La Pampa-Sihuas (Road 12A)
Peru, south-america
91.5 km
2.725 m
extreme
Year-round
Daredevils, listen up! Deep in central Peru, snaking through the magnificent Huascarán National Park, lies Carretera 12A – a gravel track that's more rollercoaster than road. Forget guardrails; you're playing chicken with gravity here, with sheer drops of hundreds of meters just inches from your tires. Vertigo sufferers, seriously, sit this one out.
This epic 91.5 km route connects Sihuas (at a cool 2,725m above sea level) to La Pampa (dipping down to 1,796m), and it's a wild ride. Prepare for hairpin after hairpin as you climb to a dizzying 4,200m. It’s a true test of skill and nerves, and you’ll be sharing the road with lumbering log trucks, so stay sharp!
The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Think mind-blowing mountain vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. But don't get too distracted – this narrow, exposed trail demands respect. Landslides and avalanches are a real threat, and one wrong move sends you tumbling. Oh, and a windy day? Hard pass. If you crave adventure and have nerves of steel, your wheels will be treated to views unlike anything else on Earth! Just be sure you know how to reverse.
Where is it?
La Pampa-Sihuas (Road 12A) is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.1533, -76.6085
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 91.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2.725 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -8.1533, -76.6085
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow To Travel The Steep SC-370 Road To Serra do Corvo Branco
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Altos Corvo Branco in Santa Catarina, Brazil! This isn't just a road; it's an experience. Picture this: you're carving through the Serra do Corvo Branco (White Crow's Mountain), a stunning range in southern Brazil. SC-370, or Estrada da Serra do Corvo Branco, is mostly paved and stretches 67km (41 miles) from Braço do Norte to Urubici, linking the south of Santa Catarina to the Planalto Catarinense. Trust me, this is NOT a Sunday drive! Those final 1.6km are intense, with 30% inclines and five hairpin turns that'll test your skills. Expect countless turns, narrow stretches, and steep drops as you climb to 1,245m (4,084ft). The views? Unforgettable, with panoramic vistas around every corner. Just remember: low gears are your friend! Tight curves and viewpoints await at every bend, but watch out – rain or fog make this route seriously dicey. Leave the buses and big rigs at home for this one!
moderateVolcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drives
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic adventure through the Valley of Volcanoes in southern Peru's Arequipa province! This isn't your typical Sunday drive – it's a 44.3 km gravel track linking Andagua and the stunning Colca Canyon, and it's packed with more than 85 volcanic cones! The Valley of Volcanoes road serves up views for days as it weaves through crazy-deep river valleys and climbs over multiple 3,000-meter mountain passes. The road is maintained, so you can safely cruise along in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle (just take it slow on those long, straight stretches!). Trust me, this drive is a MUST. The geological formations are unreal, with volcanic rocks sculpted by nature into all sorts of animal shapes. And the photo ops? Forget about it! Seriously, charge those batteries, clear your memory cards, and prepare to snap some unforgettable shots. If you're hunting for a place that's wild, remote, and practically untouched by tourism, you've hit the jackpot!
hardA memorable road trip to Curiquinca Volcano
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Curiquinca! This road hugs the border between Bolivia and Chile, winding up a stratovolcano in the Atacama Desert. We're talking serious altitude here – 5,625m (18,454ft)! This isn't just a Sunday drive, it's a gravel access road to a sulfur deposit, so expect a rough climb that will test your limits. The air gets thin FAST. Be prepared for altitude sickness, especially since most people start feeling it way before you even get close to the top. And near the summit, oxygen is scarce! Add in the brutal combo of strong, dusty winds and intense sunshine (sunglasses are a MUST), and you've got yourself a real challenge. Bring tons of water, and seriously, pack at least two spare tires – you'll be grateful you did. A 4x4 isn’t just recommended, it’s essential for navigating this beast. The views, if you can catch your breath to enjoy them, are absolutely unreal!
hardAbra Paves: An Awe-Inspiring Road through Extremely Remote Areas
🇦🇷 Argentina
Hey adventure seekers! If you're craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience, let me tell you about Abra Paves. This high-altitude pass in Jujuy, Argentina, tops out at a lung-busting 4,239 meters (13,907 feet)! You'll find this wild crossing south of the Cuesta del Lipán–Abra Potrerillos, deep in the northern part of the country. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, a rugged track of loose rocks that demands a 4x4. The real challenge isn't the steepness (though there are some 10% grades near the top!), but the extreme altitude, harsh climate, and sheer isolation of the Puna region. Be prepared to battle: * **Thin Air:** Seriously, the oxygen is scarce up here. Take it slow to avoid altitude sickness! * **Crazy Weather:** The Puna throws unpredictable weather changes and fierce winds your way. Hold onto that steering wheel! * **Middle-of-Nowhere Vibes:** We're talking seriously remote. No cell service, no emergency services nearby. Breakdown? You're on your own. That 4x4 isn't just for fun – it's your lifeline! The adventure starts from Ruta Provincial 52 (RP52), with a 13.57 km (8.43 mi) climb, gaining 388 meters in elevation. Averaging around 2.85%, it's steady, but those altitude and terrain factors make it a proper test.