
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
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Salar de Maricunga?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Atacama Region of Chile, heading towards this unreal, dazzling white salt flat called Salar de Maricunga. This place is seriously high up, like 3,700m (12,139ft) high! It's in the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, way out east. The air is super dry, and the temperature swings are wild – scorching hot in the daytime sun, then freezing cold at night. Why should you go? Well, besides the fact that it’s absolutely stunning, this salt flat is loaded with lithium. It's the southernmost of Chile's huge salt flats. The road there? It's Ruta 31-CH, about 280 km (173 miles) of mixed adventure. You'll find some smooth paved sections on either end, but the middle is all gravel, so keep your eyes open. It runs all the way from Copiapó to the Argentinian border. Most of the time, a 2WD car can handle it. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery.
hardHow to Travel the Unpaved Road to Abra de Cortaderas
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra de Cortaderas in Argentina's Jujuy Province! This bad boy climbs to a cool 3,310 meters (that's 10,859 feet for you imperial system folks). Picture this: you're winding along a well-kept gravel cornice road for nearly 18 kilometers (11.1 miles), with hairpin turns galore and some seriously steep sections to keep your heart pumping. It’s not paved, but most vehicles can handle it just fine. And the views? Oh, the views! On a clear day, you'll be treated to a stunning panorama of the ravine below, with the charming town of Huacalera nestled at its base. This epic route links Huacalera with Abra de la Cruz (another stunner at 3,757m!), making it the perfect addition to your Argentinian road trip. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardChollay-Punta Colorada Road
🇨🇱 Chile
Get ready for a breathtaking Chilean adventure on the Chollay-Punta Colorada road! Seriously, this drive is gorgeous. Think stunning mountain vistas and hairpin turns galore – we're talking over 30 of them winding through the Andes. Clocking in at 209km, this route links Chollay in the Atacama Region to Punta Colorada in the Coquimbo Region, hugging the Argentinian border. The good news is the road was recently asphalted, so the surface is smooth. The challenge? You're climbing high, really high. The highest point hits 3,573m (11,722ft), so be prepared for thin air. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, so take it easy! Extreme weather can also play a role, so keep an eye on the forecast. But trust me, the scenery is worth it!
extremeHow challenging is the road to Abra Mañazo?
🇵🇪 Peru
Hit the heights in Puno Province, Peru, on the Abra Mañazo pass, soaring to a staggering 4,518m (14,822ft)! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a proper Andean adventure, deep in the desolate heart of southern Peru. Picture this: You're cruising (or, let's be real, carefully navigating) through the Altiplano, surrounded by rocky peaks as far as the eye can see. Don't let the "Panamericana" signs fool you; this is a raw, unadulterated mountain track where alpacas outnumber cars. This 55.2 km (34.29 miles) stretch of road demands respect. A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is a must. While the average slope is a gentle 2%, the surface is rough and ready to test your driving skills. The real kicker? Serious drop-offs. The track can be narrow, and without barriers, it’s just you, your tires, and a long way down. Extra caution is key, especially when the rains come and turn the gravel into a slippery nightmare. But hey, the views! This east-west route connects the town of … to the 34C road junction and serves up some seriously breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Andes. Keep your eyes peeled for Laguna Pumacocha, two high-altitude lakes teeming with surprisingly diverse birdlife. It’s a quiet, remote, and stunning drive that embodies the Peruvian highlands, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.