Is Crucero Alto paved?
Peru, south-america
72.9 km
4,528 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Crucero Alto! This breathtaking mountain pass in the Puno region of Peru sits way up high at a staggering 14,855 feet.
What's the road like? You'll mostly be cruising on smooth pavement along Carretera 34C. This north-south route stretches for about 45 miles (72.9 km) between Santa Lucía and Eslagunero.
Keep your eyes peeled because, even with the pavement, mountain roads always demand respect. But, oh, the views! You'll be treated to some seriously stunning Peruvian scenery as you climb. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 72.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,528 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
extremeThe Ultimate Road Trip To Abra de la Cruz in Jujuy
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the extreme northwest of Argentina, you HAVE to check out Abra de la Cruz. This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Jujuy province, clocking in at a whopping 4,556 meters (that's nearly 15,000 feet!). Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. The road, officially Ruta Provincial 15, stretches for about 50 km (31 miles) between Rodeo Colorado (Salta Province) and Casillas (Jujuy Province), and let me tell you, it's an experience. Forget smooth asphalt; this is strictly unpaved territory. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle, and after a bit of rain, you might even want to think about 4x4. Expect endless hairpin turns, crazy steep climbs, and views that will blow your mind. Just take it slow and soak it all in!
extremeRoad 34H: Conquering Abra Sandia and Laguna Saytococha in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Road 34H, a wild ride through the Peruvian Andes! This 61-kilometer (38-mile) stretch connects Quiscupunco with the town of Sandia in the Puno Region, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll be hugging the mountainside as you conquer the Abra Sandia pass and gaze upon the serene Laguna Saytococha. Get ready for a dramatic change in scenery as you drop from the high Altiplano into the lush Amazon basin. The trickiest part? The section between Abra Sandia (also called Abra Apacheta) at a dizzying 4,495 meters and Laguna Saytococha at 4,459 meters. This is a remote area close to Bolivia, defined by steep cliffs, tight canyons, and rivers that love to mess with the road. While parts of Road 34H are paved, don't get too comfy! The asphalt is narrow and weathered, winding through a barren landscape where the mountains seem to want to reclaim the road. Watch out for floods, avalanches, and landslides that can turn the pavement into gravel and mud without warning. The road is incredibly narrow, and passing can be a real challenge. Imagine meeting a truck on a blind corner and having to reverse for kilometers along a cliff edge! High-clearance vehicles are essential, and driving in the rain or at night? Forget about it. The biggest challenge is the sheer exposure. The road clings to the mountainside with no guardrails, offering a breathtaking (or terrifying) view of the valleys far below. Heavy mist and sudden changes in visibility can make it hard to see the edge. And the hairpin turns? Prepare for dizziness! Plus, the steep descent will put your brakes to the test. At this altitude (nearly 4,500 meters), the lack of oxygen is real. Altitude sickness (soroche) is common, bringing nausea and dizziness. Don't eat a big meal before you go, or you might regret it. Beyond that, your driving skills need to be on point. Be ready to reverse on narrow shoulders and use low gears on those steep descents. Help is scarce here, so any mistake could have serious consequences. Pack emergency supplies, extra fuel, and tires that can handle both asphalt and rough gravel.
extremeWhere is Paso Sanchez?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Paso Sanchez in Bolivia's La Paz Department, nestled high in the Apolobamba mountain range, near the Peruvian border and within the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. This isn't your Sunday drive. Forget pavement; this is a raw, unadulterated dirt road experience, clocking in at roughly [insert length] from Ruta Nacional 16, near Villa Gral Pérez to Cueara. Think tight turns, hairpin switchbacks clinging to the mountainside, and seriously steep inclines that will test your mettle (and your vehicle). Speaking of vehicles, you'll need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. We're talking serious off-road conditions here. But the reward? Unparalleled views from over [insert elevation] above sea level. Just be prepared for a challenging journey – this remote route demands respect and a sense of adventure. You will be near the Curiquinca Volcano, so you know the scenery will be epic.
extremeWhere is Acotango Volcano?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: You're in Bolivia, deep in the Andes, inside Sajama National Park, about to tackle a seriously epic 4x4 trail up Volcán Acotango, a volcano straddling the Chilean border. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a rough, unpaved mining road that starts off the Chachacomani road in Oruro. You can realistically drive to about 5,500 meters (that's over 18,000 feet!), maybe a bit further, before the track becomes completely impassable. This baby's one of the highest roads around. The road gets super steep after about 4,800 meters, so make sure your rig is up to the task. The surface is generally okay until about 5,250 meters, but after that, hold on tight! They're building some stuff at the sulphur mine on the mountain, so you might see some construction. Keep in mind, this route is usually only open during the summer. Avalanches and heavy snowfall can shut things down anytime, so be prepared for closures. On the Chilean side? Stay away from summit attempts, seriously, landmines. The Bolivian side is comparatively safer. Conditions can change rapidly and become seriously challenging! The real reward? Breathtaking views of the Andean highlands. Seriously, the scenery is unreal. This is a road trip you won't forget!