Where Is Chicarhuapunta?
Peru, south-america
141 km
4,289 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Chicarhuapunta in the Peruvian highlands! Perched way up in the Cordillera Blanca range in Huaylas Province, we're talking a whopping 4,289 meters (14,071 feet) above sea level.
This isn't your average Sunday drive. The 141km (88-mile) stretch from Pueblo Libre to Huambacho follows Carretera 104 (AN 104) and throws a mixed bag your way – paved bits and unpaved sections that will keep you on your toes. Oh, and potholes. Lots of them!
Get ready for a climb, because you'll be gaining 1,937 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of around 5.94%, but don't get complacent – some spots crank up to a leg-burning 12%! But the views? Totally worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 141 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,289 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow challenging is the road to Abra Mañazo?
🇵🇪 Peru
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extremeWhere is Uturuncu?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Potosí Department of Bolivia, near the San Pablo de Lípez Municipality, lies Cerro Uturuncu, a stratovolcano boasting one of the highest roads on the planet! This ain't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a gravel track that claws its way up to a staggering 6,008 meters (19,711ft)! Built originally for a sulfur mine back in the day, the road is now maintained only for tourists by local guides. A 4x4 is a MUST. While the track is generally decent, be prepared for rogue rocks or even a dusting of snow, depending on the season. Now, here's the deal: most reports suggest you can only drive to within a few hundred meters of the summit (somewhere between 5,200 and 5,900 meters), as a landslide has blocked the way further up. However, satellite imagery suggests you can make it to 5,700 meters. A French team even managed to cycle (or push!) their bikes to the top! The lower section is super sandy, and above 5,000 meters, the lack of oxygen is a REAL issue for your engine (and you!). Expect gradients of around 8% for the first five kilometers, ramping up to over 10% between 5,100 and 5,600 meters. The road can get a bit narrow in places, with a seriously steep drop on one side. But, oh, the scenery! Think gigantic landscapes, active volcanoes, and vividly colored lagoons. This is an adventure you won't forget!
extremeCarirriñe Pass is a scenic, lesser-traveled mountain pass between Chile and Argentina
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Paso Carirriñe is a must-do border crossing between Chile and Argentina, clocking in at 1,150m (3,772ft) above sea level. This isn't your everyday highway; it's a less-traveled path linking the Los Ríos region of Chile to the wild beauty of Argentine Patagonia. The route stretches 133 km (82.64 miles), starting near Coñaripe on the shores of Calafquén Lake and winding its way to San Martín de los Andes. Prepare to be amazed by the volcanic landscape – think hot springs and solidified lava flows! A heads-up: this pass is generally open during the summer months, usually from November 15th, with limited hours (8 AM to 8 PM). Snow, landslides, and road work can shut it down other times of the year, so plan accordingly. On the Chilean side (Ruta CH-201), you'll mostly find paved, albeit narrow, roads, though the last 15km are gravel (but slated for pavement!). Cross into Argentina (Ruta Provincial 62), and you’re in for a different experience. It's unpaved, bumpy, and super narrow. It can get rough, so I'd seriously recommend a 4WD vehicle. Despite the weather's impact and some dicey road conditions, locals use it quite a bit (they know what they're doing!).
moderateWhere is Caldera La Pacana?
🇨🇱 Chile
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