Laguna Canchis

Laguna Canchis

Peru, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,475 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna hit a lake that'll take your breath away – literally? Head to Laguna Canchis in the Peruvian Andes, nestled way up high in Huarochirí province. We're talking a whopping 4,475m (14,681ft) above sea level!

The road to get there? Buckle up, buttercup. It's known as LM-116 and it's strictly 4x4 territory. This ain't your Sunday drive, folks. Think seriously steep climbs, gravel roads that love to play slip-n-slide, and a serious lack of oxygen to test your lungs (and patience). Be warned, altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters!

Oh, and did I mention the cliffside drop-offs? Yeah, there are hundreds of meters of pure air between you and the valley floor, with absolutely no guardrails to save you. One wrong move and…well, let's just say you'll get an amazing view on the way down. Seriously, avoid this road in bad weather; avalanches, snow, and landslides are all part of the fun (not!). But if you're prepared for anything and have a taste for the extreme, the scenery is absolutely unreal. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure – and maybe a parachute.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
4,475 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in south-america

Driving the legendary Route 40 in Argentina: Road Trip Guidehard

Driving the legendary Route 40 in Argentina: Road Trip Guide

🇦🇷 Argentina

Get ready for an epic adventure down Argentina's Ruta 40! This legendary highway stretches over 5,000 km (3,107 miles) from the southern Santa Cruz Province all the way north to Jujuy, hugging the Andes mountains the entire way. Locals call it Ruta Nacional 40, RN 40, Ruta 40, or simply La Cuarenta. You'll be cruising through some seriously remote areas, especially in the south where you might find yourself with 200km stretches of nothing but you and the open road. Keep an eye out for the amazing scenery as you pass through 18 national parks and over 27 Andean passes. Starting near sea level at Cabo Vírgenes (Cape Virgins) in Patagonia, the road climbs to a staggering 4,956m (16,259ft) at Abra del Acay in Salta! Along the way, you'll witness everything from Patagonian plains and pristine lakes to bustling cities, volcanic lava fields, ancient forests, and shimmering salt flats. Some parts of the route, especially during winter, can be blocked by ice and snow. The highest town in Argentina, Mina Pirquitas, also lies on Ruta 40, sitting pretty at 4,271m (14,003ft). Plan for at least 10 days to two weeks to really soak it all in. Don't miss the chance to see Fitzroy and Cerro Torres near El Chalten in Patagonia. Other highlights include Cueva de las Manos with its ancient cave art, Los Glaciares National Park, and the Calchaquí Valleys. Be warned, though: this isn't a Sunday drive. While much of Ruta 40 is paved, some southern sections are unpaved and can be rough, with strong crosswinds and gravel roads that demand extra caution. You might need a 4x4 for some stretches. Cell service is spotty outside towns, so pack plenty of food, water, and repair equipment. Gas stations can be far apart, so fill up whenever you get the chance. Ruta 40 is more than just a road; it's an unforgettable journey through the heart of Argentina.

Unduavi Tunnelmoderate

Unduavi Tunnel

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Tunel de Unduavi! This beast of a tunnel sits way up high in the Bolivian Andes, at a lung-busting 11,161 feet. You'll find it in the La Paz Department, smack-dab in the Cordillera Real. Seriously, this is one of the highest tunnels on the planet! It's not super long—only about 280 meters—but it's unlit, so get ready for a brief dive into darkness. You'll find it right on Ruta 3, and the good news is, the road is paved. The not-so-good news? Be prepared to share the road with plenty of big rigs. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!

A salt road to Isla Incahuasi in the middle of Salar de Uyunimoderate

A salt road to Isla Incahuasi in the middle of Salar de Uyuni

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising across the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, a mind-blowing, 10,500 square kilometer sea of salt in the Potosí Department, practically on the crest of the Andes at a whopping 3,656m (11,995ft) above sea level. It's like driving on a giant, untouched snowfield, except it's all salt! You're heading to Isla Incahuasi, which translates to "house of the Inca" – a rocky island smack-dab in the middle of this surreal landscape. The "road" itself? Pure, unadulterated salt. Seriously, it's like driving on another planet. Now, be warned, this isn't a luxury trip. Think basic refuges for accommodation and seriously chilly weather, especially at night. And remember, during the wet season when the salt flat floods, Isla Incahuasi becomes an actual island and is totally inaccessible. But trust me, the otherworldly scenery and the sheer scale of it all make it an adventure you'll never forget. It's harsh, it's basic, but it's absolutely worth it.

How to cross the wooden Lainez River bridge in Tierra del Fuego?hard

How to cross the wooden Lainez River bridge in Tierra del Fuego?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, picture this: you're in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, at the very bottom of the Americas, breathing in that wild South Atlantic air. You're heading north of El Quique, ready for an adventure. Get ready to cross the Puente del Rio Lainez, a wooden bridge that's seriously epic! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. This bridge is 45 meters of narrow, wooden awesomeness. It's a little rough around the edges, so big rigs aren't allowed (21 tons max). You'll be cruising on Ruta Provincial A, which is unpaved but oh-so-scenic. Now, a regular car *could* make it, but pro tip: Rent a 4x4. Trust me, you'll be way more comfortable tackling this terrain, and you'll be less likely to end up in a sticky situation. Plus, the weather here is totally unpredictable, and the wind can be intense! So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!