Is the Punta Olimpica Old Road unpaved?
Peru, south-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Ancash region of Peru, there's this insane old road near Punta Olimpica that'll have you clinging to the edge... literally! We're talking eastern-central Peru vibes, starting south of the main drag.
So, picture this: you're inching along this old road, but fair warning, it's blocked to cars these days. Think you can tackle it in a car? Think again: big rocks and massive potholes render it impassable. It's only suitable for bikes or hiking!
Now, elevation is no joke. You'll be gasping for air at roughly 4,735 meters above sea level, and be prepared for snow – it happens! Oh, and did I mention the *high* avalanche risk? Yeah, that's a thing.
It stretches for a respectable length and used to be *the* way before they built that famous Punta Olimpica Tunnel. Even though the road is no longer maintained, it still boasts unbelievable cliff views.
Seriously, this isn't for the faint of heart. One wrong move, and you might as well say goodbye to your tire! If you're a seasoned cyclist, maybe give it a whirl. If not, lace up those hiking boots and soak in the scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
hardTravelling through Huahum Pass, one of the lowest passes of the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Paso Huahum! This Andean beauty straddles the border between Chile and Argentina, clocking in at a cool 625 meters (2,051 feet). It's one of the lower crossings in the southern Andes, making it a pretty accessible option. Also known as Paso Pirihueico, this route connects San Martín de los Andes (Argentina) and Panguipulli (Chile). You'll be cruising Ruta CH-203 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 48 on the Argentinian side. Heads up: both are gravel roads! Expect it to be rocky and steep on the Chilean side. To reach the pass from Chile, you’ll need to hop on a ferry across Lake Pirihueico. The Hua Hum ferry makes daily trips between Puerto Fuy and Puerto Pirihueico, and the ride itself is a scenic 1.5-hour mini-adventure. This pass is the main route from Chile's Los Ríos Region into Argentina's Neuquén Province. And the best part? It stays open year-round, so snow won't stop you!
extremeIs Abra Huayraccasa the highest road pass in the Americas?
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic adventure on Abra Huayraccasa, a seriously high mountain pass in Peru's Huancavelica region! Forget paved roads – this is a 63.2km (39.27 miles) dirt track running between the 28D road and Lircay. At a staggering 4,971m (16,309ft) above sea level, some claim it's even higher, but whatever the exact number, you'll definitely feel the altitude! The sign at the pass might still boast a higher figure, but trust me, it's an experience regardless. Be warned: this road, also known as Wayra Q'asa, isn't for the faint of heart. It's rough, unpaved, and can get incredibly treacherous after rain or snow. Winter temperatures can plummet, so pack accordingly! Expect a 3-4 hour drive of potholes, hairpin bends, and heart-stopping drops. But hey, if you're an experienced driver craving jaw-dropping views of the Andes, this is your ultimate thrill ride! The surrounding scenery is absolutely amazing. Just be prepared for a wild, unforgettable journey.
extremeA wild road to Cerro Rico, the silver mountain that eats men
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cerro Rico, the "Rich Mountain" of Bolivia! This iconic, cone-shaped peak, also called Cerro Potosí, sits way up high in the Andes, clocking in at a staggering 15,616 feet above sea level. Okay, a bit of history: this mountain is legendary for its massive silver deposits that fueled the Spanish Empire back in the day. Imagine, the world's largest industrial complex in the 16th century! Today, it's still mined for zinc, tin, tungsten, lead, copper, and even a little silver. Now, getting to the top is where the adventure really kicks in. The road is completely unpaved, twisting and turning with hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. And hold on tight, because some sections are incredibly steep, with gradients reaching a maximum of 15%! Be warned, though, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Due to extensive mining over centuries, the mountain is unstable and riddled with tunnels, making it a potentially hazardous climb. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep your eyes on the road – you'll need them!
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!