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
hardWhat are the highest roads in Argentina?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Argentina, the land of tango and stunning landscapes, also boasts some seriously high-altitude roads! We're talking about routes snaking through the Andes Mountains in western Argentina, a range that stretches for over 4,000 kilometers. Forget flat plains – we're climbing to some of the highest navigable roads on Earth, often over 4,700 meters (15,400 ft)! These aren’t your average paved highways, though. Expect rugged, unpaved tracks originally carved out for mining or to connect with Chile. So, get ready for a wild ride across challenging mountain passes, rewarded with views that’ll take your breath away (literally, the air is thin up there!). Prepare for an adventure on some of Argentina’s most demanding – and highest – roads!
moderateWhere is Abra Laguna Morijon?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Sur Lípez Province of Bolivia, way up in the Potosi Department, lies Abra Laguna Morijon, a mountain pass that'll steal your breath—literally! We're talking seriously high altitude. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. It's all dirt, baby, and not the manicured kind. Think ruts, loose surfaces, and a whole lotta twists and turns packed into just a few kilometers running between San Antonio de Lípez and Quetena Chico. This short climb is a tough one, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. But hey, with great challenge comes great reward, right? The views from up there? Absolutely epic. Prepare to be blown away by the sheer raw beauty of the Bolivian altiplano. Just take it slow, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
extremeHow dangerous is the drive from Barba Blanca to Autisha?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in the Huarochirí Province of Peru's Lima Region and fancy a drive that'll make your palms sweat, the LM-116 (Barba Blanca to Autisha) is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a 20km stretch carved right into the side of the Santa Eulalia River canyon, hugging vertical limestone walls. The road surface? Think gravel and packed earth, often so narrow that passing another vehicle becomes a delicate dance of reversing on ledges with a sheer drop of hundreds of meters on one side! Oh, and did I mention there are no guardrails? The views are insane, but the danger is real. This road climbs from near the Autisha Bridge (around 2,100m) and the drop-offs are truly dizzying. Vertigo sufferers, consider yourselves warned! Beyond the heights, you'll have to watch out for rockfalls that regularly block the path. The curves are blind, so honk your horn before every turn to avoid a head-on collision. It's a serious workout for your vehicle too, putting a strain on your brakes and cooling system. A high-clearance 4x4 is essential for this adventure. While locals use the road, it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Focus is key here - one mistake could be fatal. The best time to tackle this beast is during the dry season (May to September). Avoid the Andean winter when the gravel turns into a slippery mud bath and landslides become a major threat. Despite the risks, the LM-116 offers access to some incredible, untouched canyon scenery. Make sure your tires are in top condition, buckle up tight, and get ready for the ultimate cliff-hanging experience!
hardWhere is Caliz Pass?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Peru, you NEED to experience Paso Caliz. We're talking about a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at 5,206 meters (that's 17,080 feet!). You'll find it nestled between the Canchis and Quispicanchi provinces, deep in the Cusco Region, practically breathing the same air as the Quelccaya Glacier. Word to the wise: this road is NO JOKE. It's about 50 kilometers (31 miles) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved Andean adventure. Think killer drop-offs, super tight hairpin turns that will test your driving skills, and sections so steep you'll swear you're going vertical. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You're gonna feel the thin air up there, so be prepared for some potential altitude sickness! This epic route, also known as Abra de Caliz or Abra Laccopata, runs from Marcapata (off Carretera 30C) down to CU-125 Road. Winter's a no-go—the snow makes it completely impassable. But if you hit it right, you're in for a visual feast. Just imagine yourself winding through the Cordillera Vilcanota range, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and mind-blowing scenery. Trust me, it's an unforgettable journey!