Road PA-106
Peru, south-america
79 km
2.037 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Carretera PA-106 in Pasco, Peru! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 79km stretch of high-mountain gravel that connects Paucartambo (2,037m above sea level) to Ninacaca (a lung-busting 4,140m!).
Seriously, think twice before attempting this in anything less than a sturdy 4x4, unless you're already planning an upgrade! The gravel is rough, and the climb is intense, with some sections hitting a 10% gradient.
Oh, and did I mention the altitude? You'll gain 2,103m, and oxygen gets scarce above 2,500m. Take it slow, and maybe pack some altitude sickness remedies.
Along the way, you'll encounter unlit tunnels, stunning high-mountain lakes, and views that'll make you forget about the lack of oxygen... for a minute.
But, heads up! This area is known for heavy mist, avalanches, landslides, and ice patches. Plus, the gravel can get seriously loose and muddy after rain, making it impassable. So, check the weather before you go, and maybe avoid it altogether during storm season. This route is narrow, steep, and potentially treacherous but worth it for the views!
Where is it?
Road PA-106 is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.0418, -73.8058
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 79 km
- Max Elevation
- 2.037 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -10.0418, -73.8058
Related Roads in south-america
moderateDriving the unpaved road to Cienaga de Paicone-Rio Mojon Pass
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up for an adventure at the Paso Internacional Ciénaga de Paicone-RÃo Mojón! This high-altitude border crossing sits way up at 3,645 meters (that's almost 12,000 feet!) straddling Argentina and Bolivia. You'll find it connecting the remote northwest of Argentina's Jujuy Province with the wild southwestern Sur LÃpez Province of Bolivia. The road itself is a 12-kilometer (around 7.5 miles) stretch of unpaved road that runs from the Argentinian town of Ciénega (also known as Ciénega de Paicone) up to RÃo Mojón on the Bolivian side. The road is generally in good condition, but the views are absolutely spectacular!
hardAtacama Refuge
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Atacama Region of Chile, practically knocking on Argentina's door, lies Refugio Atacama, perched way up high at 5,256m (17,244ft). Getting here, south of the driest desert on earth, is no Sunday drive! Think sandy, rocky terrain demanding a 4x4 beast. Seriously, you’ll need it. The altitude is a HUGE factor, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness. Add unpredictable weather and a steep climb to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a proper challenge. While snow is rare due to the desert climate (except in winter!), the isolation is real. Medical help? A long, long way off – possibly a day or more. Forget about a quick helicopter rescue. This gritty, dusty 4x4 track cuts through some tough landscape, mainly used by climbers heading to the majestic Ojos del Salado volcano. The "hut" itself, also called Refugio Rojas, is basically a big container where a ranger chills during the climbing season, plus a few tents from various expeditions. It's raw, it's remote, and it's an experience you won't forget!
extremeDriving the international border road to Socompa Pass in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Paso Socompa is calling your name – a seriously epic international mountain pass straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking way up there, at almost 13,000 feet! Tucked into the majestic Andes, this route connects the Antofagasta Region in Chile with Salta province in Argentina. Think of it as one of the *least* traveled high-altitude routes between these two countries, so you're basically guaranteed bragging rights. And get this, the pass is named after the Socompa volcano, a 20,000-foot behemoth looming nearby. Now, let's talk about the road itself. It's unpaved – and I mean *seriously* unpaved – so you'll need a proper off-road vehicle to tackle this beast. It goes by B-55 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 163 once you cross into Argentina. This drive is REMOTE. The rough terrain, the lack of water, the scorching desert heat…it all adds up to one seriously challenging adventure. Even the Dakar Rally has used this pass! Keep your eyes peeled for the abandoned train station at the summit. Be prepared for some extreme conditions. The air is super dry, and the temperature swings are wild – blazing hot during the day and freezing cold at night. **Important Note:** Stick to the marked roads. This area has a history, and there are minefields along the border from the 70s. They're usually marked, but trust me, you don't want to stray. Only cross the border at official checkpoints, and always chat with local officials about potential hazards.
hardDriving the road to Cerro Gigante is not a piece of cake
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cerro Gigante in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This beast of a mountain pass climbs to a staggering 5,286m (17,342ft), making it one of the highest in the country. You'll find it north of the stunning Lago Laramcota, deep in western Bolivia. Now, let's be real: this isn't your Sunday drive. The entire 15.2 km (9.44 miles) route from Rodeo is completely unpaved, throwing narrow stretches, sharp turns, and plenty of rocks your way. Trust me, you'll NEED a 4x4. But the views? Absolutely epic! Carved into the Kimsa Cruz range of the Andes, this road punches up 1,005 meters, averaging a 6.61% gradient. Get ready for your jaw to drop with every twist and turn!