
Where is Chiquián?
Peru, south-america
16.7 km
3,410 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits in Chiquián, a cool mountain town way up at 11,187 feet! This is the capital of Bolognesi Province, so you know it's got some importance.
Now, about getting there: the road's paved, which is a huge plus, but don't get complacent. We're talking twelve hairpin turns, and some seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients of up to 16%. Locals call it the "Chonta Pass," and it peaks at a lung-busting 13,959 feet. Keep your eyes peeled for rock slides, especially after rain.
The whole drive is just over 10 miles, but you'll climb almost 2,800 feet – that's an average gradient of about 5%! And hey, once you are there, you are super close to Paron Lagoon. Get ready for some killer views!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 16.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,410 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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