Salkantay Refuge
Peru, south-america
18.2 km
3,849 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure lovers! We're heading to Refugio Salkantay, a mountain paradise perched way up in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco Region, at a whopping 3,849m (12,627ft). Get ready for views that will blow your mind – seriously, the mountain scenery is epic!
This isn't your Sunday drive, though. Carretera 109, the gravel road leading up from Mollepata, is a true test of skill and nerve. We're talking steep climbs, an 18.2km stretch with a 987-meter elevation gain (that's an average gradient of 5.42%!), and drop-offs that will make your palms sweat. If you're scared of heights, this might not be for you.
The road winds through the Vilcabamba range and has some seriously unprotected edges. Keep an eye on the weather, too. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real dangers, especially with those icy patches. Basically, be prepared for an unforgettable, but challenging, ride!
Where is it?
Salkantay Refuge is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.2528, -74.7544
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 18.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,849 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -8.2528, -74.7544
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Portezuelo del Cajón?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Ruta 27, leaving San Pedro de Atacama in Chile behind you, headed towards the wild landscapes of southwestern Bolivia. You're about to cross the Portezuelo del Cajón, also known as Hito Cajón, an international border that sits way up high at 4,480m (that's nearly 14,700 feet!). This isn't just any border crossing; it's an adventure. The whole stretch from San Pedro de Atacama to Quetena Chico is about 150 km (93 miles) of mixed terrain – expect both smooth paved sections and bumpy, unpaved bits. You're basically hugging the lower slopes of the Juriques volcano, so the scenery is out of this world. Think stunning Andean landscapes, especially as you get closer to Bolivia. On the Bolivian side, you’ll be smack-dab in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, with Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca nearby. It's a super popular route for travelers going between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama, so you’re bound to meet fellow adventurers. Now, heads up: the Bolivian Aduana (customs) is bizarrely located about 80 km from the actual border, in what feels like the middle of nowhere at over 5,000m! Getting there involves passing through a guarded barrier. The Chilean border post, on the other hand, is a good 40 km down the road, closer to San Pedro de Atacama. Before you set off, check the weather – high altitude can bring unpredictable conditions. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential storms as you climb. Enjoy the ride!
easyWhere is Abra Negro Bueno?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Negro Bueno! This high-altitude pass punches a hole high in the central Peruvian Andes, teetering somewhere way up there. You’ll find it straddling the Junín and Lima regions—basically the middle of nowhere in the best way possible. Now, about the road... it's part of a bigger route, but don't expect a Sunday drive. We're talking a minefield of potholes that could swallow a small car whole (seriously, night driving? Forget about it). This leg of the journey stretches for a bit, weaving its way through hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. But hey, with scenery like this, who's complaining? Just take it slow, watch out for those axle-breakers, and get ready for some seriously stunning views. Trust me, the bragging rights alone are worth the bumpy ride!
hardIs the Road from Tupiza to Quiriza Unpaved?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, wanderlusters, listen up! Bolivia's Potosí Department is calling, and this road from Tupiza to Quiriza? It's a wild one. Think southern Bolivia, practically knocking on Argentina's door. We're talking almost 40 miles (63.9 km) of pure, unadulterated off-road adventure. Forget pavement. This baby's all about sand and rocks, and you'll be cruising way, way up there—entirely above 13,000 feet! Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Oh, and did I mention the river crossing? Yeah, this isn't your Sunday drive. You'll start near Tupiza (a seriously cool, remote town perched at 9,777 feet) and make your way north to the mining town of Quiriza. And if you are feeling adventurous, Colquechaca, the highest town of Bolivia may be on your way as well. Expect some breathtaking views, because even though this road is tough, the scenery is absolutely stunning. Just be prepared for a real challenge!
extremeHow to get to Laguna Casiri by car?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region, practically spitting distance from Bolivia. Buckle up, because you're about to tackle one of the highest drives in the country to the Casiri Lagoons – Hembra and Macho. Starting from the tiny village of Caquena, you've got about 16 kilometers of rugged, unpaved road ahead. Don't let the short distance fool you, this isn't your average Sunday drive! You'll be climbing over 500 meters to reach the shores of Laguna Casiri Hembra (at a staggering 4,825m) and Laguna Casiri Macho (even higher at 4,856m!). Forget smooth asphalt, this is all rocky gravel and loose volcanic rock. The track's bumpy, steep in places, and requires some serious off-roading skills. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! If you're not comfortable on technical, unpaved mountain tracks, maybe sit this one out. Now, the altitude. You'll feel it, and so will your engine. Winter? Forget about it, this road's usually snowed in. Even in summer, keep an eye on the sky – a sudden thunderstorm can turn that dry gravel into a muddy nightmare in minutes. So, why bother? Because the views are insane! Think dramatic volcanoes, jagged peaks, and Laguna Casiri Hembra, which is particularly cool thanks to its underwater algae garden. Weirdly enough, you'll find mosquitos buzzing around the lagoon edges. The whole scene is framed by ancient volcanic rock – totally worth the effort. Heads up: you're in the middle of nowhere, bordering Bolivia, so be prepared. Make sure your vehicle's in top shape, pack extra supplies, and stay focused. The road's narrow, winding, and demands your full attention. Get ready for an unforgettable, high-altitude adventure!