
Mollepata-Pallasca Road
Peru, south-america
29.9 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Buckle up for the Mollepata-Pallasca road, a wild ride straddling the La Libertad and Ancash regions in northwestern Peru! Nestled deep in the Andes, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
Clocking in at just under 30 km, this section of Route 3N throws you into a world of hairpin turns - 57 of them to be exact! The road is mostly paved, but incredibly steep and narrow, making it tricky for two cars to pass side-by-side. If you've got travel buddies who get carsick easily, fair warning!
But here's the deal: the views are totally worth it. Picture yourself winding through breathtaking Andean landscapes. Just take it slow, stay alert, and you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
Mollepata-Pallasca Road is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.9188, -75.3934
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 29.9 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -10.9188, -75.3934
Related Roads in south-america
extremeThe challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Tuc Tuc: A high-altitude pass in Salta
🇦🇷 Argentina
Cerro Tuc Tuc, also known as Cerro Tuc Tuca, is a beast of a mountain pass in the Santa Victoria Department of Salta, Argentina. This remote track near the border with Jujuy tops out at a staggering 4,624m (15,170ft) above sea level, making it one of Argentina's highest roads. Get ready for a raw, unfiltered driving experience! West of the famous Abra Fundición, you'll find this epic route, locally called Camino a Bacoya. Prepare for a dramatic landscape filled with vibrant, colorful mountains and weathered rock formations typical of the high Andean plateau. Forget pavement – this is a narrow, unpaved dirt and gravel track that demands a high-clearance vehicle. Navigating this road is technical; it's often too narrow for two regular cars to pass without a squeeze, especially where there are those heart-stopping drop-offs! Starting in Santa Cruz de Aguilar, the road to the summit stretches for 18.66 km (11.6 miles). It's a steady climb of 624 meters. The average gradient is a manageable 3.34%, but the high altitude will test your engine's limits. A 4x4 is practically mandatory, especially after it rains. The surface can get slick, and the steep sections need serious traction. Remember, you're in a remote area, so being properly equipped is crucial for a safe adventure. The weather at 4,624 meters is unpredictable. Be prepared for extreme conditions, the notorious lack of oxygen, and the risk of altitude sickness. The combo of steep hills, tight squeezes, and rapidly changing weather demands your full attention. But oh, the views! The pass offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Salta and Jujuy highlands. The colorful mountains all around create a visual feast. This is a must-see spot for overlanders searching for the most isolated and scenic roads in northern Argentina.
extremeTravelling through the curvy Cuesta del Portezuelo road
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for an epic ride on the Cuesta del Portezuelo! This little slice of heaven is tucked away in the Valle Viejo department of Catamarca province, way up in northwestern Argentina. The whole thing is paved, so no need to worry about dirt. It's just over 16km (around 10 miles) winding from the RN 38 highway up through the Sierra de Ancasti mountains and connecting to Ruta Provincial 2. Hold on tight, because this road is all curves, all the time. Seriously, hairpin turns galore! Built back in the late 30s, this road is an oldie but a goodie. Prepare to climb! You'll reach a peak of 1,771m (that's over 5,800ft!). Expect an average gradient of 6%, but be ready for some steep sections that ramp up to over 20%. The views are absolutely worth it, though, with green landscapes stretching out as far as you can see. Just be aware, it can get pretty narrow. Locals call it a "bridle path," a nod to its past when it was basically a horse trail. Thankfully, it's been upgraded since then! Now, it's one of the most popular spots in the province, thanks to its stunning scenery and how close it is to the city.
moderateDriving the paved Estrada Cunha-Paraty in Brazil
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: the Cunha-Paraty Road in Brazil. It's a 44.6km (27.71 miles) ribbon of road straddling São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states. Think lush scenery and a real sense of adventure! The road's fully paved, since 2016! The first 30km (SP-171) is smooth sailing in São Paulo, well-signed, and generally in great shape (though it can get a little busy). Then you hit a sweet 10km stretch (RJ-165) through Serra da Bocaina National Park – cobblestones galore! Seriously, this part is a highlight. The last 10km gets a bit rougher, with a narrower road and some potholes, so keep your eyes peeled. Expect some steep climbs and descents, especially within the national park. You'll be dropping into 1st or 2nd gear in spots, no doubt. The highest point? A cool 1,531m (5,022ft) above sea level. You *could* blast through it in an hour without stopping. But seriously, give yourself at least two! This road is part of the Estrada Real, a.k.a. the "Old Road" or "Gold Road," used way back in the 17th century to haul minerals (gold, mostly) to the coast. It's all about stunning views: forests, waterfalls, and incredible peaks. Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in!
extremeThe Road to Salinas Lake is One of the Toughest Tracks in the World
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Arequipa Region of Peru, nestled way, way up in the Andes, lies the Laguna de Salinas – a shimmering salt lake sitting at a staggering 14,222 feet. Getting there? Buckle up, buttercup! We're talking Ruta 34C, a 40-mile dirt track that’ll test your nerve and your vehicle's suspension. This isn’t your Sunday drive. Think hairpin turns galore, super narrow stretches (sometimes only wide enough for ONE car!), and seriously exposed drop-offs – hundreds of feet down – with zero guardrails to save you. Oh, and did I mention the tunnels? Starting near Arequipa, one of Peru’s biggest cities, give yourself at least two hours to conquer this beast of a road, and that's without stopping to admire the killer views (if you can bear to take your eyes off the road, that is!). Confidence in your 4x4 and your driving skills is an absolute must. This one’s for the thrill-seekers!