
Laguna Jalcuy
Peru, south-america
10 km
4,925 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, high in the Andes, about to tackle a wild gravel road up to Laguna Jalcuy, a stunning lagoon straddling the Lima and Pasco regions at a dizzying 16,158 feet!
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 6.2-mile climb with 13 hairpin turns that'll test your nerves. You'll gain over 1,000 feet in elevation, averaging a 3.26% gradient. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The challenge? Very real.
Keep in mind that the weather here can change in a heartbeat. Extreme weather is normal. And with that altitude, those winds can be brutal. Plus, you'll be navigating through Infiernillo Canyon, which is no walk in the park. This road demands respect, but the reward β that incredible lagoon view β is worth every white-knuckle moment!
Where is it?
Laguna Jalcuy is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.0653, -73.9471
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 10 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,925 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.0653, -73.9471
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is Socompa Pass?
π¦π· Argentina
Wanna get seriously off the beaten path? Then buckle up for Paso Socompa, a wild ride straddling the Argentinian-Chilean border at a lung-busting 12,716 feet! You'll find this high-altitude gem nestled in the Andes, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta province. Why "Socompa"? It's named after the massive 19,787-foot Socompa volcano watching over the whole scene. Fair warning: the road is rough. We're talking entirely unpaved and in pretty rough shape. Think B-55 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 163 in Argentina. Seriously, you'll want a proper off-road vehicle for this adventure. This drive isn't for the faint of heart. It's remote, rugged, and unforgiving. The combo of a terrible road surface, zero water, scorching desert heat, and practically no other vehicles makes it a real challenge. Even the Dakar Rally has tackled this beast! Keep an eye out for the abandoned train station at the summit β a seriously cool, eerie sight. Be prepared for extreme temperature swings, too. Blazing sunshine during the day gives way to brutally cold nights. A word of caution: stick to the marked roads. This area has a history, and there are potential minefields left over from past conflicts. Stay safe, and only cross the border at official checkpoints. Check with local authorities about hazards.
hardHow to drive the unpaved road to Rhity Apacheta Pass in La Paz Department?
π§π΄ Bolivia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Paso Rhity Apacheta in Bolivia's La Paz Department! At a staggering 4,874m (15,990ft), this pass is seriously high up there β one of Bolivia's loftiest! You'll find it nestled within the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve, north of the wild Paso Sanchez, near the Peruvian border, in Franz Tamayo Province. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! The entire 123km (76 miles) route, stretching from Ruta Nacional 16 (near Villa Gral PΓ©rez) to Cueara, is unpaved and seriously rugged. Expect hairpin turns, super steep climbs, narrow stretches, and curves galore. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! Seriously, if you crave getting *way* off the grid in the heart of the Apolobamba mountain range, this is your calling. Get ready for views and a drive you won't soon forget!
extremeLaguna Viscacha
π΅πͺ Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Laguna Viscacha! This stunner of a high-altitude lake sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the Mariscal Nieto Province. We're talking a whopping 4,614 meters (that's 15,137 feet!) above sea level. The road up, known as 36A, is paved but don't let that fool you β it's a seriously steep climb. Pro tip: avoid it completely if the weather looks sketchy. This road has a reputation for sudden snowstorms and whiteout conditions, which can make driving seriously intense. The ascent is brutal, and the air gets thin FAST. Most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you get to the top, so be prepared. And near the summit? Oxygen is definitely optional!
extremeA mining road to Cerro del Carmen in the Andes
π¦π· Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Cerro del Carmen is calling your name! This beast of a peak sits way up high at a whopping 5,145 meters (that's 16,879 feet!), straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking seriously high altitude, folks, making it one of the highest roads you can find in either country. You'll find this stunner nestled in the heart of the Andes, marking the line between Chile's Coquimbo region and Argentina's San Juan province. The road? Oh, it's an experience, alright. Think rugged, unpaved terrain β this is a mining road, after all. Get ready for a wild ride packed with narrow stretches, seriously steep climbs, and more hairpin turns than you can count. Word to the wise: because of the extreme altitude, you can only tackle this road during the summer months (December to April). Snow shuts it down the rest of the year. And even then, be prepared for some serious wind and bone-chilling temperatures. But trust me, the views are absolutely worth braving the elements!