Laguna Ampatune

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!