Road 1NC

Road 1NC

Peru, south-america

Length

47 km

Elevation

4.5 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Carretera 1NC in the Peruvian Andes! This insane stretch of road clocks in at over 47 km, practically all of it perched above 4,500 meters. Yeah, you read that right – we're talking serious altitude! The highest point hits a staggering 4,780m (15,682ft), so be prepared for some thin air.

Connecting the Huayllay District in Pasco with the Pacaraos District in Huaral, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: a super narrow road, clinging to the mountainside with drops of hundreds of meters just inches from your tires – and no guardrails! Add to that the occasional traffic jam caused by lumbering trucks, and you've got yourself an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Because of its altitude and remote location, preparation is key. Weather changes in an instant up here. Rain can turn the road into a real challenge, and avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are all potential hazards. Patches of ice are common, too, so drive carefully and keep your eyes peeled. Despite the challenges, the views are absolutely breathtaking.

Where is it?

Road 1NC is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.1183, -74.5373

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
47 km
Max Elevation
4.5 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-7.1183, -74.5373

Related Roads in south-america

Where is Portezuelo del Cajón?moderate

Where is Portezuelo del Cajón?

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Ruta 27, leaving San Pedro de Atacama in Chile behind you, headed towards the wild landscapes of southwestern Bolivia. You're about to cross the Portezuelo del Cajón, also known as Hito Cajón, an international border that sits way up high at 4,480m (that's nearly 14,700 feet!). This isn't just any border crossing; it's an adventure. The whole stretch from San Pedro de Atacama to Quetena Chico is about 150 km (93 miles) of mixed terrain – expect both smooth paved sections and bumpy, unpaved bits. You're basically hugging the lower slopes of the Juriques volcano, so the scenery is out of this world. Think stunning Andean landscapes, especially as you get closer to Bolivia. On the Bolivian side, you’ll be smack-dab in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, with Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca nearby. It's a super popular route for travelers going between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama, so you’re bound to meet fellow adventurers. Now, heads up: the Bolivian Aduana (customs) is bizarrely located about 80 km from the actual border, in what feels like the middle of nowhere at over 5,000m! Getting there involves passing through a guarded barrier. The Chilean border post, on the other hand, is a good 40 km down the road, closer to San Pedro de Atacama. Before you set off, check the weather – high altitude can bring unpredictable conditions. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential storms as you climb. Enjoy the ride!

Ojos del Salado is one of the highest accessible points by car on Earthhard

Ojos del Salado is one of the highest accessible points by car on Earth

🇨🇱 Chile

# Ojos del Salado: The World's Highest Volcano Road Standing at a jaw-dropping 6,891 meters (22,608 feet), Ojos del Salado is the world's highest volcano and sits right on the Argentina-Chile border. It's not just impressive for its elevation—it's also one of the most accessible ultra-high peaks you can actually drive to, making it a magnet for adventure seekers and record-breakers alike. Nestled in the Andes, roughly 600 kilometers north of Aconcagua, this massive stratovolcano connects Chile's Atacama Region with Argentina's Catamarca Province. The volcano sits just south of the Atacama Desert, creating an otherworldly landscape where snow clings to the peak only during winter months. The rest of the year? Bone-dry conditions dominate. ## A Playground for Record-Seekers Ojos del Salado has become legendary for altitude records. In 2007, a heavily modified 1986 Suzuki Samurai driven by Chileans Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales Moya reached 6,688 meters, smashing the previous vehicle record. That modified little beast had supercharger upgrades, reinforced axles, and custom suspension—necessary equipment for such an insane climb. Since then, the records keep coming. A Mercedes truck hit 6,675 meters, a solar-powered e-vehicle reached 6,500 meters in 2024, and motorcycles have pushed higher too. In 2015, Chilean rider Gianfranco Bianchi set the motorbike record at 6,472 meters on a Suzuki RMZ 450. Even cyclists have joined the party—Guido Kunze pedaled an astonishing 6,233 meters in 2013, covering over 342 kilometers from the Pacific coast in just over 37 hours. ## The Real Challenge Don't let the "accessible by vehicle" part fool you—this is genuinely brutal. The terrain throws everything at you: steep climbs, massive boulders, snow, glaciers, and deep volcanic sand. Most roads don't combine all these obstacles in a single journey, but Ojos del Salado does it gleefully. Add in hurricane-force winds, temperatures plummeting to minus 30°C (minus 22°F), and the relentless effects of extreme altitude, and you've got a recipe for serious danger. Medical help? Forget it—you're looking at a day or more for evacuation, and helicopter rescue is virtually impossible in these conditions. This is one of South America's most unforgiving roads, and it demands respect.

An epic road to Abra Ares in the Andesextreme

An epic road to Abra Ares in the Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Arequipa region of Southern Peru, you'll find Abra Ares, an epic mountain pass soaring to a staggering 5,018 meters (that's 16,463 feet!). It's one of the highest roads in Peru, so get ready for some serious altitude. The road stretches for about 19.2 kilometers (almost 12 miles) from Illigua to Chahuaña, and it's a totally unpaved, bumpy ride—but don't worry, your average car can handle it. Just be prepared for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting over 10%! The air is thin up here, so take it easy and soak in the breathtaking views of the Andes. Keep an eye on the weather; conditions can change fast in these parts. This isn't just a drive; it's an Andean adventure!

Cerro Chajnantor, an awe-inspiring route in the Atacama desertextreme

Cerro Chajnantor, an awe-inspiring route in the Atacama desert

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Chile's Atacama Desert awaits Cerro Chajnantor, clocking in at a staggering 18,487 feet. We're talking serious altitude here, making it one of South America's highest roads! Forget smooth asphalt; this is a raw, unpaved challenge best tackled with a 4x4 beast. The landscape is seriously otherworldly, but also seriously dry and unforgiving. The prize? A 20-foot telescope perched at the summit, making it the highest astronomical site on the planet! Built back in '06, this climb isn't for the faint of heart (literally!). If you've got respiratory issues or heart problems, sit this one out. The air is THIN, and the road is STEEP. Seriously, most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness way before you even get close to the top. Expect your engine to struggle too! The paved road is your starting point for this 8.6-mile ascent. The climb gains a whopping 2,769 feet, averaging a 6% gradient. Brace yourself for an unforgettable ride — and maybe bring some oxygen!