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
hardDriving the challenging 365 turns of Ruta del Año in the Andes
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Chilean border in western Argentina, you HAVE to check out Ruta Provincial 52. Locals call it "Ruta del Año" - Route of the Year - and trust me, it lives up to the hype. Located in the Las Heras department, northwest of Mendoza Province, this bad boy is a winding, unpaved masterpiece stretching for about 94 km (58 miles) from Uspallata. Forget speeding - you'll be lucky to hit 30 km/h on this curvy, mountainous track! Think you can handle 365 turns? Most are hairpin, so buckle up if you get car sick easily! The views are insane, seriously some of the most dramatic scenery you'll find anywhere in the region. This route climbs high into the Andes, peaking at a breathtaking 2,960m (9,711ft) above sea level at Cruz de Paramillo. Word of warning: avoid this road between July and October as it can get super dicey. The road leads to Villavicencio, an abandoned resort spa nestled in a protected ecological area. Even though the spa has been closed for decades, the thermal waters still flow, and you can wander through the gardens and check out the old chapel. Definitely worth a stop!
extremeToromocho
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna experience something truly epic? Head to the Morococha District in Peru's Junín Region and tackle the road to Toromocho, a whopping 4,996 meters (that's 16,391 feet!) high. This isn't your average Sunday drive. It's an old gravel mine road that winds its way up to the Mina Toromocho, a working mine for molybdenum and silver. Think rugged terrain, steep climbs, and views that'll knock your socks off (if the altitude doesn't first). Speaking of altitude, this climb is no joke. We're talking serious Andean Highlands, thin air that'll test your lungs, and some seriously steep sections. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness and pack accordingly! Water, snacks, extra fuel, warm layers, and a reliable GPS are must-haves. Up top, expect harsh conditions: intense sun, howling winds, freezing temperatures. But the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. This is an adventure you won't soon forget!
moderateAbra El Arenal: an epic road on a lunar landscape
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra El Arenal, a sky-high pass straddling Guaranda and San Juan in Ecuador's Chimborazo Province! We're talking seriously high – 4,407 meters (14,458 feet) above sea level, making it one of the country's loftiest routes. Snuggled within the Cordillera Occidental range of the Andes and the Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo, this 32.5 km (20.19 mile) beauty is paved the whole way. Picture this: you're cruising from Route E491 to Ruta E492, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, it’s your gateway to tackling Chimborazo, Ecuador's colossal, active volcano! Just a heads-up: winter brings snow, which can make things a little slick. But hey, a little challenge never hurt anyone, right? Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
extremeHow to drive to Laguna Casiri Hembra and Casiri Macho?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're in the Arica and Parinacota Region of Chile, practically breathing Bolivian air, and you're about to tackle one of the highest drives in the country. Destination? The unreal Laguna Casiri Hembra and Laguna Casiri Macho, two high-altitude lakes that'll blow your mind. Starting from the sleepy village of Caquena, you've got about 16 kilometers of pure, unadulterated off-roading ahead. Over that distance, you’ll climb 540 meters, so buckle up for some serious uphill action. The reward? Reaching the shores of Casiri Hembra (at a cool 4,825m) and Casiri Macho (slightly higher at 4,856m). Forget smooth asphalt, this is all gravel and loose volcanic rock. Think "tippy" and bumpy, with sections so steep you'll need your A-game. Seriously, a 4x4 isn’t just recommended, it’s mandatory. If you're not comfortable with technical off-roading, maybe sit this one out. Now, the altitude. At almost 4,900 meters, both you and your engine will feel the burn. Hypoxia is real, folks! Plus, this road is usually a no-go in winter due to snow. And even in summer, be wary of sudden thunderstorms that can turn the gravel into a muddy nightmare in minutes. But oh, the views! Towering volcanoes, jagged peaks, and a landscape that feels straight out of another world. Laguna Casiri Macho even has an underwater algae garden you can spot from the shore! Weirdly, despite the harshness, you'll find mosquitoes chilling by the lagoons, all framed by these crazy ancient volcanic rock formations. Word to the wise: this is remote. Like, REALLY remote, near the Bolivian border. Be completely self-sufficient, make sure your ride is in tip-top shape, and pack extra supplies. The road itself? Narrow, winding, with hairpin turns and rocky embankments that demand your full attention. It's intense, but if you're prepared, it's the adventure of a lifetime.