Laguna Jochauma
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,947 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just discovered Laguna Jochauma, a super-remote lagoon chilling way up at 4,947 meters (that's over 16,000 feet!) in the Arequipa Region of Peru.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking deep into the Andes, in the Wansu range. The road? Let's just say "unpaved" is an understatement. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this trek.
Fair warning: winter can make the whole thing impassable. And even when it's not winter, be prepared for some serious weather. The altitude, combined with strong winds and crazy-fast weather changes, can be brutal. Seriously, if you've got any kind of heart or breathing issues, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for a true off-the-beaten-path experience with views that'll blow your mind (and maybe your hat off!), Laguna Jochauma is calling your name.
Where is it?
Laguna Jochauma is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.6869, -74.8164
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,947 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -10.6869, -74.8164
Related Roads in south-america
extremeCan you drive to Abra Anticona?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Anticona! This insane mountain pass straddling the Lima and Junin regions of Peru hits a lung-busting 4,824m (15,826ft). Some say it's the highest paved road in South America – debate that over a coca tea at the summit! Yep, you can drive it! It's all paved as part of the Carretera Central (Ruta 22), winding through the Peruvian Andes. You'll find a small bar and parking lot to celebrate conquering this beast. This baby clocks in at 37.4 km (23 miles) from Casapalca heading east to the JU-102 road. Now, let's talk challenge. Prepare for some serious white-knuckle action! Think hairpin bends that'll have you questioning your sanity, llamas popping out of nowhere, and mountains that love to shed rocks. It's steep, twisty, and packed with trucks and coaches, so cyclists, maybe skip this one. Oh, and expect weather that changes on a dime. Give yourself about an hour to tackle this trek. The summit, also called Ticlio Pass or Nevado de Ticlio, is where the Pacific and Atlantic drainage basins split – pretty cool, huh? Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardHow to drive the road from Abra del Sauce to Nazareno in Salta?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Salta Province, Argentina, and you're itching for a drive that'll test your mettle, check out the new road connecting Abra del Sauce and Nazareno. Picture this: a recently built, totally unpaved road snaking its way through the raw, untamed landscape of northwestern Argentina. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 25 km (15 mile) rollercoaster of narrow passages clinging to the mountainside. If you're not a fan of heights, be warned – there are some serious drop-offs overlooking the river below! Starting from Abra del Sauce, the road winds toward Molino, and from there, it follows the Nazareno riverbed all the way to Nazareno itself, passing through Cuesta Azul. Oh, and did I mention you'll be topping out at a lung-busting 3,464 m (11,364 ft) above sea level? The views are absolutely epic, but keep your eyes on the road!
extremeWhere is Carretera Picada 108 located?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Deep in the Gran Chaco lies Picada 108, a wild, untamed track linking Mariscal Estigarribia to the Bolivian border. This isn't your average road trip; it's a gritty adventure across the vast Paraguayan departments, a true test for any off-roading enthusiast! Picture this: a straight-shot "picada" cutting through the Northern Chaco's thorny scrubland. We're talking serious isolation and horizon-to-horizon views. This is a primitive route between Mariscal Estigarribia and Mayor Pablo Lagerenza, finally bumping against the Bolivian border. Forget paved perfection; Picada 108 is all about gravel and dust, hiding treacherous ruts and sharp rocks. In the dry season, prepare for dust storms that can blind you, but the real challenge hits when the rains come. This route can become completely impassable! The clay soil turns into thick, sticky mud, trapping even the toughest 4x4s for days, with creek crossings popping up out of nowhere. Clocking in at , don't be fooled by the distance. The Chaco throws curveballs that seriously slow you down. Plan for a full day (or more!) of driving, keeping your eyes peeled for "guadales"—hidden pockets of deep dust or mud waiting to high-center your rig. Out here, self-sufficiency is key. Pack enough fuel for at least 400 km, a minimum of 20 liters of water per person, two full-size spare tires, a high-lift jack, and sand ladders. Forget cell service, so a satellite phone or GPS messenger is your lifeline. Before you go, let the local police in Mariscal Estigarribia know your plans. Solo adventures? Think twice! The scorching heat (40°C+), lack of water, and the risk of getting stranded make this a high-stakes game. Ideally, travel in a convoy of at least two vehicles. And since you're close to the border, make sure your papers are in order for those checkpoints near Mayor Pablo Lagerenza. Last but not least, watch the weather like a hawk. If rain's on the horizon, stay put – you don't want to get stuck in the Chaco's "Green Hell"!
hardHighest roads of Chile:
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southwestern edge of South America, in Chile – the world's longest country! Seriously, it's a crazy-long, skinny strip of land squeezed between the mighty Pacific Ocean and the even mightier Andes Mountains. Speaking of the Andes, these aren't just hills, folks. We're talking about some seriously towering peaks that run the entire length of the country, creating a natural barrier that throws a wrench into any travel plans. What does this mean for road trips? Buckle up! You're either hugging the stunning coastline or gearing up for some serious climbs over those colossal mountains. Get ready for some of the highest international passes you've ever seen, and some rugged mining tracks that will leave you breathless. You absolutely HAVE to experience roads like Portezuelo Sairécabur, Paso de San Francisco, and Portezuelo Chapiquiña. For something a little different, check out the wild road to Embalse El Yeso, or tackle the legendary Route 5 – Chile's longest route!