
Punta Caudalosa Chica
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,990 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Punta Caudalosa Chica! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about a high-altitude thrill ride in the Huancavelica region of Peru. Picture this: you're tackling one of South America's highest drivable passes, topping out at a whopping 4,990m (that's 16,371ft!).
The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. Think gravel, seriously steep inclines, and a remote location east of the main Santa Ines to Huancavelica road. You'll be climbing thousands of feet, so preparation is key. Be ready for anything – even a little rain can transform this road into a challenging beast. Keep an eye out for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, which can pop up anytime and block the way. And watch out for ice patches – they can be super treacherous! But hey, the scenery? Absolutely epic.
Where is it?
Punta Caudalosa Chica is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.3904, -73.9822
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,990 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -8.3904, -73.9822
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