Where is Chungara Lake?
Chile, south-america
25 km
4,517 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the far north of Chile, practically knocking on Bolivia's door, smack-dab in the middle of Lauca National Park. You're headed to Lago Chungará, a shimmering jewel of a lake sitting way, way up at 14,820 feet! Seriously, this lake is one of the highest in South America.
The road you'll be cruising on is Ruta 11, also known as Carretera Internacional CH11. It's a fully paved 15.5-mile stretch heading east from Putre, which is already one of the highest towns you'll ever see. Expect some company, especially from trucks rumbling along.
Now, listen up: altitude is the name of the game here. We're talking thin air, so give your car a once-over before you go, especially if it's got a carburetor. And fuel? Fill 'er up in Arica because gas stations are ghosts along these roads. Pack extra if you're planning a longer trek.
But trust me, the views are worth it! Keep your camera handy for those postcard-perfect shots of volcanoes mirroring in the lake. Just remember the weather up here can be wild, so be prepared and soak it all in!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 25 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,517 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeA 4x4 mine road to Cerro Vidal Gormaz in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Nestled deep in Chile's Atacama Region, Cerro Vidal Gormaz is a seriously high mountain peak, scraping the sky at nearly 5,000 meters (that's over 16,000 feet!). Think of it as an extreme off-road adventure playground in the thin, crisp air of the Andes. You'll find it near the borders of Argentina, in an area famous for copper and gold mines. Originally, this isn't your typical scenic route, but rather a rugged track carved out for heavy mining equipment to haul its way up to those mineral-rich heights. The journey usually kicks off from Paso Pircas Negras or one of the nearby mining camps. While the actual distance to the summit isn’t huge, trust me, it’s a slow and intense drive. Be prepared for hours of navigating seriously steep slopes! Expect loose volcanic soil and tire-shredding sharp stones along the way. Seriously, this is no walk in the park. A proper 4x4 with low-range gearing is an absolute must. As you climb higher, the lack of oxygen will take its toll, especially on naturally aspirated engines. Turbocharged engines will fare better in the thin air. Watch out for: * **Altitude Sickness:** This is a big one at this height. Acclimatize properly before attempting the climb. * **Unpredictable Weather:** Sudden storms are common in the Andes, even in summer. * **Deceptive Terrain:** What looks solid can easily give way. * **Isolation:** You're seriously remote here. Because of the altitude, this route is only open during the Southern Hemisphere's summer, roughly December to April. The rest of the year, it's buried under snow and lashed by brutal winds ("Viento Blanco"), which can create instant snowdrifts. Even in summer, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Before you head up, make sure you're loaded with extra fuel, at least two spare tires, and plenty of supplies for altitude sickness. The road is unmaintained, so conditions can change every year due to mining or winter damage. Ideally, travel with at least two vehicles and always let someone know your plans. This is one of the most isolated drives you can find in Chile.
hardRoad LM-110
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in the Huaral province of Peru and looking for an adrenaline rush, Carretera LM-110 is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about 50.8 kilometers (31.5 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel and bumpiness, all set at a lung-busting 2,500 meters above sea level. Seriously, night driving or poor visibility? Hard pass unless you're a seasoned pro. Think hairpin turns – we're talking 29 of them – and dizzying drop-offs that could make your stomach do somersaults. We're talking vertical drops of over 1,000 meters just waiting on some turns. And did I mention there are basically no guardrails? Reaching a peak elevation of 3,375 meters (11,072 feet), this route links the villages of San José and Sumbilca, nestled in the heart of the Andes. Pro tip: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe choose a different adventure. But if you're up for a challenge with views that'll take your breath away (if the altitude doesn't first!), this road is an absolute must-do.
extremeLaguna Paucarcocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road experience in Peru, Laguna Paucarcocha is calling your name. This stunning high-altitude lake sits way up at 14,055 feet! Getting there? Buckle up for Route 120. We're talking a gnarly gravel track, super narrow, and a mud-fest after any rain. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. Keep your eyes peeled for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides (yikes!), plus sneaky patches of ice that can throw you for a loop. The climb is brutal, and the air gets thin, real thin – altitude sickness is a real possibility. But the scenery? Oh man, the views are worth the white-knuckle drive. Just don't expect a leisurely cruise!
hardWhere Is Abra Antajirca?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, right in the heart of the Andes, staring up at Abra Antajirca (or Cerro Pirhua Jirca, if you're feeling fancy). This mountain pass straddling the Lima and Pasco regions is seriously remote. We're talking unpaved roads that wind and twist like crazy. The whole route is a rollercoaster of tight turns, super-narrow bits, and seriously steep climbs. Oh, and did I mention the dramatic drop-offs? Yikes! You'll also cross the Puente Upamayo - a high mountain bridge. At its peak, you're way up there in the clouds. Of course, being that high means battling crazy weather. Winter can be brutal, and even in the summer, be ready for intense winds and sudden weather flips. Altitude sickness is a real risk, too. Basically, getting here is a challenge, but the views? Totally worth it! And keep an eye out for the tiny chapel at the summit. Talk about a photo op!