Singa-Yunguilla Road is definitely not a “Sunday drive”
Peru, south-america
126 km
3.874 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in central Peru, you'll find the Singa-Yunguilla road – and trust me, it's an adventure. Forget guardrails; on much of this high mountain road, it's just you and a sheer drop of hundreds of meters. Not exactly a joyride for the faint of heart!
This wild stretch is part of the gravel Carretera 14A, clocking in at 126 km with a whopping 60 hairpin turns. It's a true test of skill and nerve, especially if you're not a fan of heights or landslides. But hey, at least your tires will be treated to incredible mountain views – if you can keep your eyes on the road!
Connecting Singa (Huanuco) and Yunguilla (Ancash), this beast climbs to a dizzying 3,874m above sea level. Be warned: snow can shut it down anytime, and heavy mist can turn visibility to zero. The climb is brutal, the air gets thin, and altitude sickness is common above 2,500 meters. Near the top, oxygen is scarce, so take it easy! One slip, and… well, let's just say it's a long way down.
Where is it?
Singa-Yunguilla Road is definitely not a “Sunday drive” is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.5359, -75.1452
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 126 km
- Max Elevation
- 3.874 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -8.5359, -75.1452
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhat is at the summit of Cerro Pan de Azúcar?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, buckle up for a ride up Cerro Pan de Azúcar, a legendary mountain pass in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba, Argentina! You'll be cruising at an elevation of [Elevation Missing], taking the old-school Camino 6 de Septiembre route. What's waiting at the top? A major tourist spot with a giant 14-meter iron cross you can see from ages away! Plus, you'll find a restaurant, a parking lot, and the famous "Aerosilla" (chairlift) ready to whisk you to the tippy-top for insane views of the Punilla Valley and Córdoba city. Now, about the road... it's a mix of paved and unpaved fun, originally carved out in 1931. Think rugged, curvy, and a true taste of driving history! While some sections near the towns are smooth, be ready for plenty of loose gravel and earth that'll keep you on your toes. This epic pass is about [Length Missing], running west-east from Cosquín, the folklore capital of the Punilla Valley, to [Destination Missing]. Get ready for some serious curves and steep climbs, but the views of that classic Córdoba scrubland are totally worth it!
extremeA curvy gravel road to Abra Viraco
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a truly off-the-beaten-path experience in Peru, you HAVE to check out Abra Viraco. This mountain pass tops out at a whopping 4,940 meters (that's 16,207 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Castilla province, near the Viraco District. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road (AR-106) is gravel, and let's just say it's seen better days. Get ready for a whole lotta switchbacks! The climb from the north is pretty gradual, but hold on tight for the descent into Viraco – it's rocky, bumpy, and will test your suspension (and your nerves!). Seriously, pack smart for this one. We're talking water, snacks, extra fuel, a warm jacket (it gets chilly up there!), and a reliable GPS with offline maps. You're heading into some seriously remote terrain, so preparation is key. Keep an eye on the weather, too – even a little rain can make things tricky. And be aware that avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides can happen, potentially blocking sections of the road and creating icy patches. But, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely unreal!
hardLaguna Verde de Azufral: Driving the restricted emerald crater road of Colombia
🇨🇴 Colombia
Deep in southern Colombia's Nariño department, nestled within the Azufral Natural Reserve, lies the stunning Laguna Verde de Azufral, a volcanic lake shimmering with emerald waters. This beauty sits way up high, at 3,970m (that's over 13,000 feet!). The old road, once called Via acceso Laguna Verde, was a legend. Starting near Villa Santa Isabel off Carretera 17, it was about 11.7 km of pure adventure, climbing a hefty 770 meters. Think steep, narrow, unpaved, and only getting rougher as it snaked up the north side of the Azufral Volcano. Before it closed, this track was infamous for its challenges, demanding a serious 4x4 with high clearance to handle those deep ruts and crazy inclines. The reward? A panoramic viewpoint near 4,000m, showcasing all three crater lagoons. But be warned, the weather here is wild – expect sudden snow, fierce winds, and a quick chill any time of year! This road to Laguna Verde is now closed to vehicles. The decision protects its unique environment and the striking color of the water, which was sadly being impacted. While it remains a part of Colombia's 4x4 history, it is now a reminder that these high-altitude volcanic paradises need to be protected. Even though you can't drive it anymore, the Nariño department still offers mind-blowing mountain views! If you're exploring near Villa Santa Isabel, pack waterproof gear and warm layers – that high-altitude climate is no joke. And, of course, respect those "No Entry" signs in the Reserva Natural del Azufral!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering Crucero Alto
🇵🇪 Peru
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!