Where is Paso El Viento?

Where is Paso El Viento?

Peru, south-america

Length

154 km

Elevation

5,012 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're hunting for a truly epic Andean experience, you HAVE to check out Paso El Viento. We're talking serious altitude here: 5,012m (16,443ft)! You'll find this beauty tucked away in the Tacna Region of southern Peru, practically spitting distance from Chile and chilling in the shadow of the Huancune volcano.

Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. Ruta 40, as it's known, is a 154km (96-mile) unpaved beast stretching from Tripartito (right on the Bolivian border) down to Tacna. Expect plenty of turns, steep climbs, and seriously curvy sections. A high-clearance vehicle is practically mandatory, especially if there's been recent rain.

Seriously, the views are insane as you climb through the Cerro Barroso range. But remember, you're WAY up there, so the elevation will definitely test you and your ride. Take it easy, stay focused, and get ready for some unforgettable scenery!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
154 km
Max Elevation
5,012 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in south-america

Abra Livini-Taratahard

Abra Livini-Tarata

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in southern Peru's Tacna Region, chilling in the Andean Cordillera, lies Abra Livini-Tarata. We're talking serious altitude here: 4,803 meters (15,757 feet) above sea level! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Carretera 38, as it’s known, is a gravel and sandy track calling all experienced 4x4 drivers. Road conditions are a total wildcard, so be prepared for anything. In dry weather, it can be a fun challenge. But after rain? Muddy, slippery, and potentially impassable. Oh, and did I mention this route cuts through a super harsh area known as the "Siberia of Peru?" The scenery, though, is absolutely mind-blowing – raw, rugged, and totally worth the effort. Just be sure your vehicle and your nerves are up to the task!

Trans-Andean Highway, a drive you'll never forgetmoderate

Trans-Andean Highway, a drive you'll never forget

🌍 Venezuela

Okay, buckle up, road trip fans! Carretera Trasandina in Venezuela is calling your name. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-blown Andean adventure stretching 1,082km (672mi) from Caracas all the way to the Colombian border at San Antonio del Táchira. Picture this: you're cruising on a paved road (with some sturdy concrete bits), a highway with a fascinating history dating back to 1925. You'll wind through the states of Mérida, Trujillo, and Táchira, climbing, climbing, climbing until you hit the absolute peak at Pico El Águila Pass, a staggering 4,050m (13,287ft) above sea level! Keep an eye out for those infamous Andean landslides after a good rain, and sometimes heavy mist can roll in. Though it's usually open year-round, winter weather can cause temporary closures. Be prepared for some potholes and rough patches of asphalt, especially on the western side in Táchira – it's all part of the experience, right? This highway is a bit rugged.

Cerro Llacsacocha: Driving to the 4,980m mine peak in the Peruvian Andeshard

Cerro Llacsacocha: Driving to the 4,980m mine peak in the Peruvian Andes

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cerro Llacsacocha in central Peru is calling your name—if you're brave enough! We're talking a hardcore, high-altitude climb up to a whopping 4,980m (that's 16,338ft!). You'll find this beast nestled in the mining heartland of Morococha in the Junín Region, north of the famous Ticlio Pass. Stretching for 17.3 km from the mining town of Morococha, this isn't your Sunday drive. Think super steep inclines, a never-ending rollercoaster of switchbacks, and scenery that’ll make you forget you're gasping for air. Literally! The air is thin up here, so expect your engine to feel the burn, and maybe you will too. This is an active mining road, so picture a rugged mix of packed dirt, loose gravel, and rocks under your tires. Oh, and keep an eye out for massive mining trucks! The road gets narrow, so passing can be a white-knuckle experience. Plus, the weather? Totally unpredictable. Fog, hail, snow—Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting. Conditions can change in a heartbeat because of the ongoing mining work! Important note: Access can be tricky and is tied to the mining schedule. Make sure it's open to private vehicles before you head up. But if you do get the green light, you'll be rewarded with insane views of the central Andes. Just be prepared with a solid 4x4, a full tank, and all the emergency gear you can carry. This is one unforgettable adventure!

A paved road to Laguna Miscantimoderate

A paved road to Laguna Miscanti

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, adventure awaits in the Chilean altiplano! We're heading to Laguna Miscanti, a stunning mountain lake chilling way up at 4,120 meters (that's 13,517 feet for you imperial system folks!). The road there? Newly paved, which is a bonus. But don't think it's a cakewalk. This climb is a real lung-buster, thanks to the seriously thin air. Prepare to feel the burn, and maybe a bit of altitude sickness – most people start feeling it way before you even get there! The views are incredible, though. It's one of those drives where you'll be stopping every five minutes to snap photos, even if you’re gasping for breath.