Mojon Pass
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,291 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience Paso de Mojon in the Ancash region of Peru. We're talking serious altitude here – nearly 14,100 feet above sea level.
The road, Carretera 3N, is paved, surprisingly wide, and connects Conococha and Huallanca with some seriously steep sections. But the real reward? Jaw-dropping views of the Cordillera Huayhuash! That is, *if* you catch a break in the weather. This area is notorious for its rapidly changing conditions, so sunshine can turn into a blizzard faster than you can say "alpaca." Keep an eye out for potholes too!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,291 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhat are the main mountain passes on the RN76?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ride of your life on Argentina's Route 76 (RN76)! This 259 km (161-mile) off-road adventure punches its way through the La Rioja province, starting in Villa Unión and heading north towards the Chilean border. Think of it as a deep dive into the Andes, where you'll cruise through the Reserva Natural Laguna Brava. Picture this: high-altitude salt lakes shimmering in the sun, flocks of pink flamingos, and views that stretch to forever. And those views? Epic! We're talking about glimpses of Monte Pissis, the fourth-highest peak in the Andes, and the majestic Cerro Bonete Chico. Expect complete silence, surreal turquoise lagoons, and weather that keeps you on your toes. This ain't no Sunday drive, folks. RN76 throws two major passes at you: Portezuelo de Laguna Brava (4,379m/14,366ft), your gateway to the highlands, and the even loftier Abra Cerro Veladero (4,483m). Both are unpaved, a mix of loose gravel and crazy steep climbs, all with that thin air working against you. Heed this warning: RN76 demands respect. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't optional; it's essential. Weather is a wild card here; winter brings snowdrifts over 2 meters (the park even closes to private cars!), and summer can unleash surprise storms with landslides or icy patches. You're on your own out there, so pack extra fuel, water, and seriously warm gear. And be ready for altitude sickness, as you'll be hanging out above 4,000 meters for a good chunk of the trip. The 259 km journey from Villa Unión is a slow burn – plan for a full day to conquer it. That gravel road can turn muddy and slippery near the salt flats, especially after rain. But trust me, the reward is beyond worth it: mind-blowing landscapes that peak at the Pircas Negras international border crossing. Give your ride a once-over before you go, and double-check the border crossing status – it's only open in the summer when the snow melts. Prepare for an unforgettable journey!
extremeLaguna Conococha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, high in the Andes, about to stumble upon Laguna Conococha, a stunning lake shimmering at a whopping 4,050 meters (that's 13,287 feet!). You'll get there via Carretera 3N, a paved road that'll have your jaw dropping. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Being so high up, this road can get snowy real quick, so closures happen. Plus, the mist can roll in thick, making visibility a real challenge. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides – oh my! Patches of ice are common, too. The climb itself is a beast, seriously testing your lungs with that thin air. Altitude sickness is a definite possibility here; most people start feeling it way before you even reach the lake. But trust me, the wild, untamed beauty is so worth it.
hardAn awe-inspiring drive to Punta Olimpica in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Ancash, Peru, smack-dab in the middle of Huascarán National Park. You're about to tackle Ruta Departamental AN-107, heading towards Punta Olimpica, one of Peru's highest paved roads, topping out at a staggering 15,525 feet! This isn't just any road trip; it's an adventure that’ll take your breath away – literally! We're talking stunning views of Huascarán, Peru’s highest mountain, and a climb so steep (maxing out at a 6.3% gradient) you'll feel like you're scaling the sky. Get ready for "Sector de las Mil Curvas" – the "1000 turns section"! It’s a 26km stretch of pure adrenaline with 46 hairpin turns. Seriously, hold on tight! The whole drive is about 76.2km (47.34 miles) from Carhuaz to San Martín de Chacas. Heads up: this road has a bit of history! Construction started way back in 1910 but wasn't finished until 1984. The pavement is mostly good, but there's a short, 2km stretch that's still unpaved. And, get this, near the top, you'll cruise through the Tunnel Punta Olimpica – a 1,384-meter marvel and one of the world's highest tunnels! Keep in mind that at this altitude, the air is thin. If you're not used to it, take it easy or grab some altitude sickness meds. Rainy or snowy weather can shut this road down, so plan accordingly. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are worth every twist and turn!
moderateDriving a Sensational Border Road to Icalma Pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Wanna straddle the border between Argentina and Chile? Then you NEED to experience Paso Icalma, also known as Paso de Coipocahue! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at 1,307 meters (4,288 feet) and is seriously stunning. You'll cruise from the Neuquén Province in Argentina to the Araucanía region in Chile – keep an eye out for the border station near the top! The road itself is about 14.8 km long. On the Argentinian side, you'll be cruising on Ruta Provincial 13, while in Chile, it's S61. It's the perfect connector between the charming villages of Icalma (Chile) and Villa Pehuenia (Argentina). Heads up though, this is the ANDES, baby! The weather can be a real wildcard. It's usually open year-round, but snow and crazy weather can roll in fast, especially in winter. So, keep an eye on local updates before you head out. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery!