Laguna Loriscota
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,550 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: Laguna Loriscota in the Puno Region of Peru. We're talking serious altitude here, folks – a whopping 4,550 meters (that's 14,927 feet!).
The road, Carretera 36A, is paved, which is a plus. But don’t let that fool you, this trek isn't for the faint of heart. Being so high up, you've got to watch out for sudden snow closures. The area is known for heavy mist, so visibility can drop to almost nothing in a heartbeat. And, because nature does what it wants, avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are all real possibilities – especially dicey when ice patches pop up.
The climb? Brutal. The air gets seriously thin up there, testing your lungs and your stamina. Altitude sickness is a very real thing, hitting most people way before you even reach the lake. But hey, if you’re up for an unforgettable challenge with knockout scenery, Laguna Loriscota might just be your next obsession.
Where is it?
Laguna Loriscota is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.1387, -76.7702
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,550 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -7.1387, -76.7702
Related Roads in south-america
hardWisalla
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Wisalla is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.304m (14,120ft) above the sea level, located in the Andes of Bolivia. This is a maintained road where a high clearance 2WD vehicle is able to travel safely at low speeds on long dry straight-of-ways, without losing control due to wash boarding, ruts, or dips. The road to the pass, located within the Sajama National Park and Natural Integrated Management Area, is gravel. This track can get very muddy and slippery after rain making it challenging to get through. During and after a storm the road may be impassable, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It links the town of Andacollo and the D-457road. Pelechuco Pass: a winding road only for experienced drivers Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateRodovia da Graciosa is a cobblestoned road through the mountains
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Rodovia da Graciosa in Paraná, Brazil, an old mule route that's now a super scenic road trip! This isn't just any drive, it's a journey back in time on the PR-410, a 30km (18-mile) stretch that weaves its way through the mountains of Marumbi National Park. Originally built way back in the 17th century, this road – completed in 1873 - was actually the first paved road in the state! You'll still find sections with cobblestones – gorgeous, but watch out, they can get slick, especially around those hairpin turns. As you drive, you're surrounded by lush Atlantic Forest. Seriously, it's like driving through a postcard, with vibrant blue hydrangeas popping against the green. Waterfalls, streams, and tons of crazy cool plants and animals are everywhere. Keep an eye out for rest stops along the way! They have fire grills, shelters, and camping areas, so you can really soak in the experience. And the views? Forget about it! The mountainside is a crazy mix of flowers, with viewpoints and picnic areas galore. Estrada da Graciosa – trust me, this is one drive you won't forget.
hardWhere is Alto de La Línea?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, so picture this: Alto de La Línea, a mountain pass way up in the Colombian Andes, clocking in at a cool 3,271 meters (that's over 10,700 feet!). You'll find it straddling the Tolima and Quindío departments, right in the heart of the Cordillera Central. This fully paved road, also known as Ruta Nacional 40, stretches between Armenia and Ibagué. Word of warning: this road is no joke, so the Túnel de la Línea (a massive, almost 9 km long tunnel!) was built to bypass the roughest section. Think you're up for it? Be ready for constantly shifting weather, endless twists, and hairpin turns, not to mention sharing the road with a ton of big trucks. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? We're talking gradients up to 14% in some spots! It's known as the "Colombian Stelvio," a legendary climb that's been featured in major cycling races. The views are epic, but so is the traffic.
hardLaguna Verde de Azufral: Driving the restricted emerald crater road of Colombia
🇨🇴 Colombia
Deep in southern Colombia's Nariño department, nestled within the Azufral Natural Reserve, lies the stunning Laguna Verde de Azufral, a volcanic lake shimmering with emerald waters. This beauty sits way up high, at 3,970m (that's over 13,000 feet!). The old road, once called Via acceso Laguna Verde, was a legend. Starting near Villa Santa Isabel off Carretera 17, it was about 11.7 km of pure adventure, climbing a hefty 770 meters. Think steep, narrow, unpaved, and only getting rougher as it snaked up the north side of the Azufral Volcano. Before it closed, this track was infamous for its challenges, demanding a serious 4x4 with high clearance to handle those deep ruts and crazy inclines. The reward? A panoramic viewpoint near 4,000m, showcasing all three crater lagoons. But be warned, the weather here is wild – expect sudden snow, fierce winds, and a quick chill any time of year! This road to Laguna Verde is now closed to vehicles. The decision protects its unique environment and the striking color of the water, which was sadly being impacted. While it remains a part of Colombia's 4x4 history, it is now a reminder that these high-altitude volcanic paradises need to be protected. Even though you can't drive it anymore, the Nariño department still offers mind-blowing mountain views! If you're exploring near Villa Santa Isabel, pack waterproof gear and warm layers – that high-altitude climate is no joke. And, of course, respect those "No Entry" signs in the Reserva Natural del Azufral!