Where is Paso El Viento?
Peru, south-america
154 km
5,012 m
extreme
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 154 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,012 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Lagunillas del Farallón?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're way up high in the extreme northwest of Argentina, practically touching the sky. You're headed to Lagunillas del Farallón, a tiny mountain town perched at a mind-blowing 13,720 feet above sea level. The road in, called Camino a Lagunillas de Farallón, is about 28.83 miles of pure adventure. You can usually make it in a regular car, but after it rains, you might want something with a little more clearance. Seriously, this area gets shaky with earthquakes! Oh, and as you roll into town, keep an eye out for a sculpture honoring a young boy named Eusebio Churquina – a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life at this altitude. But don't let that get you down, the scenery is incredible! You're in Jujuy, after all. This is Ruta Provincial 70, a drive you won't soon forget.
hardThe Mysterious Plane in the Andes: A Google Earth Mystery
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the Peruvian Andes, smack-dab in the Huánuco Region. We're talking serious altitude here, like 16,456 feet above sea level! There’s this gravel road snaking its way up, up, UP through insane mountain scenery in Lauricocha Province. This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road, though. It's a private mine track, built tough for rugged mining vehicles, and it tops out near the dreamy Laguna Ninococha. Now, Google Earth might show you a ghostly plane silhouette hanging out near the lake, but don't get your hopes up for a crash site discovery. It's more likely a cool optical illusion of a plane flying overhead when the satellite image was captured. The road itself? A beast. Unpaved, crazy steep, and strictly 4x4 territory. At that elevation, the air is thin enough to make you lightheaded and the weather can change in a heartbeat. Oh, and did I mention that heavy snow makes it totally off-limits for most of the year? But hey, if you're after an epic adventure with views that'll blow your mind, this wild ride might just be your thing!
extremeWhere is the road to Portezuelo Sairécabur?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: You're blazing a trail northeast of San Pedro de Atacama, right on the knife's edge of the Chilean/Bolivian border. You're heading to Portezuelo Sairécabur, an old, forgotten mining route punching way up into the Andes. Seriously, this isn't your Sunday drive—it's a raw, off-road odyssey into one of the most desolate corners of South America. This "road," officially the B-221, kicks off near Laguna del Inca o del Portillo, but don't expect pavement. Think loose gravel, deep sand, and gnarly volcanic rock. This is 4x4 territory, no question. We're talking a relentless climb, averaging around a 7% gradient, that’ll have your engine screaming for mercy thanks to the thin air. Oh, and did I mention the 15 super-tight hairpin turns? One wrong move in that loose sand, and you're stuck. Be ready for the "road" to vanish under fresh snow or shifting dunes at any moment. And the altitude? Whoa, buddy, it’s a killer. We're talking 5,541 meters (18,179 feet)! Seriously, you NEED to acclimatize in San Pedro before even thinking about this. Otherwise, altitude sickness can ruin your trip – or worse. Expect to move in slow motion as the air robs you of energy, and your brain feels like it’s wading through peanut butter. Plus, your engine is going to lose a ton of power, so low gear and a super-chill driving style are your best friends. The weather? Forget about it. Harsh doesn't even begin to cover it. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're getting hammered by a blizzard. It's almost always windy and freezing, even in summer. Summit temps? Rarely above zero. So, check the forecast, but pack for Armageddon: thermal gear, emergency blankets, and enough fuel to keep your heater blasting if you get stranded. Bottom line: Portezuelo Sairécabur is an epic adventure, but respect the mountain, and come prepared.
hardHow to drive the challenging road to La Cumbre?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for La Cumbre! This Bolivian beauty sits way up high in the Cochabamba department, topping out at a lung-busting 14,783 feet. You'll be cruising on the Carretera Oruro – Cochabamba (Ruta 4), a fully paved road that's surprisingly smooth. Don't get too comfy though – it's a twisty-turny climb that'll keep you on your toes. This epic stretch of road runs for about 44 miles between Challa Grande and Caihuasi, right in the heart of Bolivia. It's so challenging, it's a regular on the Vuelta Ciclista a Bolivia – the highest stage on the whole UCI circuit! Word to the wise: if you've got heart or breathing problems, maybe skip this one. The air gets seriously thin up there. Altitude sickness is a real possibility above 8,000 feet, and with 40% less oxygen at the summit, even walking feels like a workout. The steep inclines, unpredictable weather, and remote location make this a truly demanding drive. But the views? Totally worth it (if you can breathe enough to enjoy them!).