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
extremeDriving to Casiri Hembra and Macho: High-altitude lagoons in the Chilean Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Want an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Head to the Arica and Parinacota Region of Chile, near the Bolivian border, and discover Laguna Casiri Hembra and Laguna Casiri Macho! This is one of the highest drives in Chile, snaking through a dramatic volcanic landscape. Your journey starts in the tiny village of Caquena. From there, the unpaved track stretches for about 16 km, steadily climbing toward the high plateau. Get ready to gain some serious altitude – we're talking about a 540-meter climb! You'll end up at the shores of the lakes: Laguna Casiri Hembra (4,825m) and Laguna Casiri Macho (4,856m). Now, let's talk road conditions. Forget smooth asphalt! This is a bumpy, gravelly, volcanic rock affair. Expect a "tippy" ride with some seriously steep bits thrown in. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! If you're not a seasoned off-roader, this might be one to skip. At nearly 4,900 meters, the altitude will definitely make itself known – to both you and your engine! Snow usually makes the road impassable in winter. And those summer thunderstorms? They can turn the dry gravel into a muddy nightmare in minutes, making the road dangerous or even impossible to navigate. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think stunning volcanoes, jagged rocky peaks, and Laguna Casiri Macho's unique underwater algae garden. Even with the harsh conditions, you'll find plenty of mosquitoes along the lagoon edges, framed by ancient volcanic rock. This is a remote spot, so come prepared! Make sure your vehicle is in top shape, pack extra supplies, and be ready to be self-sufficient. The road is narrow and winding, with sharp turns that demand your full attention – especially when navigating those rocky embankments at such a high elevation.
extremeLaguna Pallarcocha: Driving the remote AR-107 to 4,740m in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! Ever heard of Laguna Pallarcocha (aka Laguna de Payarcocha)? This crazy-high lake is tucked away in the Peruvian Andes, specifically in the Condesuyos Province of Arequipa. We're talking serious altitude: 4,740m (15,550ft)! Getting there? A true test of grit. The road itself is a 52 km (32.3 mile) stretch from Arma to Pampacolca, running north-south, and designated AR-107 and AR-105. It carves right through the Cordillera Ampato's slopes, showcasing volcanic rocks, tough puna plants, and vast, empty plateaus. Think remote villages in the Arequipa highlands, far from civilization. Forget smooth tarmac – this is gravel and dirt all the way! It's basically carved into the mountainside and shows all the wear and tear from the harsh climate: erosion, "washboards"… you name it. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a MUST. Seriously, leave your sedan at home. The road hugs the ridges, so you'll be dodging rocks and ruts, especially after the rainy season. Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots. Don't even think about this road in bad weather. Snow or heavy rain can turn that gravel into a slippery mess in seconds. High winds are practically a given, bringing dust storms that can kill visibility. Winter? Expect snowdrifts and freezing temps (think below -15°C!). And don't forget altitude sickness (soroche)! At this height, you'll be fighting brain fog and your engine will be gasping for air. The real kicker is the isolation. 52 kilometers of pure exposure, no services, no cell service, and hardly any other vehicles. You need total focus to handle the tight turns and bumpy surface. Reaching the lake? It's a serene experience, with the water mirroring the stark volcanic peaks. Just remember the golden rule: what goes up must come down! Pack enough fuel for the round trip, and bring emergency oxygen and warm gear. The weather at Pallarcocha can flip from sunny to blizzard in a heartbeat!
hardRuta 23 CH, a 5 stars road in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: Ruta 23 in Chile. You're cruising across a super dry, high-altitude plateau in the Andes, right in northern Chile. It's seriously stunning! This road trip clocks in at about 304 kilometers (that's 188 miles for my American friends), kicking off in Calama, a city chilling on the Loa River in the Antofagasta region, and then taking you all the way to the Argentinian border at Paso de Sico. Word of warning, though: this is mountain country, so you're heading way up! The air gets thin, so take it easy. And the weather? Intense! Think mild 23°C in summer, but brace yourself for a freezing -12°C in winter. It's usually cold and dry up there. The good news is the road was totally paved in 2018! The highest point is Abra El Laco, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 4,569 meters (or a whopping 14,990 feet) above sea level. Get ready for views that'll blow your mind!
hardTravel Guide to the Top of Abra del Gallo
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Abra del Gallo in Salta Province, Argentina, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a high-altitude experience, topping out at a whopping 4,630m (15,190ft) above sea level – one of the highest roads you'll find in Argentina. Get ready to ditch the pavement because Ruta Provincial 129 (RP129) is all about that raw, unpaved life. Think ripio, gravel, and maybe a little sand to keep things interesting. Don't worry, though, while it climbs, the surface is usually pretty decent. This epic stretch of road runs for 98km (61 miles) from the Salar de Pocitos to Chorrillos, carving its way through the rugged northwest of the country. And the views? Let's just say Nevado Queva to the west will blow your mind. Seriously, pack your camera!