Where is Laguna Parón?
Peru, south-america
29.7 km
1,000 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, east of Caraz, smack-dab in Huascarán National Park, heading toward Laguna Parón, a huge, unbelievably turquoise lake nestled way up high. We're talking serious elevation here! The road? Forget smooth sailing. This 30-km (18.45-mile) stretch from Caraz is pure, unadulterated dirt.
The climb is intense, like 1788m (5866ft) intense, averaging around a 6% gradient. Think hairpin turns, and I mean *lots* of them—over 300, apparently! As you wind your way up, you're swallowed by a massive canyon. Imagine towering granite walls, some reaching a kilometer high, with crazy steep drops right beside the road. It's both stunning and a little terrifying, in the best way. But the views! Oh, the views. Keep your camera ready because the lake itself, the Cordillera Blanca peaks like Artesonraju (yep, the Paramount Pictures mountain!), Chacraraju, Pisco, and Huandoy, will blow your mind. This drive is worth every single bump and hairpin, trust me.
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 29.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhat is Special About Cotahuasi Canyon?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the Arequipa region of Peru, in La Union Province, staring into what they say is the deepest canyon in the Americas: Cañon de Cotahuasi. Forget what you think you know about canyons, because this one's a beast, separating the Solimana and Kopuna ranges in the heart of the Andes. We're talking more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon! Getting here is half the adventure. The remote settlement of Cotahuasi itself is charming, with narrow streets and a cool old church, but the real draw is, of course, the canyon. It's a bit of a trek, but trust me, the hot springs, waterfalls, and bragging rights are worth it. Plus, you'll likely spot condors soaring, vicuñas chilling, and maybe even an Andean fox if you're lucky. Keep an eye out for those ancient pre-Incan terraces etched into the canyon walls. Now, about that drive… buckle up! The 35 km stretch from Cotahuasi to Quechualla is not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, serious drop-offs, and a totally unpaved, dusty road that demands a 4x4. It was built in the 2000s, and it is protected by the Reserva Paisajística Subcuenca del Cotahuasi. Try to visit in the dry season (June to September) to avoid muddy roads and raging rivers. Also, definitely pack bug spray – those mosquitoes are no joke. But seriously, the views? Unforgettable, from the very top all the way down.
moderateDrive Across the Abra Chonta Pass in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Abra Chonta, sitting pretty at 4,875m (15,994 ft), is a must-do in the Huancavelica Region of Peru. You'll find it chilling east of Abra Huayraccasa, right in the heart of Peru, connecting Huancavelica and Angaraes provinces. The road? A mix of paved and unpaved goodness, but totally doable in a 2WD when it's dry. If you're rolling in from Huancavelica, this is one of the easiest climbs in the Andes – think 54 km of gently sloping tarmac, with gradients of just 2-3%. Officially known as HV115, this pass stretches for 63.4 km (39 miles), cruising from west to east, connecting Road 28D to the town of Lircay. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
extremeAbra Suijo-Laguna Suyoc
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Suijo (aka Abra Suyoc), a lung-busting pass that tops out at a dizzying 15,439 feet in central Peru. You'll find it by taking Carretera 120. Now, the road itself is…an experience. It's generally maintained, so a high-clearance 2WD *might* make it in dry conditions, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best bet. Expect river crossings and a seriously steep climb that will have your engine screaming. Don't let that scare you off, though! This is raw, remote Peru at its finest. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with mind-blowing views of snow-capped peaks to the east, and near the summit, a string of shimmering lakes appear like mirages. Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities. Patches of ice can appear out of nowhere. Oh, and that altitude? Brutal! Most people start feeling the effects around 8,000-9,000 feet. The air gets thin, the climb is relentless, and your body will be begging for mercy. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
hardA memorable unpaved road to Abra de Chorrillos
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra de Chorrillos! This high-altitude Argentinian pass clocks in at a staggering 4,555 meters (14,944 feet), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in Argentina. You'll find it straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in the northwest, so get ready for some serious Patagonian vibes. The climate's as wild as the scenery: arid, cold, and with temperatures that swing from relatively mild during the day to downright freezing at night. We're talking potential lows well below -15°C (5°F) – pack accordingly! Summer brings the only rain, but don't expect a tropical downpour. You'll also be driving past some seriously stunning salt flats. The road itself? It's a 57.9 km (35.97 miles) unpaved beauty, also known as Ruta Nacional 51 (RN51), winding its way from San Antonio de los Cobres to Olacapato. The good news is, in dry weather, most vehicles can handle it. And for a good chunk of the drive, you'll be cruising alongside an old, abandoned railway line. The views? Epic. The adventure? Unforgettable.