
Laguna Chiuri
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,828 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just got back from the most insane trek in Central Peru, up to Laguna Chiuri! This place is seriously otherworldly, perched way up high in the Department of Lima at a staggering 15,839 feet above sea level.
Now, getting there isn't for the faint of heart. The road is gravel, and bumpy as all get-out. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, trust me. And keep an eye on the weather, because even a little rain can turn this route into a real challenge. Watch out for those sneaky patches of loose gravel too - they can really throw you for a loop! But if you come prepared, you are in for some majestic views that you will not soon forget.
Where is it?
Laguna Chiuri is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.4635, -76.3103
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,828 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -9.4635, -76.3103
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