; the 25.1 km (15.59 miles) from Abra Culipampa to the summit is all unpaved, a rugged path snaking through the Wansu mountains. Think epic views, seriously beautiful scenery that'll make your jaw drop. The road itself? Surprisingly decent, mostly because it's used by mining trucks. Expect gentle inclines for the most part, though there are a few steeper sections to keep things interesting. Pro tip: Acclimatize, acclimatize, acclimatize! This is high altitude, and you'll want to enjoy the experience, not gasp for air. Word on the street is this is one of the highest passes in South America, so you know it's legit!