Laguna Ampatune
Peru, south-america
53.3 km
4.752 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just discovered this insane route up to Laguna Ampatune, a stunning lake way up in the Peruvian Andes at a lung-busting 14,041 feet! You'll find it in the Quispicanchi Province.
Think gravel roads, epic vistas, and seriously snowy peaks towering over 18,000 feet in the distance. This used to be part of the old Trans-Amazonian Highway before they built the new Ruta 26, so it's a bit off the beaten path.
Now, this isn't a Sunday drive. This "shortcut" off Ruta 26 is only 33 miles long, but packed with 33 hairpin turns and climbs to a whopping 15,590 feet! Trust me, pace yourself on the snacks; altitude sickness is real, and you might be tempted to hurl your lunch. Plus, the road can get super muddy and slick after rain, even a 4x4 might struggle. Snowfall can shut this road down at any time, and heavy fog can make things downright treacherous.
But, oh the views! Even though you're practically on the equator, you'll be cruising past year-round glaciers on mountains like Cayambe and Colque Cruz. Just be prepared for a brutal climb – the air is thin, and the slopes are steep. If you're prone to altitude sickness, be warned that it hits most folks around 8,000-9,000 feet. This road is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is out of this world!
Where is it?
Laguna Ampatune is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.3947, -75.9437
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 53.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 4.752 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -9.3947, -75.9437
Related Roads in south-america
extremeLM-106 is a Peruvian epic road through the iconic Catajambo Canyon
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic Peruvian adventure on Carretera 106 (LM-106)! This 140 km (87-mile) route winds its way from the coastal town of Pativilca, soaring up to Cajatambo high in the Andes. Prepare for a serious climb! You'll start practically at sea level (54m / 177ft) and ascend to a breathtaking 3,457m (11,341ft). The road's fully paved as of 2019, but let's just say the asphalt isn't winning any awards. Plus, be warned: some sections narrow to less than 3 meters, and sheer drop-offs are common, so keep your eyes on the road! Despite the challenges, this drive is a feast for the eyes. You'll carve through the dramatic Catajambo Canyon and tackle the infamous "Subida a Cajatambo," a dizzying section boasting 25 hairpin turns. The views alone are worth the white knuckles!
extremeHow to get by car to Cerro Machin Volcano?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ruta Toche - Salento! This wild, unpaved ride snakes up to around 2,800 meters (that's over 9,000 feet!) along the slopes of Cerro Machín, a sleeping stratovolcano in Colombia's Tolima Department. Word to the wise: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this bad boy. The gravel road can get seriously loose, especially near the edges. And be warned, it gets pretty narrow and steep in places. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! We're talking breathtaking scenery around every bend. Plus, get this – thanks to all that volcanic activity bubbling beneath the surface, you'll find a super-rustic thermal bath right alongside the road! It's tucked into a curve, just past the summit. Just picture yourself soaking in those warm waters with an incredible view!
hardWhere is the Chucusvalle Bridge located?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up! You HAVE to check out Puente Chucusvalle, this wild metallic bridge chilling way up in northwestern Peru. We're talking La Libertad and Ancash regions, right on the border, so you get a double dose of Peruvian awesome. Picture this: You're hugging a narrow, unpaved mountain road (Route 3N if you’re map-obsessed), all gravel and loose stone, snaking around crazy hairpin turns. Below? A serious drop down to the Tablachaca River. No guardrails here, folks! Then, BAM! You hit this steel modular bridge, a Bailey bridge to be exact, stretched across the canyon floor. It's not a super long bridge (around 21 meters), but it feels epic because of the setting. This thing can handle a decent amount of weight, but honestly, you'll be too busy taking in the views to worry about that. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking with those steep slopes and the river rushing below. Just keep your eyes on the road... and maybe a finger hovering over the prayer beads!
hardA wild mining road to Abra de La Deidad in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in Chile's Coquimbo Region and crave some serious altitude, you HAVE to check out Abra de La Deidad. This bad boy clocks in at a whopping 4,907 meters (that's 16,099 feet!), making it one of Chile's highest roads. Nestled in the heart of the Andes, practically kissing the Argentinian border near Los Cuartitos, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved, rugged mining road. Expect a challenging journey, folks – think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and hairpin turns galore. But here's the catch: due to its extreme elevation, you can only tackle this beast during the summer months (December to April). The rest of the year, Mother Nature slams the door shut with heavy snow. And even in summer, be prepared for biting winds and bone-chilling cold. The views? Absolutely epic. The bragging rights? Totally worth it.