Llanganuco Chinancocha

Llanganuco Chinancocha

Peru, south-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,850 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising up Carretera de Yungay (or Carretera 106), headed towards the insanely gorgeous Laguna Chinancocha in the Peruvian Andes. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a gravel track clinging to the side of a mountain, with a serious drop on one side and towering stone cliffs on the other.

Get ready for some seriously tight hairpin turns and switchbacks as you climb to 3,850m (12,631ft). You'll be smack-dab in a narrow glacial valley, surrounded by the giants of the Cordillera Blanca – Huascaran, Huandoy, and a whole crew of other peaks. The scenery is mind-blowing, with views of the María Josefa path and the Quebrada Demanda, all within the Huascaran National Park.

Now, a word of caution: this road ain't for the faint of heart. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, or heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Even experienced drivers will find this route challenging, and the altitude will definitely test you. Oxygen gets thin up there, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness. And those unprotected drops of hundreds of meters? Yeah, they're real. One wrong move and… well, let's just say pay attention! It is not a road for beginner drivers. It is not recommended to travel this road in severe weather. It's steep, the air is thin, and there are no guardrails, so take it slow and steady!

Where is it?

Llanganuco Chinancocha is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.3606, -76.4958

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Max Elevation
3,850 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-9.3606, -76.4958

Related Roads in south-america

A journey on the legendary Camino de los Puentes Colgantes in Cordobamoderate

A journey on the legendary Camino de los Puentes Colgantes in Cordoba

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure time! Picture this: you're in Argentina's Córdoba Province, ready to tackle the legendary Camino de los Puentes Colgantes – the Road of the Hanging Bridges! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 22.9km (14.22 miles) of pure, unadulterated mountain road magic, starting in El Condor and winding its way to Copina, inside Parque Nacional Quebrada del Condorito. This old route (Vieja Ruta Provincial 14) is mostly unpaved, and the views? Epic! The highlight? Five narrow, wooden suspension bridges clinging to the mountainsides, built way back in 1918. Only four are still in use, so buckle up! The road snakes through the Sierras Grandes range, and trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this. It's a classic rally stage, but in 1987 a new road was built so you can avoid modern traffic. Oh, and keep an eye out for the burned-out truck marking the start of the adventure – a little reminder of the road's wild history. Get ready for a thrill!

How long is Abra Azuca?moderate

How long is Abra Azuca?

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Azuca! This high-altitude stunner in Peru, straddling the Cusco and Apurimac regions, will leave you breathless – and not just because of the views. We're talking 5,190 meters (that's a whopping 17,027 feet!) above sea level. Nestled in the Wansu mountains of the Andes, this totally unpaved road stretches for about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). The scenery? Absolutely incredible. While the road surface is usually decent (thanks to those mining trucks!), and the inclines aren't too crazy for the most part, don't underestimate this climb. Acclimatization is key, folks! They say it's one of the highest road passes in South America.

Road trip guide: Conquering Pascua Lamahard

Road trip guide: Conquering Pascua Lama

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Pascua Lama is calling! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass straddling the border of Argentina and Chile, clocking in at a lung-busting 17,244 feet (5,256m)! Yep, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in this part of the world. Find it north of the Veladero mine, chilling out in the southern stretches of the Atacama Desert, right where Chile's Atacama Region shakes hands with Argentina's San Juan Province. The prize at the top? A gold mine! Now, the road itself is pure, unadulterated off-road. Think steep climbs, loose surfaces, and a dizzying 25 hairpin turns. But hey, that's part of the thrill, right? Keep in mind, though, that this area is environmentally sensitive, and the local community feels pretty strongly about protecting it. Word to the wise: this drive is NOT for the faint of heart (or lungs!). The air gets seriously thin up here. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, and it can hit you hard. So, take it slow, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Also, your car engine will feel the elevation as well. But if you're prepared for a challenge, the views from Pascua Lama are absolutely epic. Just remember to respect the environment and the local communities along the way. This is a journey you won't soon forget!

Pichachen Pass is a vital border road from Argentina to Chile in the Andeshard

Pichachen Pass is a vital border road from Argentina to Chile in the Andes

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the wild ride that is Paso Internacional Pichachén! This high-altitude border crossing between Argentina and Chile sits way up in the Andes at a cool 2,063 meters (that's 6,768 feet!). Connecting the Biobío Region of Chile with the Neuquén Province of Argentina, this isn't your average scenic drive. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking a 180 km (111 mile) unpaved rollercoaster, known as Ruta CH-5 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 6 in Argentina, snaking its way from Canteras to El Cholar. Expect hairpin turns and a real test for your driving skills! Keep in mind, Pichachén isn't open year-round. Winter brings closures due to minimal maintenance. Also, be prepared for some extreme weather – think dry air and huge temperature changes. Sunny days can be surprisingly warm, but those Andean nights? Seriously cold. Get ready for insane views you'll never forget!