
San Antonio de Lipez
Bolivia, south-america
N/A
4,758 m
hard
Year-round
Wanna visit a real-life ghost town? Head to San Antonio de Lipez in southwestern Bolivia! Nestled way up in the Andes Mountains, in the Cordillera de Lípez, this abandoned mining town sits at a staggering 15,610 feet above sea level. Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Bolivia.
Getting there is an adventure in itself. The road is gravel, and let's just say it's not exactly smooth sailing. We're talking steep sections and a rough surface. Make sure your vehicle is ready for it! You're in a remote area, so pack extra water, food, fuel, a warm jacket, and reliable GPS. And definitely avoid this route in bad weather.
The scenery is stunning, but the altitude is no joke. The air gets thin up there, so be prepared for possible altitude sickness. Legend has it that the town is haunted because miners made a deal with the devil that went sour. Whether you believe the stories or not, exploring this eerie, abandoned place is an unforgettable experience. Just be ready to pull over for oncoming traffic, and keep your eyes peeled for ghosts!
Where is it?
San Antonio de Lipez is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.9686, -62.4711
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,758 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -16.9686, -62.4711
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