
Is the Road to Salinas Lake Unpaved?
Peru, south-america
64.7 km
4,335 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in the Arequipa Region of Peru, ready for an adventure. Your destination? Laguna de Salinas, a shimmering salt lake perched way up at 14,222 feet.
Getting there? That's half the fun (and maybe a little bit of the terror!). We're talking Ruta 34C, a 40-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road mayhem. Forget pavement, this is all dirt, rocks, and serious curves. Think narrow paths barely wide enough for your rig, sheer cliffs on one side, and a stomach-dropping plunge on the other – no guardrails to be seen! Expect tunnels, hairpin turns galore, and views that'll make you forget your fear… almost.
Give yourself a solid two hours to tackle this beast from Arequipa, the gorgeous colonial city. Trust me, you'll want every minute to navigate this wild ride. You'll need nerves of steel and a vehicle you trust implicitly, but the bragging rights and the otherworldly scenery at the end? Totally worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 64.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,335 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
extremeAbra Tolconi
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Arequipa Region of Peru and craving a serious dose of altitude, you HAVE to check out Abra Tolconi. This mountain pass punches through the Andes at a staggering 4,860 meters (that's 15,945 feet!). The road? Well, let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, connecting Caylloma to Quiñota, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. But trust me, the views from the top are worth every jolt. We're talking panoramic vistas that stretch for miles! Now, a word of caution: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Pack plenty of water, snacks, extra fuel, a cozy jacket, and your trusty GPS and maps. You're climbing high and heading into remote territory! Be ready for potential challenges. Even a little rain can make things tricky, and avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are possibilities. Patches of ice can also make things interesting (read: dangerous). The good news is the climb itself is fairly gentle, so you won't be battling insane inclines. But be prepared!
hardAbra Huaytire, an absolute must for road lovers
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Huaytire! This high-altitude gem straddles the Moquegua and Tacna departments in southern Peru, topping out at a lung-busting 15,643 feet. The road, Carretera 36A, is paved the whole way, but don't let that fool you. It's a wild ride of twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep even seasoned drivers on their toes. If you've got anyone prone to carsickness in the back, maybe pack some ginger ale! Stretching for 126 miles from Mazocruz towards Moquegua, this east-west route is a serious climb. Remember, you're high in the mountains here, so the air is thin. Altitude sickness and unpredictable weather are definitely things to keep in mind. But trust me, the stunning scenery is worth it!
hardWhere is Laguna Llancanelo located, and what is the road like?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Mendoza Province, Argentina, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Your destination? The incredible Laguna Llancanelo, a high-altitude saline lake chilling at over 4,000 feet in the Andean foothills. The route in is Ruta Provincial 186, a 54-mile stretch from the paved RN40 (south of Malargüe) to the unpaved RP180, near Agua Escondida. The road's mostly sandy, and while it's usually okay for a regular car if it's dry, be warned: rain turns this track into a muddy slip-n-slide! If it's been wet, you'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle the slick sections. Keep your speed under 40 mph. But trust me, the views are worth it! Llancanelo Lake is a designated wetland of international importance. We're talking flamingos galore and tons of other migratory birds hanging out in this unique ecosystem. It's remote, rugged, and totally unforgettable.
hardWhere is the Desierto de Siloli?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: You're trekking through the *wild* Siloli Desert in Bolivia, close to the Chilean border. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a high-altitude desert playground, clocking in at around 14,800 feet above sea level. Yep, you're gonna feel that thinner air! The Siloli is the real deal—think stark beauty, crazy rock formations, and enough wide-open space to make you feel like you're on another planet. It's a key part of the route through the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Now, about that road...or should I say, "road." Forget pavement! We're talking rugged, unpaved tracks that demand a high-clearance 4x4. You'll be cruising across salt flats, navigating volcanic ridges, and winding through a landscape dotted with bizarre, wind-carved rocks. Keep in mind there are absolutely no services around for miles, so pack accordingly! Most people tackle the Siloli Desert as part of a tour, either kicking off from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile or Uyuni in Bolivia. From Uyuni, expect about ** **days of travel south past the train cemetery. The drive from San Pedro de Atacama usually involves crossing the border at Hito Cajon on the second day of the trip. In both directions, it means facing down open desert, salt flats, and high-altitude passes. Highlights include the iconic "Árbol de Piedra" (Stone Tree), a rock formation sculpted by the relentless wind. And don't forget the epic views of the surrounding volcanoes, many boasting vibrant, mineral-streaked slopes. You can hop out and scramble on some of the rocks for even better vistas. The real challenge in the Siloli comes from the extreme conditions. Altitude sickness is a genuine risk, so acclimatize properly. Be ready for intense sun, brutal winds, and sudden temperature drops. The terrain itself isn't the most technical, but being so remote and exposed means you NEED to be prepared. A breakdown out here could mean a long wait with no help.