
Road LI-117
Peru, south-america
109 km
370 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Carretera LI-117 in the Lima Region of Peru! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a 109km rollercoaster that climbs from the village of Cieneguilla (a comfy 370m above sea level) all the way up to Huarochiri, perched at a cool 3,151m.
Picture this: hairpin turns galore, mostly unpaved roads (with a few asphalt surprises), and sections so narrow that passing another car is a no-go. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drop-offs? We're talking hundreds of meters with absolutely zero guardrails. Keep your eyes on the road, people!
This baby tops out at a lung-busting 3,932m (12,900ft) in the Andes. If you're prone to altitude sickness or have any heart issues, maybe sit this one out. The air gets thin up here—seriously thin. Expect your engine to struggle and your body to feel it too. The summit has about 40% less oxygen than sea level! Just getting around feels like a workout. It’s beautiful, rugged, and definitely not for the faint of heart!
Where is it?
Road LI-117 is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.4972, -76.6564
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 109 km
- Max Elevation
- 370 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -8.4972, -76.6564
Related Roads in south-america
hardThe Winding Road from Tupiza to Quiriza is for Experienced Drivers Only
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Hey adventure junkies! Get ready for an epic Bolivian off-road experience from Tupiza to Quiriza, deep in the Potosí Department near the Argentinian border. Forget pavement – this is pure, unadulterated dirt, sand, and rock! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer this beast and even ford a river! The entire route sits above 3,100m, climbing to a lung-busting 4,236m (13,897 ft) at its peak. Starting in Tupiza (3,160m), a gorgeous, remote town that feels like the edge of the world, you'll traverse 63.9 km (39.70 miles) of corrugated road heading north to the mining town of Quiriza (3,598m). Prepare for a wild ride through some truly stunning, untouched landscapes. Trust me, the views are worth the bumps!
hardLaguna Verde de Azufral: Driving the restricted emerald crater road of Colombia
🇨🇴 Colombia
Deep in southern Colombia's Nariño department, nestled within the Azufral Natural Reserve, lies the stunning Laguna Verde de Azufral, a volcanic lake shimmering with emerald waters. This beauty sits way up high, at 3,970m (that's over 13,000 feet!). The old road, once called Via acceso Laguna Verde, was a legend. Starting near Villa Santa Isabel off Carretera 17, it was about 11.7 km of pure adventure, climbing a hefty 770 meters. Think steep, narrow, unpaved, and only getting rougher as it snaked up the north side of the Azufral Volcano. Before it closed, this track was infamous for its challenges, demanding a serious 4x4 with high clearance to handle those deep ruts and crazy inclines. The reward? A panoramic viewpoint near 4,000m, showcasing all three crater lagoons. But be warned, the weather here is wild – expect sudden snow, fierce winds, and a quick chill any time of year! This road to Laguna Verde is now closed to vehicles. The decision protects its unique environment and the striking color of the water, which was sadly being impacted. While it remains a part of Colombia's 4x4 history, it is now a reminder that these high-altitude volcanic paradises need to be protected. Even though you can't drive it anymore, the Nariño department still offers mind-blowing mountain views! If you're exploring near Villa Santa Isabel, pack waterproof gear and warm layers – that high-altitude climate is no joke. And, of course, respect those "No Entry" signs in the Reserva Natural del Azufral!
hardIs the road to Iruya in Argentina unpaved?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Iruya is a small town at an elevation of 2.790m (9,153ft) above sea level, located in the Iruya Department of Salta Province in Argentina. Is the road to Iruya in Argentina unpaved? Set high on the northwestern part of the country, the road to the town is not for the sissies. It comprises the unpaved RP133 and RP13 roads, straddling Jujuy and Salta provinces. The area offers awesome mountain settings, isolated villages and spectacular off-road trails. The local people are more reminiscent of Bolivians than of Argentineans with their long, black braids tied together at the end, their short, layered skirts and sombreros, sometimes pimped with a fresh flower. How long is the road to Iruya in Argentina? Starting at the paved RN9, north of Humahuaca, the drive to the picturesque village is 47.4 km (29.45 miles) long. It’s a difficult drive, with countless curves and hairpin turns, dangerous drop offs with very narrow parts, fording many rivers , a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.942m (12,933ft) above sea level. Few people use it and the area is home to vicuñas. Just before reaching Iruya you will reach a beautiful gorge, rough and barren yet colorful in tinges of red and brown. When is the best time to drive to Iruya in Argentina? The road is very dry usually, but summer rainstorms can make it impassable. The best months to travel in this area are June, July, August, September and October. A sign at the entrance to town warns visitors against: taking photographs of the residents without permission giving out charitable donations to the residents inappropriate dress. No bikinis. How to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas? What are the highest roads in Argentina? Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeAn epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes on the JU-116, headed for Abra Anta Q'asa, a seriously high mountain pass. We're talking 4,881m (16,013ft) above sea level – that air gets thin! You'll straddle the border between Junín and Lima regions, winding between Marcapomacocha (27km away) and Casapalca (16km). The road? Think gravel, with some sandy bits and some hairpins thrown in for good measure. It’s not crazy steep overall, but don’t underestimate it. Watch out for sudden patches of loose gravel and be aware that any rain turns this into a muddy, potentially impassable mess. This isn't a trail for the faint of heart, and definitely not if you're afraid of heights or unfamiliar with unpaved mountain roads. The climb itself is a beast. That high altitude will test your lungs and your car, and the lack of oxygen can really hit you hard. The area’s known for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, which can make driving seriously challenging. Once you hit the Carretera Central, be prepared for a traffic jam – it's a busy one! But hey, at the top you’ll find the Mirador de Tres Cruces, where you can see it all. Just be prepared for incredible views... and a wild ride!