How to Get to Chiquian by Car?
Peru, south-america
16.7 km
3,410 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're headed to Chiquián, a cool little mountain town way up in the Peruvian Andes! We're talking serious altitude here, like 11,187 feet above sea level! You'll find it nestled in the Ancash Region, practically the heart of western Peru.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The road, called Carretera a Chiquián, is paved, which is good news, but hold on tight because it's a wild ride! Think twelve hairpin turns twisting up the mountainside, some sections are seriously steep, with gradients hitting 9%. You'll climb to a breathtaking 13,959 feet at the highest point. Keep your eyes peeled for rock slides though, they're a real possibility.
The whole trip from the 3N road to Chiquián is only about 10.4 miles, but in that short distance, you'll climb almost 2,800 feet! That’s an average gradient of just over 5%. The views alone are worth the white-knuckle driving!
Where is it?
How to Get to Chiquian by Car? is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.5092, -76.8613
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 16.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,410 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -10.5092, -76.8613
Related Roads in south-america
easyPapallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alright, wanderlusters, listen up! If you're cruising around Ecuador's Napo Province, you HAVE to check out Papallacta. This isn't your average pit stop – it's the highest town in the whole country, perched way up at 3,300m (that's over 10,800 feet!). Seriously, you can practically touch the sky. Word on the street is "Papallacta" means "Land of Potatoes" – fitting, right? But the real draw is the ridiculously awesome hot springs. Think steamy, soothing goodness surrounded by mountain views. It's the perfect day trip escape, especially if you're coming from Quito. Getting there is a breeze on the fully paved E20 highway. This 76.7 km (47.65 mile) stretch winds its way from Pifo to Baeza, slicing right through the Andes. Heads up: you'll be climbing! The road takes you up to a breathtaking peak of over 4,000m (we're talking serious views of mountains and glaciers), after you pass through cute towns and tiny villages. You're basically driving from Quito, on the edge of the Amazon jungle, straight into postcard-perfect scenery. Get your camera ready!
hardThe breathtaking road to Cerro Umurata in the Andes
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're in South America, smack-dab on the border of Bolivia and Chile, about to tackle Cerro Umurata. We're talking serious Andean views here, people! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 4x4 mining trail that climbs all the way up to 5,542 meters (that’s over 18,000 feet!). It's one of the highest roads you'll find in South America. The road kicks off from Chachacomani in Bolivia, snaking its way up 15.1 kilometers (around 9.4 miles) with a pretty steep average gradient. Translation? Get ready for a climb! This rugged, totally unpaved route was built for sulphur mining. It’s raw, it’s real, and it delivers some seriously stunning scenery of the Cordillera Occidental. Keep in mind, though, this road is usually only open during the summer months. Avalanches and heavy snowfall can shut things down anytime, so check conditions before you go. But if you're up for an epic adventure and have the right vehicle, Cerro Umurata promises a ride you won't soon forget.
moderateAlto de Letras is the longest road climb in the world
🇨🇴 Colombia
Get ready for Alto de Letras, one of the most legendary and grueling climbs in Colombia! Situated high in the Andes, straddling the Tolima and Caldas departments, this road is a must-do for any adventurous traveler. Nicknamed "Letras", this fully paved road, part of Ruta Nacional 50, links Manizales and San Sebastián de Mariquita, offering an epic journey for those brave enough to take it on. Prepare to be amazed as the landscape transforms around you. The changing scenery, climate, crops, and even animals create a truly unique experience. Keep your camera ready for the beautiful, ever-evolving views. Heads up, though: this route can get busy, so an early start is a good idea. Starting from San Sebastián de Mariquita, you'll be tackling a staggering 78.9 km (49 miles) with an elevation gain of 3,220 meters. The average gradient is around 4%, but don't let that fool you – you'll hit some steep sections of 11% or 12% in places! Often called the longest road climb in the world, Alto de Letras is a favorite among cyclists, both amateur and pro, and has been a part of the Vuelta a Colombia for years. Starting in the subtropical heat of San Sebastián de Mariquita at 468 meters and climbing all the way up to an arctic 3,692 meters, this is one South American adventure you won't soon forget!
extremeCerro Juquel: Driving the steep 9.5% climb in Potosí, Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Deep in the Potosí 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 Potosí 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 Potosí 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.