Laguna Verde de Azufral: Driving the restricted emerald crater road of Colombia
Colombia, south-america
11.7 km
3,970 m
hard
Year-round
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!
Where is it?
Laguna Verde de Azufral: Driving the restricted emerald crater road of Colombia is located in Colombia (south-america). Coordinates: 4.9144, -74.9717
Road Details
- Country
- Colombia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 11.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,970 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 4.9144, -74.9717
Related Roads in south-america
hardRoad C-173
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer route for you in Chile's Atacama region: the C-173. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking serious altitude here, the whole track is above 3,000m! Clocking in at 104km, this bad boy connects El Jardin (off the C13) to Ruta 31. Word to the wise: check the forecast before you go. This gravel road gets seriously loose, especially on the edges, and turns into a mud pit after rain. Trust me, you don't want to be stuck out there. Even 4x4s can struggle in bad weather, and the road can become totally impassable during and after a storm. The highest point hits 3,660m, so the views are absolutely insane! Get ready for some unforgettable scenery, just make sure you're prepared for the conditions.
hardTravelling Through Ruta 27 (CH-27) in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're cruising on Ruta 27 in northern Chile, smack-dab in the Andes. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a serious high-altitude adventure across a wild, arid plateau. This two-lane paved beauty stretches for 156 kilometers (97 miles), linking San Pedro de Atacama to Argentina via Paso de Jama. It's a fairly new route, fully paved since 2005, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a breeze. Prepare for steep climbs and some challenging conditions, especially those strong, dry winds and the blazing sun! Sunglasses, H2O, and a couple of spare tires are absolute must-haves. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll be hitting some serious heights, topping out at Portezuelo Paranal, a mountain pass sitting pretty at a breathtaking 4,832 meters (15,853 feet). That makes it one of South America's highest paved roads. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateDriving 25km above 4,900m on the gravel road to Peru's Abra Azuca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just conquered Abra Azuca, and WOW, what a ride! Perched way up high in the Peruvian Andes, right on the border between Cusco and Apurimac, this baby tops out at a staggering 5,190 meters (that's 17,027 feet!). Seriously, you're breathing some thin air up there. This isn't your typical Sunday drive; the 25.1 km (15.59 miles) from Abra Culipampa to the summit is all unpaved, a rugged path snaking through the Wansu mountains. Think epic views, seriously beautiful scenery that'll make your jaw drop. The road itself? Surprisingly decent, mostly because it's used by mining trucks. Expect gentle inclines for the most part, though there are a few steeper sections to keep things interesting. Pro tip: Acclimatize, acclimatize, acclimatize! This is high altitude, and you'll want to enjoy the experience, not gasp for air. Word on the street is this is one of the highest passes in South America, so you know it's legit!
moderateA wild road to the top of Roballos Pass
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a border crossing to tell you about that's seriously off the beaten path. We're talking Paso Rodolfo Roballos, straddling the border between Chile and Argentina, clocking in at a cool 651 meters (2,135 feet) high. This beauty connects the Aisén Region in Chile to the Santa Cruz Province in Argentina, and it's a 163-kilometer (101-mile) journey from Cochrane, Chile, to Bajo Caracoles, Argentina. Forget smooth asphalt – this is all unpaved glory, aka Ruta X-83 (Chile) and Ruta Provincial Nº 41 (Argentina). Think washboard roads and muddy stones, folks! The road starts off pretty decent, but be warned, it gets rougher as you climb, with corrugations and loose gravel galore. Expect a 3-4 hour drive, minimum, to soak it all in. While it's open year-round, keep an eye on the weather forecast because snow can shut things down in a heartbeat. The conditions here are known to change in an instant. What sets Paso Roballos apart? It's way less crowded than the Chile Chico pass to the north, offering a more solitary, rugged experience. Get ready for some incredible Andes scenery, but be prepared for a bumpy ride!