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 – that incredible lagoon view – 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
hardWhat is the tallest volcano in the Andes called and how tall is it?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're looking for the ultimate off-road adventure, you HAVE to check out the route up Ojos del Salado. This massive volcano straddles the Argentina-Chile border, and it's the tallest volcano on Earth, topping out at a staggering 6,891m (22,608ft). Think you can just cruise up in your rental? Think again! We're talking steep climbs, boulder fields, snow, glaciers, and deep, soft sand. It's a brutal combo! Plus, you're at a crazy altitude, so oxygen is scarce. Hurricane-force winds and freezing temperatures are pretty much guaranteed. But the reward? Unbelievable views! You'll be driving through a landscape unlike anything you've ever seen, right in the heart of the Atacama Desert. Just remember, you're super remote out here. Help is a long way off if things go south, so come prepared. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a full-on expedition.
extremeAn epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Anta Q'asa, a high-altitude stunner in the Peruvian Andes! This pass straddles the border between the Junín and Lima regions, so you're getting a two-for-one scenic experience. Clocking in at a lung-busting 4,881m (16,013ft), Anta Q'asa—also called Antaccasa or Antajasa—is not for the faint of heart. The JU-116, a gravel road, winds its way over the pass and can get pretty busy. Expect some sandy sections and hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Keep an eye out for those sneaky loose-gravel patches, and if it's been raining, prepare for some serious mud! The unpaved sections can become impassable, trust me. The climb is a beast, and the air is THIN. Altitude sickness is a real thing up here, so listen to your body. Oh, and did I mention the unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards? Yeah, those can make things... interesting. Once you hit the Carretera Central, be ready for heavy traffic – it’s known to be a bit wild! Located between Marcapomacocha (27km away) and Casapalca (16km away), this route is best left to experienced off-roaders. If unpaved mountain roads and heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for an epic challenge with incredible views, Abra Anta Q'asa is calling your name!
extremeA memorable road trip to Abra del Lizoite
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Abra del Lizoite, a seriously high mountain pass in Argentina, clocking in at a whopping 4,536m (14,882ft)! We're talking about one of the highest roads in the whole country, so prepare for some serious altitude. You'll find this beast nestled west of Abra Campana, right on the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces, up in northern Argentina near Bolivia. Think stunning, remote landscapes. Now, let's be real: the road to the top is a wild ride. It's entirely unpaved and seriously challenging, with more curves and hairpin turns than you can count. If you get carsick easily, maybe think twice! And definitely bring a high-clearance vehicle – you'll need it. This epic road is known as Ruta Provincial 5 (RP5) in Jujuy Province and Ruta Provincial 7 (RP7) in Salta Province. The whole thing stretches for about 78km (48 miles), running from Cajas (in Jujuy) to the seriously cool high-altitude town of Santa Victoria Oeste in Salta, which sits pretty at 2,400m above sea level. The scenery is absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive, trust me!
extremeHow long is the Death Road in Bolivia?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're in Bolivia, heart pounding, about to tackle the infamous "Death Road," or as the locals call it, *Camino de las Yungas*. This legendary dirt track stretches for about 36.4 km (22.61 miles) between La Paz and Coroico, snaking through the lush, jungly Yungas region. While a newer highway has taken some of the traffic, this route is still a wild ride. You'll climb over 3,151m (10,337ft), the road twisting along with insane canyon views that will make your stomach flip. Historically, this road earned its name for a reason. Sadly, an estimated 200-300 people perished on it each year. Numerous vehicles plunged over the edge, a drop of up to 1,000 meters, and roadside memorials serve as somber reminders. One especially tragic accident occurred in 1983, when a bus went over, killing more than 100. Now, get this: even though Bolivia drives on the right, on this road, you stick to the *left*! It's a quirky but crucial survival tactic – the driver on the left has a better view of the cliff edge. Vehicles heading *down* the road always yield to those going up, a dance of slow negotiation on a narrow, rocky path that's often shrouded in mist and cascading waterfalls. Over the years, countless vehicles have miscalculated and tumbled over the edge. It's a nerve-wracking experience to say the least! The road's narrow – barely wide enough for a single vehicle – and lacks guardrails, leaving you vulnerable to those massive drops. Add rain to the mix, and you've got a slippery, muddy mess. Fog can completely blind you. Despite the dangers, the Death Road has become a popular spot for adrenaline junkies. Since the 90's, thrill-seekers flock here, but it's important to remember that the road still demands respect; there have been accidents since it became a tourist destination. Meeting a truck on the road is a "who blinks first" scenario, forcing someone to reverse on loose dirt. If you decide to tackle it, stick to the outer edge (the left), and definitely avoid it after heavy rain. Also in the area, the Chulumani Road, is considered almost as dangerous and is full of tight hairpins. Oh, and before you go, some say that the D915 in Turkey is the new king of dangerous roads. It lacks tourist infrastructure, making it a raw and rugged mountain pass. Just something to consider if you're always up for a challenge!