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
moderateTrans-Chaco Highway is one of the most famous roads of South America
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: the Trans-Chaco Highway, or Ruta PY09 as the locals call it, stretching a whopping 775 km (481 miles) from José Falcón, near Asunción, all the way to the Bolivian border at Fortín Sgto. Rodríguez. You'll cruise through Central, Presidente Hayes, and Boquerón departments, and once you hit Argentina, it magically turns into National Route 11, becoming National Route 6 on the Bolivian side. This road, first opened in 1961, used to be infamous for swallowing vehicles whole, especially when the rains came! It got a pavement makeover in 2007, but trust me, that thin asphalt didn't last. Now, it's all about dodging dust, cracks, and more potholes than you can count. Apparently, it's not quite up to handling all the heavy trucks that roll through. Driving here demands your full attention – think slalom practice! It's mostly straight, but the surface keeps you on your toes. Night driving? Maybe not for newbies. The road conditions combined with the tough climate, scarce traffic, and hardly any towns mean you'll want to load up on extra food and water. Better safe than stranded!
moderateCrossing the beautiful Puente del Rio Electrico
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in Argentina, smack-dab in Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz Province. You're cruising down Ruta Provincial 23, not far from the Chilean border, and BAM! You hit the Puente del Rio Electrico. This isn't just any bridge; it's a short wooden marvel stretching 35 meters over the Electrico River. Seriously, this thing is beautiful. The wooden surface adds to the rustic charm, and the views are absolutely unreal. Keep your eyes peeled though! While the views are stunning, you're still driving. Stay alert and soak it all in! This isn’t just a drive; it’s an experience.
extremeDriving the high-altitude RN76 to Pircas Negras Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ride of your life on National Route 76 (RN76) in La Rioja, Argentina! This 259 km (161-mile) stretch of pure adventure winds its way from Villa Unión to the Chilean border at the Pircas Negras Pass. Imagine yourself cruising through the Reserva Natural Laguna Brava, a protected haven of shimmering salt lakes and flocks of pink flamingos. As you climb higher and higher, the views become absolutely unreal – think Cerro Bonete (one of the Andes' tallest giants) and Cerro Veladero. This is a world of intense quiet, sparkling turquoise lagoons, and weather that keeps you on your toes. RN76 throws some serious challenges your way with two high-altitude passes that'll test your mettle. First up, the Portezuelo de Laguna Brava at 4,379m (14,366ft), your gateway to the high plateau. Then, brace yourself for Abra Cerro Veladero, hitting a staggering 4,483m (14,708ft)! These stretches are entirely unpaved and seriously demanding. Think loose gravel, crazy steep inclines, and thin air that'll leave you breathless. This isn't a drive to take lightly. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance and a solid plan. The weather here is no joke – winter brings snowfalls over 2 meters, shutting down Laguna Brava Provincial Park to private vehicles. Even in summer, keep an eye out for sudden storms that can trigger landslides or create icy patches. This is remote, so pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. Altitude sickness is a real concern here, as you'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good chunk of the trip. Expect the 259 km drive from Villa Unión to take a full day. The terrain is rough, and you'll want to stop often to adjust to the altitude. While the road is mostly gravel, be prepared for slippery mud near the salt flats, even after a little rain. But trust me, the reward is HUGE: some of the most incredible landscapes in South America, culminating at the Pircas Negras Pass. Before you go, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and double-check the border crossing status, as it's only open during the summer months when the route is clear of snow.
extremeAbra de Rumualdo
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Abra de Rumualdo in the Caylloma Province of Peru! This bad boy tops out at a staggering 3,434m (11,266ft) above sea level, so be prepared for some seriously thin air. You'll be tackling the Carretera Cincha – Huanca, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking avalanches, landslides, and a road surface that steadily deteriorates from asphalt to a single lane of asphalt, and then to a gravel mule track. Keep an eye on the weather because snowstorms and blizzards can roll in out of nowhere. Expect over 200 turns, including some seriously tight hairpin switchbacks. The road is incredibly steep, so maybe lay off that extra helping of lunch – you might be feeling a little queasy as you wind your way up. The views, if you dare to take your eyes off the road, are absolutely breathtaking, but this is one drive where courage and skill are absolutely essential!