How to Get by Car to Laguna Canchiscocha, Laguna Fudococha, and Laguna Tayacocha in the Cordillera Negra?
Peru, south-america
8.9 km
4,561 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a seriously epic road for you: the route to Laguna Canchiscocha, Laguna Fudococha, and Laguna Tayacocha in Peru's Yungay Province. Nestled way up in the Ancash Region, in the Huaylas Valley, this trio of high-mountain lagoons is worth the trek, but be warned: it's not for the faint of heart!
The road is a beast – unpaved, rocky, and clinging to the side of the Cordillera Negra range with zero guardrails. Think serious drop-offs and a few hairpin turns right at the end to keep you on your toes. You'll top out at a staggering 4,561m (14,963ft), so keep an eye on the weather, as fog is a frequent visitor.
This is seriously remote, so rally your crew. You'll need a 4x4 for this one; anything less just won't cut it. Starting from Abra Tsactsapunta, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 4,472m (14,671ft), you've got a wild 8.9 km (5.5 miles) to go. Trust me, the views of those lagoons at the end make it all worthwhile!
Where is it?
How to Get by Car to Laguna Canchiscocha, Laguna Fudococha, and Laguna Tayacocha in the Cordillera Negra? is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -12.6370, -75.6016
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 8.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,561 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -12.6370, -75.6016
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhy is it called Piedra del Molino?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, because Piedra del Molino in Salta, Argentina is a wild ride you won't soon forget! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a staggering 3,367m (11,046ft) above sea level. You'll find it snaking through the central-western part of the Salta province. Ever wonder about the name? "Piedra del Molino" translates to "Millstone," and legend has it that a huge granite grinding stone was abandoned here way back in 1927. Talk about a roadside attraction! This adventure lies within Los Cardones National Park, and the road itself, Ruta Provincial 33, is mostly paved. Don't let that fool you though – it's a winding beast also known as Cuesta del Obispo, a name that hints at the challenging path ahead. Stretching for 105 km (65 miles) between Payogasta and El Carril, this drive is not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, steep climbs, and some serious drop-offs that might have your stomach doing somersaults. But oh, is it worth it! Just before the summit, there's a breathtaking lookout point where you can see the snaking road and Quebrada del Escoipe spread out before you. The summit itself has a tiny chapel dedicated to St. Rafael, a perfect spot for a moment of reflection after that epic drive.
extremeLaguna Capalococha: The ultimate 4x4 challenge in the Cordillera Blanca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've just discovered the most ridiculously secluded lagoon nestled high in the Peruvian Andes: Laguna Capalococha. We're talking remote – deep in the Ancash Region, near the Cordillera Blanca range. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This 25 km (16-mile) dirt track is a north-south rollercoaster connecting the Chicarhuapunta pass (already at 4,289m!) with the tiny village of Purhuash. Forget the tour buses; this hidden gem is for the truly intrepid. Seriously, this road is a beast. Imagine loose rocks, gravel, and zero guardrails staring down some serious vertical drops. And the hairpin turns? We're talking about 30 of them, carving their way up those insanely steep slopes. A high-clearance 4x4? Non-negotiable. But the altitude? That's the real kicker. At over 4,600 meters (15,167ft!), the weather is unpredictable. Think blinding fog rolling in out of nowhere, making those already-narrow roads even more treacherous. You'll need your A-game, folks – maximum concentration and high-altitude driving experience are a must. But if you're up for it, this is the kind of raw, wild driving experience that you just don't find anymore. The views? Epic, if you can see through the fog!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Quebrada del Peñon
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Quebrada del Peñon! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a staggering 12,440 feet in Chile's Atacama Desert. The landscape is insane, nestled within the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park. Now, about the road itself: it's called C-601, and it's a gravel and sand track. Think rugged and remote! Be warned – this baby can get seriously muddy and slippery after a rain shower, turning it into a real challenge. And during or after a storm? Forget about it, even 4x4s might be out of luck. Weather-wise, prepare for extremes. Daytime highs can hit a balmy 30°C (86°F), but nighttime temps plummet, especially in winter when it can dip below freezing. Plus, the area is known for some serious winds, so hold onto your hats! Overall, Quebrada del Peñon is a wild ride with incredible scenery and a true test for the adventurous spirit. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
moderateWhere is Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between Argentina and Bolivia, hitting an altitude of 3,645 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!). This is the Ciénaga de Paicone-Río Mojón Pass, a high mountain road connecting the wild northwest of Argentina's Jujuy Province with the stunning landscapes of Bolivia's Sur Lípez. The 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) route snakes its way between the tiny Argentinian town of Ciénega de Paicone and Río Mojón in Bolivia. While the road is entirely unpaved, it's generally in good shape. Get ready for some serious off-road vibes and views that'll make your jaw drop!