What are the highest roads in Peru?
Peru, south-america
2,414 km
6,096 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Peru. Not just the beaches, but the real heart of it – the Andes Mountains! We're talking about almost 1,500 miles of pure, unadulterated mountain majesty. These aren't just hills, people; these are colossal, ice-crowned peaks scraping the sky at over 20,000 feet. Seriously breathtaking.
Now, to experience this firsthand, you've gotta drive. And let me tell you, the roads here? Epic. Think winding, high-altitude routes that'll challenge your driving skills and reward you with views you won't believe are real. We're talking some of the highest, most remote roads on the planet. Get ready for an adventure!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Peru? is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.7739, -73.8832
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 2,414 km
- Max Elevation
- 6,096 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -8.7739, -73.8832
Related Roads in south-america
hardChicrin-Cerro de Pasco Road
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Chicrin-Cerro de Pasco road! This high-altitude Peruvian path sits way up in the Andes, entirely above 3,500m. We're talking serious mountain vibes. This gravel road stretches for about 26 km between Chicrin (right off the 3N road) and Cerro de Pasco. Word to the wise: after it rains, this road gets tricky. You'll be facing some seriously steep climbs and navigating around 21 hairpin turns. But the views! Oh, the views! You'll be topping out at a staggering 4,349m above sea level. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery!
moderateHow to get by car to Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia?
🇨🇴 Colombia
Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready to tackle what's said to be the highest road in the whole country! We're heading to Nevado del Ruiz, a seriously impressive, snow-capped volcano towering 5,321m (17,457ft) above sea level. This bad boy, also called La Mesa de Herveo or Kumanday, straddles the Caldas and Tolima departments in western Colombia, deep inside Los Nevados National Natural Park. Heads up, the weather here is no joke – even in summer, it can suddenly feel like winter! Plus, this is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas, so the road can be closed if things get dicey. Starting from Carretera 50, you've got an 18.6 km (11.55 miles) climb ahead. The road starts out paved, but it gets rougher as you go. You'll hit Parador Turístico La Esperanza at 4,117m, which has a barrier that can close if the volcano's acting up. It's also a good spot to take a break, with parking, services, and little bars. From there, it's unpaved all the way, so a 4x4 with high clearance is definitely your friend. The road ends at El Refugio hut, sitting pretty at 4,804m (15,761ft), which is where the hike to the actual summit begins. Get ready for some killer views!
hardLaguna Santa Rosa
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, heading towards Laguna Santa Rosa. This isn't your average lake – it's a high-altitude salt lake sitting pretty at 12,500 feet! The road to get there, C-601, winds through Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and is a mix of gravel and sand, adding to the off-road vibe. Be warned though, this track can get seriously muddy and slippery after it rains, making it a real adventure even in a 4x4. In fact, after a storm, you might find the road totally impassable. During the day, you'll be basking in temperatures that can reach 30°C. But as night falls, prepare for a chilly drop, especially in winter when it can get below freezing! And to top it off, the area is known for strong winds that whip across the landscape. But hey, the scenery is absolutely worth it!
hardMirador Via Principal
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Ecuadorian Andes, heading towards a spot called Mirador Via Principal Parque Nacional Cajas. This isn't your average scenic overlook – we're talking a staggering 3,807 meters (12,490 feet) above sea level! You'll be on the Vía Colectora Cuenca-Puerto Inca (E582), which connects Guayaquil with Cuenca. The road itself is concrete and in decent condition, but get ready for a climb! It's seriously steep with plenty of hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Keep in mind, the weather here is no joke. Fog, rain, and mist are common, and it can get pretty chilly. The afternoons especially tend to get rainy in Cajas, so plan accordingly. But trust me, if you catch it on a clear day, the views are totally worth it!