Is the road from Balzas to Celendin paved?
Peru, south-america
56.2 km
854 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because the road from Balzas to Celendín in northern Peru is a wild one! This 35-mile stretch of Route 8B isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. Freshly paved and in great condition, it still throws over 200 curves your way, including 34 hairpin turns that’ll test your nerves.
Forget about a relaxing cruise – this road climbs from 854m in Balzas to a lofty 2,643m in Celendín, packing in an elevation gain of 1,789m. Expect some serious gradients, with sections hitting a steep 7%!
But here’s the kicker: sheer drops. We're talking about a 1000m drop on one side and a vertical cliff on the other. Seriously, at some corners, your back tire might be flirting with the void. If you’re scared of heights or landslides, maybe grab a bus. But if you're after adrenaline and breathtaking views of the valleys far below, this is your road. Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 56.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 854 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is the road to Laguna Pallarcocha?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in the Peruvian Andes, Condesuyos Province, Arequipa Region, about to tackle a serious off-road adventure up to Laguna Pallarcocha, a stunning lake chilling at a crazy elevation of 4,740 meters. We're talking the AR-107, a 52-kilometer stretch of pure, unadulterated wilderness heading north-south. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a rough-and-tumble dirt track carved into the Cordillera Ampato's volcanic slopes. It's a vital link for remote communities, but "primitive" is definitely the word. You absolutely NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this. Seriously. Regular cars need not apply unless you fancy getting stuck. The road's eroded, washboarded, and follows the ridge lines, so you'll be picking your way around rocks and ruts the whole time. Now, the weather? It's the boss up here. Avoid this route during bad weather at all costs! Snow, rain, and dust storms can appear out of nowhere. High winds are constant, and in winter, expect snowdrifts and freezing temperatures (think -15°C!). Oh, and altitude sickness is a real thing – over 15,000 feet will mess with your concentration, and your engine will feel the lack of oxygen too. This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. You're totally isolated out here. No services, no cell signal, and very little traffic. The drive demands your full attention. But reaching that lake? It's a serene moment of pure silence, with volcanic peaks reflecting in the water. Just remember to bring enough fuel for the return trip, plus emergency oxygen and warm gear. The weather at Pallarcocha is about as predictable as a toddler after cake.
extremeAbra Mio
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Mio in the Huaral Province of Peru! This bad boy tops out at a whopping 4,764 meters (that's 15,629 feet!), so get ready for some serious altitude. The road is gravel, so expect a bumpy ride. If it's been raining or snowing, you might want to bring a 4x4. Speaking of snow, avalanches and landslides are a real possibility here, so keep an eye on the weather. Patches of ice can make things extra dicey! You'll know you've reached the end of the line when you hit the small town of Chungar, accessible from the main Vichaycocha to Cerro de Pasco road. And don't forget to check out the stunning Laguna Chungar on the south side of the pass—it's a view you won't want to miss!
moderateA wild unpaved 4x4 road to Chuanuma in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Chuañuma is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5,283m (17,332ft) above sea level, located in Chachas District, in the Castilla Province of Peru. It’s one of the highest roads in the country. The mountain, also known as Ch'uwañuma, is situated in the Arequipa Region, in the southern part of the country. The road to the summit, located southeast of the mountain Huañacagua in a valley named Puncuhuaico, is totally unpaved. 4x4 vehicles only. It’s an old mining road. Set high in the Chila range of the Andes, the road to the summit is 15km (9.32 miles) long, starting on the road to Chila peak. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map 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 here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardHow to drive the challenging road to La Cumbre?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for La Cumbre! This Bolivian beauty sits way up high in the Cochabamba department, topping out at a lung-busting 14,783 feet. You'll be cruising on the Carretera Oruro – Cochabamba (Ruta 4), a fully paved road that's surprisingly smooth. Don't get too comfy though – it's a twisty-turny climb that'll keep you on your toes. This epic stretch of road runs for about 44 miles between Challa Grande and Caihuasi, right in the heart of Bolivia. It's so challenging, it's a regular on the Vuelta Ciclista a Bolivia – the highest stage on the whole UCI circuit! Word to the wise: if you've got heart or breathing problems, maybe skip this one. The air gets seriously thin up there. Altitude sickness is a real possibility above 8,000 feet, and with 40% less oxygen at the summit, even walking feels like a workout. The steep inclines, unpredictable weather, and remote location make this a truly demanding drive. But the views? Totally worth it (if you can breathe enough to enjoy them!).