
La Cumbre Apacheta
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
4,871 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for La Cumbre Apacheta in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 4,871m (15,980ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in the country.
Tucked away in the stunning Cordillera Real of the Andes, the road to the summit is a gravel grinder, and let me tell you, it’s STEEP. Seriously, don't even think about tackling this beast in bad weather. The air gets thin up here, and the climb is brutal. You'll be gasping for air thanks to the altitude (most people start feeling it around 2,500-2,800 meters), so be prepared. But hey, think of the views! Plus, La Cumbre is the launchpad for most trips down the famous Yungas Road. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
La Cumbre Apacheta is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -17.5711, -64.0679
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,871 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -17.5711, -64.0679
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