Laguna Tototral
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,342 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Peru? Forget the tourist traps and get ready for Laguna Tototral, a stunning high-altitude lake chilling way up at 14,245 feet! This ain't no Sunday drive though.
Route 120 to get there? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, super-narrow sections, and mud that'll swallow your tires whole if it's been raining. Seriously, 4x4 is your BFF here. And be warned: this road's notorious for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, plus sneaky patches of ice that can appear out of nowhere.
The climb is BRUTAL. We're talking seriously steep and the air gets thin, fast. Most people start feeling the altitude sickness kick in well before you even reach the lake. But, trust me, the views? Absolutely worth the lung-busting trek. Just take it slow, stay hydrated, and prepare to be amazed.
Where is it?
Laguna Tototral is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.1446, -73.5171
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,342 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -10.1446, -73.5171
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere Is Abra Arcata?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just found the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience in the Arequipa region of Peru: Abra Arcata. At a staggering 16,735 feet above sea level, this pass is one of the highest roads in the whole country! You'll find it snaking through the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve in the southwestern part of Peru. The entire road is unpaved, taking you past the Arcata gold and silver mine at about 15,419 feet. The climb is pretty intense until you hit the mine, but after that, it mellows out into a gentler, seriously gorgeous ascent to the summit. Expect some seriously rocky sections, water crossings, and tight switchbacks, but don't worry, the surface is generally pretty decent, and the gradients won't kill you. Just be warned that the road does cut through a mine at one point—how wild is that?! The whole route is a great experience that plunges you into total isolation before beginning its descent into the valley.
extremeCerro Las Campanas: Driving to the giant telescopes of the Atacama
🇨🇱 Chile
Deep in Chile's Atacama Desert, perched at 2,380m (7,810ft), sits Cerro Las Campanas – home to one of the world's top spots for stargazing, the Las Campanas Observatory! The adventure starts off Ruta 5 (the Pan-American Highway), somewhere between Vallenar and La Serena. From there, it's a 39.6 km (24.6 mile) journey snaking through the stark, stunning Atacama landscape. Think vast, empty desert dotted with more telescopes than people. The observatory is a modern marvel, but the road getting there? Pure, unadulterated desert solitude. The road's a bit of a mixed bag – some paved sections, some not. It's generally kept in decent shape for those huge telescope components, but expect some dusty, gravelly patches. Oh, and it's steep! You'll climb a hefty 1,325 meters. The real kicker? "Camanchaca" – thick, dense fog rolling in from the Pacific, slashing visibility and making those steep drop-offs seriously hairy. Don't underestimate the weather. At that altitude, it's intense! Wild winds whip across the ridges year-round, and winter temps are brutal. Even summer can bring surprise snowstorms. The road can shut down at any moment thanks to snow or ice. If it’s snowy or stormy, seriously reconsider driving. Slick roads + steep slopes = a bad combo in the middle of nowhere. The summit is a scientific wonderland, packed with optical and solar telescopes, including the famous Magellan telescopes. It's a working observatory, so there are basic amenities for the staff, but be aware of traffic. Big service vehicles use this narrow road, and it can be tough to hear them coming. Pick your lines wisely and use those low gears on the way down – that 3.34% average gradient can really test your brakes!
extremeThe Thrilling Road of Mantaro River Canyon: A Test of Nerves and Courage
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Huancavelica region of Peru lies the mind-blowing Cañon del RĂo Mantaro, and let me tell you, the road through it is NOT for the faint of heart. We're talking seriously narrow stretches with unprotected 200-meter (650 ft) drop-offs straight into the Mantaro River – the most distant source of the mighty Amazon! This isn't just a Sunday drive; this is a white-knuckle adventure where one wrong move could be your last. History whispers tales of lives lost along this route. Known as 3S, the road is mostly paved, but don't get complacent! The most treacherous parts are often gravel. Seriously, words can't capture the sheer intensity of this place, and pictures barely scratch the surface. The whole stretch runs for 147 km (92 miles), snaking from Izcuchaca (2,939 m/9,642 ft above sea level) down to Huanta (2,628 m/8,622 ft). So, if you're looking for an epic road trip with a serious dose of adrenaline and scenery that will leave you breathless (if you survive!), the Cañon del RĂo Mantaro is calling your name. Just remember to drive carefully!
easyWhy is Papallacta famous?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Located in the Napo Province of Ecuador, Papallacta is the highest town in the country, situated at an elevation of 3,300m (10,827ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth Why is Papallacta famous? Surrounded by mountain slopes, between the Antisana and Cayambe Volcanoes, the town is known and most visited for its hot springs. Locals say that “Papallacta” translates as “Land of Potatoes” (Tierra de Patatas). It’s a popular day trip for visitors from Quito. Is the road to Papallacta paved? The road to the town is entirely paved. It’s called E20 and crosses the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras. How long is the road to Papallacta? The road is 76.7 km (47.65 miles) long, running west-east from Pifo to Baeza. Is the road to Papallacta worth the drive? Located on the main road from Quito, which leads into the Amazon jungle, the scenic drive to Papallacta passes through several towns and small villages before ascending to a peak of over 4,000 m, from where mountains and glaciers are visible. Travel guide to the top of Tres Cruces in Azuay The road to Cotopaxi Refuge is not for timid 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.