
Laguna La Viuda
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,560 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Lima Region of western Peru and you're craving an adrenaline rush, you HAVE to check out Laguna La Viuda. This stunning high-mountain lake sits way up at 4,560m (that's nearly 15,000ft!).
Getting there on the gravel road 20A is...well, let's just say it's an experience. This isn't your Sunday drive. Think seriously steep inclines, a serious lack of oxygen, and some seriously mind-blowing vertical drops. We're talking hundreds of meters down, with no guardrails to keep you company! If you get dizzy easily, this might be one to skip, especially on a windy day.
While the road tests your courage, it rewards you with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Just keep your eyes on the road! It connects Lima and Colquijirca. Be aware that this road can be closed due to snow. The area is known for heavy mist, making visibility a challenge. Plus, avalanches, snowfalls, and landslides are a real possibility, and icy patches are common. So, yeah, keep your wits about you. Make sure to take altitude into account, most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters.
Where is it?
Laguna La Viuda is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.2810, -73.8131
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,560 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -10.2810, -73.8131
Related Roads in south-america
moderateFaro Cabo Blanco
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna visit Argentina's oldest lighthouse? Head to Santa Cruz Province and the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve! You'll be cruising down Ruta Provincial 91, a 33.3 km "ripio" (gravel) road that kicks off from Ruta Provincial 14 and leads straight to the iconic Cabo Blanco lighthouse. Word to the wise: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart! The weather here is seriously unpredictable, thanks to the semi-arid climate and crazy winds. Trust me, stick to that 60km/hour speed limit – a cracked windshield or flat tire will totally harsh your vibe. The gravel can get super loose, especially on the sides, and things get muddy and slippery after it rains. The lighthouse itself sits on a rocky headland at the end of Route 91, towering 67 meters (220 ft) high. The good news? The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife in their natural habitat. While a high-clearance 2WD can technically handle the dry, straight stretches at low speeds, I highly recommend renting a 4x4. It'll make the ride way more comfortable and minimize your chances of getting stuck!
hardWhere does Road BR-319 start and finish?
🇧🇷 Brazil
Ready for a wild ride? Check out the BR-319, a Brazilian highway that's not for the faint of heart! This 857km (532 miles) stretch connects Manaus (the bustling capital of Amazonas) to Porto Velho (the capital of Rondônia) deep in the Amazon. Built in the '70s to open up the rainforest, the BR-319 crosses through Humaitá, Lábrea, and other small cities, offering a glimpse into remote Amazonian life. It opened in 1973, but by 1988 it was impassible. Repairs started in 2008. So, is it drivable? Usually, yes, but during the rainy season, it can turn into a muddy mess. Expect a mix of asphalt, gravel, and sand, plus some serious potholes and missing guardrails to keep you on your toes. Be warned: this isn't your average road trip. Environmental groups are concerned about the impact of rebuilding the highway on deforestation. The original construction wasn't exactly state-of-the-art, built on swampland and prone to floods that washed away bridges. These days, most cargo goes by boat. If you're brave enough to attempt it, be prepared to camp rough and experience the raw beauty (and challenges) of the Amazon. Don't miss the abandoned Viaduct Petrobras for a surreal photo op in the middle of the jungle!
extremeAbra Huarapasca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Punta Huarapasca, a seriously high mountain pass sitting pretty at 4,815m (15,797ft) in Peru's Huascarán National Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, with a few sandy surprises and some tight hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. It's steep, rough, and oh-so-rewarding with views of the Pastoruri and Huarapasca glaciers. Seriously, charge your camera because you'll also find fields of the massive Puya Raimondii flowers. Heads up, though: watch for sudden loose gravel patches. Rainy days? This road transforms into a beast. Even a little rain can make it super challenging or even impassable. The climb is killer, the air is thin, and the slopes are steep. Plus, it's known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, making driving a real test of skill. Keep an eye out for the occasional mine vehicle too.
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!