What is the route of the JU-105 road?
Peru, south-america
41.5 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
The road to Gruta Huagapo, officially known as JU-105, is a spectacular mountain route located in the Tarma Province of Peru. Connecting the towns of Acobamba and San Pedro de Cajas, this road serves as the main access to one of South America's deepest and most fascinating natural wonders.
Road facts: JU-105 to Gruta Huagapo
Tarma Province, Junín (Peru)
4,213 m (San Pedro de Cajas)
3,553 m (Gruta Huagapo)
What is the route of the JU-105 road?
is a 41.5 km long mountain road that traverses the eastern slopes of the Andes. It starts in the town of
(Aqupampa) at 2,958 meters and climbs steadily until reaching
at a high altitude of 4,213 meters. The road is nestled among the dramatic walls of the Andes, offering incredible photo opportunities at every turn.
Is the road to Gruta Huagapo paved?
In the past, this was a difficult gravel track prone to mud and landslides. However, the road has been significantly improved and is now
. This transformation has made the journey much safer and more accessible for regular passenger cars, though the steep gradients and mountain environment still require careful driving.
Where is the Gruta Huagapo located?
The cave is located along the JU-105 road at an elevation of
above sea level. It is considered one of the deepest caves in South America, with an explored depth of approximately 2,000 meters. Its entrance is a majestic sight that attracts geologists and adventurers alike.
How difficult is the drive to Gruta Huagapo?
While the new asphalt surface has removed the danger of mud and loose gravel, the drive remains technical due to the elevation gain of over 1,200 meters. The road is very steep as it climbs through the remote Andean landscape. Drivers should be prepared for high-altitude conditions and the thin air of the Junín region.
What are the best tips for visiting by car?
Because the road passes through remote areas reaching over 4,000 meters, it is important to be prepared for rapid weather changes. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and your brakes are prepared for long descents. The drive from Acobamba to the cave offers a unique perspective of the Tarma valley that should not be missed.
When is the best time for driving the JU-105?
The road is accessible year-round thanks to the asphalt. However, the best conditions are found during the dry season (May to September). During the rainy season, while the road remains open, travelers should be cautious of potential rockfalls from the steep Andean walls bordering the path.
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 41.5 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
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!
extremeHow challenging is the road to Abra Mañazo?
🇵🇪 Peru
Hit the heights in Puno Province, Peru, on the Abra Mañazo pass, soaring to a staggering 4,518m (14,822ft)! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a proper Andean adventure, deep in the desolate heart of southern Peru. Picture this: You're cruising (or, let's be real, carefully navigating) through the Altiplano, surrounded by rocky peaks as far as the eye can see. Don't let the "Panamericana" signs fool you; this is a raw, unadulterated mountain track where alpacas outnumber cars. This 55.2 km (34.29 miles) stretch of road demands respect. A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is a must. While the average slope is a gentle 2%, the surface is rough and ready to test your driving skills. The real kicker? Serious drop-offs. The track can be narrow, and without barriers, it’s just you, your tires, and a long way down. Extra caution is key, especially when the rains come and turn the gravel into a slippery nightmare. But hey, the views! This east-west route connects the town of … to the 34C road junction and serves up some seriously breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Andes. Keep your eyes peeled for Laguna Pumacocha, two high-altitude lakes teeming with surprisingly diverse birdlife. It’s a quiet, remote, and stunning drive that embodies the Peruvian highlands, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
hardWhere is Apartaderos?
🌍 Venezuela
Cruising through Mérida State, Venezuela, you'll find Apartaderos, a seriously high-altitude town chilling at 3,505 meters (11,499 feet) above sea level. Seriously, this place is one of the highest towns you can actually drive to on the planet! Nestled way out west where three river valleys meet, this Andean gem boasts a cool mountain climate despite being in the tropics. Expect a temperate to cold vibe, lots of fog, and chilly nights. Frost even makes an appearance during the winter months. The road to Apartaderos, Carretera Transandina – Troncal 7, is paved but still throws some challenges your way. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and curves galore! Fog and rain can make things extra interesting, so drive smart. Before you go, give your brakes, tires, and cooling system a once-over. Oh, and remember the air's thinner up here, so both you and your ride might feel it! The 56.5-kilometer (35.10-mile) drive from Apartaderos is pure eye candy. Give yourself plenty of time to stop at those scenic overlooks and soak in the valley and river views. Apartaderos is your gateway to exploring the stunning Venezuelan Andes. Hiking, birdwatching, and farm visits are all on the menu. When you're hungry, dive into the local scene with traditional Andean food. Cozy inns offer rest for weary travelers. And pro tip: don't miss the sunrise over the Chama Valley, especially when the fog clears and the peaks show off!
hardWhere is the CH-265 Road in Chile?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Ruta CH-265 is a great drive located in the Aysén Region of the Chilean Patagonia. It is one of the world's most scenic drives . The road is unpredictable, grueling, unsafe and tough, but yet captivating, charming, and strikingly beautiful. Where is the CH-265 Road in Chile? The road is located in the southern part of the country and runs along the southern shore of General Carrera Lake. How long is CH-265 in the Chilean Patagonia? The road is 122 km (75.80 miles) long, running west-east from Puerto Guadal, on the Carrera Austral (Ruta 7) to Chile Chico, on the Argentinian border. How long does it take to drive CH-265 road in the Chilean Patagonia? To drive this amazingly scenic drive without stopping will take most people between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. Stunning and fascinating views completely take you over and make you forget the roughness. The route itself is stunning and you can enjoy views of a gorgeous lake, islands and adjacent forest from the cliffside overhanging the lake. Is CH-265 in the Chilean Patagonia challenging? mostly unpaved: only the last kilometers, near Argentina, are paved. It has excessive dirt, stone and sand. This route has some parts that are like a roller coaster, always going up and down. There are very dangerous curves on this road, especially as you come downhill to a sharp curve. Most of this rough road is in intense and difficult condition. This road is frequently used by people driving much faster than the speed limit. The road is dangerous, with many mountains and steep hills. Make sure you have plenty of food because there aren't any stores for 200 kilometers. Expect amazing stiff hills, wind, and rain. The road tops out at 524m (1,719ft) above sea level. Abra de la Santa Cruz: Driving the 4,597m Jujuy-Salta Boundary (RP13A) A mining road to Cerro del Carmen in the Andes Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.