Huanacuno-Yunchara Road

Huanacuno-Yunchara Road

Bolivia, south-america

Length

39.2 km

Elevation

2.741 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for the Huanacuno-Yunchara road in southern Bolivia! This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. Let's just say if you're not a fan of heights or the occasional landslide scare, maybe sit this one out.

This gravel road climbs from Huanacuno (2,741m above sea level) to Yunchara (3,579m). Clocking in at almost 40 kilometers, it's carved right into the side of a seriously steep mountain. You'll be sharing the road with other travelers. The views are insane – like, spread-out-mountain-panorama insane, but those views come with a healthy dose of "don't look down" because, well, there are serious drop-offs. No guardrails to be seen!

Get ready for about 20 hairpin turns. Over the course of the 39.2km, you'll climb 838 meters, hitting some gradients as steep as 15%! The air gets thin up there so be prepared for a possible altitude sickness. This climb is challenging, with a noticeable lack of oxygen that will test your body. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it in bad weather. But the scenery is incredible.

Where is it?

Huanacuno-Yunchara Road is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -14.3232, -63.2023

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Road Details

Country
Bolivia
Continent
south-america
Length
39.2 km
Max Elevation
2.741 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-14.3232, -63.2023

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