
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
hardCuesta de Miranda
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans! We're heading to Argentina's La Rioja Province for a ride on the Cuesta de Miranda. This baby climbs to a cool 2,020 meters (that's 6,627 feet!) and is totally paved, so no need for a monster truck. You'll cruise along Ruta Nacional Nº 40, a legendary route that slices through Argentina. This stretch of road took about 10 years to build back in the day, and was finally fully paved in 2015. You'll be hugging the Miranda River, but listen up: weather here can be a beast. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are a real threat, and ice patches are super common. So keep an eye on the forecast and maybe avoid this one when things get dicey. Prepare for a twisty, turny adventure that keeps you on your toes.
extremeAbra Suijo-Laguna Suyoc
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Suijo (aka Abra Suyoc), a lung-busting pass that tops out at a dizzying 15,439 feet in central Peru. You'll find it by taking Carretera 120. Now, the road itself is…an experience. It's generally maintained, so a high-clearance 2WD *might* make it in dry conditions, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best bet. Expect river crossings and a seriously steep climb that will have your engine screaming. Don't let that scare you off, though! This is raw, remote Peru at its finest. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with mind-blowing views of snow-capped peaks to the east, and near the summit, a string of shimmering lakes appear like mirages. Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities. Patches of ice can appear out of nowhere. Oh, and that altitude? Brutal! Most people start feeling the effects around 8,000-9,000 feet. The air gets thin, the climb is relentless, and your body will be begging for mercy. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
extremeCerro Capi
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Chile's Atacama Desert lurks Cerro Capi, a mountain reaching a sky-high 965 meters. Trust me, getting to the top – also called Cerro Las Antenas, thanks to all the communication towers up there – is no Sunday drive. We're talking a bone-jarring, 7-kilometer thrill ride up a gravelly, ridiculously steep path. Seriously, some sections hit a crazy 15% grade! This is strictly 4x4 territory, folks. Prepare for narrow passages, heart-stopping climbs, and views that'll make it all worth it. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road… if you can tear them away from the incredible scenery, that is.
hardDon’t glance down at your phone on the road to Punta Ushuayca
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because Punta Ushuayca in Peru is about to blow your mind! We're talking a sky-high mountain pass chilling at 4,930m (that's 16,174ft!) in the Lima Region. Picture this: you're deep in the Andes, cruising through the Nor Yauyos-Cochas landscape reserve. Now, heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The LM-120 road to the top is all dirt and gets seriously steep! A little rain turns it into a real challenge. You *can* technically make it in a regular car, but trust me, you'll be way happier (and safer) in a 4x4. This north-south route stretches for a whopping 140 km (87 miles) from San Mateo to Tinco. Get ready for some epic views! Just keep your eyes peeled and your hands on the wheel.