Where is Santa Rosa Mine?

Where is Santa Rosa Mine?

Peru, south-america

Length

40 km

Elevation

5,133 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up! We're heading to Peru, near the Arichua volcano on the border of Moquegua and Puno regions, to check out the road to the Santa Rosa Mine. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about reaching a staggering 16,840 feet (5,133 meters) above sea level, putting you among the world's highest mines!

The roughly 25-mile (40 km) route from Santa Rosa is a wild ride. Expect a rollercoaster of narrow passages, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. And be prepared for some seriously harsh weather – think extreme sun, crazy winds, and that classic high-altitude chill. But hey, you'll be snaking through the majestic Andes Mountains!

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Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
40 km
Max Elevation
5,133 m
Difficulty
extreme

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