
Road trip guide: Conquering Crucero Alto
Peru, south-america
72.9 km
4,528 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Peruvian Andes in Puno, ready for an adventure. You're about to tackle Crucero Alto, a seriously epic mountain pass soaring to a staggering 14,855 feet!
The road, mostly paved and known as Carretera 34C, stretches for about 45 miles between Santa Lucía and Eslagunero. Get ready for views that will blow your mind – the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over every five minutes to snap photos. Just be aware that you're really high up here, so take it slow and enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Crucero Alto is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.9353, -74.7225
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 72.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,528 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -9.9353, -74.7225
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Pascua Lama?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, so you wanna hit up Pascua Lama? This insane international peak straddles the border between Argentina and Chile. It's seriously high, so be prepared for some thin air! You'll find this beast north of the town of Alto del Carmen, chilling in the southern part of the Atacama Desert. Once you conquer the summit, you'll be standing pretty close to the Pascua Lama mine site, which, FYI, is a point of contention with the local community. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think super steep, unpaved mining road. It's a tough climb, to say the least. Now, a word of caution: this drive is NOT a walk in the park. If you've got any respiratory or heart issues, seriously reconsider. The altitude sickness is real, and it'll kick your engine's butt, too. Expect altitude effects around 13,000 feet! Oh, and there's also the Rio Encuentro bridge crossing between Argentina and Chile to look out for. Trust me, the views are insane, but this adventure definitely comes with some serious challenges.
extremeCerro Toco
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cerro Toco! This insane gravel road climbs to a whopping 5,416m (17,769ft) in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. We're talking seriously lunar landscapes in the Atacama Desert. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking remote, rough, and definitely not for your average car. You'll need a seasoned driver who knows how to handle steep climbs (some sections hit 10%!), dust, and bumps galore. The reward? Mind-blowing views and bragging rights. The summit boasts some of the world’s highest telescopes, making it a stargazer's dream. But don't get too dreamy – the conditions up here are BRUTAL. Expect high winds, icy patches, and the potential for heavy snow. Seriously, don't even think about it in bad weather; avalanches and landslides are a real threat. The wind is almost always howling, and even summer can bring snowy surprises. Winter? Forget about it – bone-chilling cold! Despite being inhospitable to humans, this place is an astronomer's paradise. The incredibly dry climate makes it perfect for spotting those millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths!
hardWhere is Paso Mamuil Malal?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Paso Mamuil Malal is calling! This international high-mountain pass, soaring to 4,111 feet, straddles the border, nestled north of . Word to the wise: double-check the time zone situation with the local tourist offices before you head out, because things can get a little funky with seasonal changes. The road stretches for about 53 miles from to . On the side, you'll be cruising on a fully paved road called , starting at . But heads up! While there are plans to change this, the side is currently unpaved on the way to the pass, so your vehicle *will* get dusty. A word of caution: This pass can get snowed in during winter, leading to temporary closures. Also, during those chilly months, .
extremeDriving the wild 100km road to Portezuelo Maricunga in the Atacama Desert
🇨🇱 Chile
Portezuelo Maricunga: buckle up for an epic Andean adventure! This high mountain pass punches through the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert at a staggering 4,133m (13,559ft). Nestled inside the stunning Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, get ready for some seriously dramatic and remote scenery. The environment here is WILD. Think scorching daytime temps hitting 30°C, then plummeting below freezing at night, especially in winter. And hold onto your hat because the wind HOWLS across the salt flats and volcanic peaks, making an already tough journey even more challenging. Getting to the top is a desert expedition in itself. From La Puerta, you've got a grueling 100 km (62 miles) ahead of you on Route C-601. It's mostly loose gravel and deep sand, so get ready to work for it! As you climb higher, the road gets gnarlier with eight super-tight hairpin turns that'll test your skills (and your vehicle) in the thin air. You're totally on your own out here, so be prepared to be self-sufficient! Now, let's be real – driving to Portezuelo Maricunga isn't a walk in the park. Those rare desert rains can turn the sandy surface into a muddy, slippery mess, making traction a nightmare. After a storm, the road can become impassable, even for 4x4s. Plus, the high altitude can cause altitude sickness and zap your engine's power. Bottom line? Pack extra fuel, tons of water, and a reliable satellite phone – this is one of northern Chile's most remote "high roads"!