La Rinconada in Peru is one of the highest towns accessible by car
Peru, south-america
20 km
5,130 m
extreme
Year-round
Ever been to "Devil's Paradise"? Just west of the Bolivian border in the Peruvian Andes, you'll find La Rinconada, a mining town scraping the sky at a staggering 16,830 feet! That makes it one of the highest towns accessible by car on the planet.
Getting there is half the adventure. The Acceso a La Rinconada is a totally unpaved, 5.4-mile stretch of wild road branching off Road 110. Trust me, your suspension will get a workout!
The scenery is...well, unique. Imagine breathtaking mountain views juxtaposed with the gritty reality of a gold mining town. This place has exploded in population, with miners working under a crazy system – 30 days unpaid, then one day to grab as much gold as you can carry!
Now, let's be real. La Rinconada is considered one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. Think extreme altitude (oxygen deprivation is a serious risk), a landscape littered with garbage, and whispers of local mafias. Miners deal with some rough conditions here. Plus, the water's contaminated with mercury. It's not for the faint of heart.
Is it a city? A town? Who knows! But it's an experience you won't forget.
Where is it?
La Rinconada in Peru is one of the highest towns accessible by car is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.7065, -74.9138
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 20 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,130 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -7.7065, -74.9138
Related Roads in south-america
hardQuebrada de Camarones
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Quebrada de Camarones in Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a gravel road that climbs to a cool 1,391 meters (that's 4,563 feet for you imperial system folks). This route links Camarones and Cochisa. Imagine a seriously steep climb with hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. Oh, and did I mention there aren't any guardrails? Yeah, this one's not for the faint of heart. But hey, the views? Totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road (and maybe a buddy to spot those tight turns!).
hardCerro Tololo
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Cerro Tololo, a mountain pass that punches through the foothills of the Andes in Chile's Coquimbo Region. We're talking serious altitude here – 2,207 meters (7,241 feet) above sea level! The road's a bit of a mix. Think well-maintained gravel most of the way, but the final stretch to the top? That's smooth asphalt, and it's a steep climb! Trust me, your engine will know it's working. The reward? An incredible view, and a chance to check out the super cool NOAO telescopes perched at the summit.
moderateWhere Is Abra Arcata?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just found the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience in the Arequipa region of Peru: Abra Arcata. At a staggering 16,735 feet above sea level, this pass is one of the highest roads in the whole country! You'll find it snaking through the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve in the southwestern part of Peru. The entire road is unpaved, taking you past the Arcata gold and silver mine at about 15,419 feet. The climb is pretty intense until you hit the mine, but after that, it mellows out into a gentler, seriously gorgeous ascent to the summit. Expect some seriously rocky sections, water crossings, and tight switchbacks, but don't worry, the surface is generally pretty decent, and the gradients won't kill you. Just be warned that the road does cut through a mine at one point—how wild is that?! The whole route is a great experience that plunges you into total isolation before beginning its descent into the valley.
moderateWhere is Icalma Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Argentina and Chile at a cool 1,307 meters (that's 4,288 feet!) above sea level. This is the Icalma Pass, a newly paved gem nestled high in the Andes. On the Argentinian side, it's known as RP23, while in Chile, it transforms into Route R-89. The whole shebang is about 14.8 km long, connecting the charming villages of Villa Pehuenia in Argentina and Icalma in Chile. Close to the top, there's a border crossing point. Now, a word of warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. You're high in the mountains, so the weather can be a bit of a drama queen – changing in a heartbeat. Snow and heavy conditions are common, especially in winter, so be prepared for restrictions and mandatory snow chains. But generally, it's open year-round, so keep an eye on local reports, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!