How to reach Laguna Capalococha?
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,623 m
extreme
Year-round
Laguna Capalococha is a remote high-mountain lagoon situated at an elevation of 4,623m (15,167ft) above sea level in the Huaylas Province of Peru. Nestled deep within the Ancash Region, the road to this glacial lake is one of the most secluded and demanding tracks in the Cordillera Blanca range.
Road facts: Laguna Capalococha
Huaylas, Ancash, Peru (Cordillera Blanca)
Wild Unpaved / Loose Rocks
How to reach Laguna Capalococha?
The road to the lagoon spans
and runs north-south, connecting the high mountain pass of
(4,289m) with the remote village of
. This route is rarely mentioned in travel guides, making it a true hidden gem for those exploring the western part of the Peruvian Andes.
Is the road to Laguna Capalococha dangerous?
Yes, this is an extremely challenging drive. The surface is
and consists of loose rocks and gravel, with absolutely no guardrails protecting drivers from the
dangerous vertical drops
. The track features approximately
30 sharp hairpin turns
that negotiate the steep Andean slopes. Due to the technical nature of the terrain and the altitude, a
high-clearance 4x4 vehicle
is highly recommended.
What are the weather conditions like?
At over 4,600 meters, the weather is a constant factor. The area is frequently shrouded in
, which can reduce visibility to near zero in seconds. Combined with the narrowness of the track and the loose surface, driving here requires maximum concentration and experience in high-altitude environments. It is one of the most "raw" and "wild" driving experiences remaining in the Cordillera Blanca.
Hints for reading Spanish road signs
Driving a Wild Curvy Road to Abra Ucchuchacua in the Andes
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,623 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Cardenal Antonio Samoré Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré, a mountain pass chilling at 1,306m (4,284ft) on the Chile-Argentina border. Think epic scenery! You'll find it connecting Osorno Province in Chile's Los Lagos Region to the wild beauty of Patagonia in Argentina. Fun fact: it's named after Cardinal Antonio Samoré, a peacemaker between the two countries back in the day. The whole route, previously known as Paso Puyehue, is paved – yes, fully! It’s Ruta 215 on the Chilean side and Ruta Nacional 231 once you cross into Argentina. This is one of the most accessible Argentina-Chile crossings and a rare find with smooth tarmac in this part of the world. Typically, it’s open year-round from 9 am to 8 pm, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Expect some closures. The entire pass stretches for about 102 km (63.37 miles) from Entre Lagos in Chile to the charming Villa La Angostura in Argentina. Get ready for some serious views!
moderateAntiguo Puente de Pailón is a challenging bridge in Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, so picture this: You're in Bolivia, near the little town of Pailón, and you stumble upon what *was* one of the coolest bridges ever! I'm talking about the old Pailón bridge, a wooden wonder stretching almost a mile (1.4km) across the Río Grande. Built way back in the 1950s, it was this super rickety, single-lane affair where trains ALWAYS had the right-of-way. Can you imagine?! Sadly, it's been replaced by a shiny new bridge right next to it, so the old one is out of commission now. Still, what a sight it must have been! Now, buckle up for a wild ride on El Angosto, deep in the Andes. This isn't your average scenic route; it's known as one of the world's most treacherous roads, heading towards the Salar de Ollague Pass. Get ready for some serious elevation and heart-stopping views – if you dare to look!
hardWhere is Cerro Atacazo?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Cerro Atacazo is a stratovolcano at an elevation of 4.155m (13,631ft) above sea level located in highest roads in the country Where is Cerro Atacazo? The peak is located southwest of , in the north-central part of the country. What’s at the summit of Cerro Atacazo? , the summit is crowned with many antennas. The views of Quito are Is the road to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo unpaved? The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s a bumpy gravel road that has been eroded by rainstorms and is dusty in dry weather and muddy in wet. This is a demanding, tough road in remote mountains with uncertain weather, where altitude can cause real problems. You’ll need a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle . Your vehicle needs to be in good shape and be prepared for a lag in power. How long is the road to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo? The road to the antennas is very steep. It’s 9.5km (5.9 miles) long starting from . Over this distance, the elevation gain is 943m and the average gradient is Travel Guide to La Virgen Pass Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeLaguna Huascachoca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Lima Region of western Peru lies Laguna Huascachoca, a stunning high-altitude lake chilling at a whopping 4,485m (14,714ft). Getting there is half the adventure – and I mean *adventure*! The road, known as 20A, is not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, seriously steep inclines, and enough exposure to make your palms sweat. We're talking about a mind-numbing vertical drop of hundreds of meters... so maybe skip it on a windy day? This route links Lima and Colquijirca, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Mountains stretch out before you in every direction. But heads up: this altitude is no joke. Snowfall can close the road anytime, and heavy mist can roll in, making visibility a real challenge. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls, and landslides are also real concerns, with frequent icy patches thrown in for good measure. The climb is brutal, and the lack of oxygen will test your lungs (and maybe your sanity!). Altitude sickness can kick in around 2,500-2,800 meters, so be prepared. Basically, it's epic scenery mixed with a healthy dose of "hold on tight!"