Where is the road to Cerro Juquel?
Bolivia, south-america
9.01 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Located in the remote Potosí Department of southwestern Bolivia,
is a high mountain peak reaching an elevation of
above sea level. This peak is a landmark in the desolate Andean landscape, known for its technical access road that serves a communication tower at the summit and offers some of the most dramatic views of the surrounding salt flats and volcanic terrain.
Road facts: Cerro Juquel
Potosí Department, Bolivia
Where is the road to Cerro Juquel?
The road starts from the vicinity of the
Hostal De Sal La Escondida
, a typical salt-constructed lodging in the Altiplano. From there, the track strikes upward into the dry, rocky mountainside of the Potosí region. This is a land of extreme isolation where the geography is defined by volcanic minerals and thin air. The ascent is
9.01 km (5.60 miles) long
, and as you climb, the ground becomes increasingly loose and technical. This is definitely not a place to explore if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point.
Is the road to Cerro Juquel unpaved?
Yes, the road to the summit is
and consists of a narrow, rocky track that demands a
19 sharp hairpin turns
that snake up the mountain’s flank. These switchbacks are tight and often have significant drop-offs, so stay away if you're scared of heights. The surface is composed of high-altitude gravel and volcanic soil which can lose its grip easily, especially on the ramps where the 9.5% gradient forces the engine to work at its limit while fighting for traction.
How challenging is the climb to Cerro Juquel?
The challenge of Cerro Juquel lies in the combination of
steepness and altitude
. Over the 9 km course, you will tackle an
elevation gain of 856 meters
, resulting in a relentless
average gradient of 9.5%
. At over 4,600 meters, your vehicle's engine will struggle with the lack of oxygen, potentially losing a significant portion of its power. Low-range gearing is essential to maintain a steady pace through the hairpins. The communication tower at the top serves as a final waypoint, but the true reward is the panoramic view of the desolate Potosí wilderness that few travelers ever get to see.
What are the weather hazards at Cerro Juquel?
The weather in the Bolivian southwest is
harsh and unpredictable
. Even in the dry season, high winds are a constant factor at the summit, which can make steering a high-profile vehicle tricky on the exposed hairpins. Temperature drops are rapid as soon as the sun goes down, often falling well below freezing. If you encounter any moisture, the volcanic dust can turn into a slippery paste, making the 9.5% grade a dangerous slide. Always check local conditions and ensure you are carrying recovery gear, extra fuel, and warm clothing before leaving the salt plains behind.
How to drive to Laguna Casiri Hembra and Casiri Macho?
Luribay winding road is an epic drive in Bolivia
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 9.01 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving through the defiant Garganta del Diablo
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Garganta del Diablo ("Devil's Throat") in the Lima Region of Peru! This road punches right through the Ushco canyon in the Yauyos province, and it’s an unforgettable experience. You'll find this gem winding its way through the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve as part of Route 24. The pavement is smooth, but don’t let that fool you. This 10.8 km (6.71 miles) stretch is seriously narrow, with sections only 3.2m wide and rock overhangs dipping down to around 3.4m. Night driving? Double the adrenaline, double the danger! Picture this: a stunning, winding canyon with rock formations that seem to whisper secrets as you pass. The road snakes along the bottom, super deep and narrow. But hold on – there are three unlit tunnels to navigate. They're so tight, only one car can pass at a time. Hope you're good at reversing, because meeting oncoming traffic is common, and someone's gotta yield! This isn't a drive for the faint of heart, but if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it.
hardHow to get by car to Termas Valle de Colina natural pools?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled high in the Chilean Andes, just outside of Santiago, lies the Termas Valle de Colina – a series of nine natural hot spring pools perched at a cool 8,200 feet. We're talking seriously stunning views of snow-dusted peaks while you soak in mineral-rich water that can reach a balmy 122°F! You might also hear it called Baños Colina or Termas Lo Valdes. Now, getting there is part of the fun. You’ll cruise along Camino Al Volcán (Ruta G-25), a 47-mile journey from Santiago heading towards Argentina. Think winding roads alongside a rushing river, slowly climbing into the mountains. The pavement ends at Baños Morales, and the final 6 miles get a little wild – think rocky, unpaved terrain. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one; leave the sedan at home. The road is steep in sections, so be prepared for some thrilling climbs. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a 2-mile hike at the end of the road to the San José Volcano viewpoint. Word to the wise: this road is NOT your friend in bad weather. Even in summer, things can get chilly, especially at night, and the weather can swing from sunshine to mist in a heartbeat. Winter? Forget about it. The road's usually snowed in. But if you time it right, this trip is an absolute MUST for any road trip enthusiast!
extremeDeath Road in Bolivia is the world's most famous gravel track
🇧🇴 Bolivia
# The Legendary Death Road: Bolivia's Most Infamous Mountain Pass Want to talk about nerve-wracking? The Carretera de los Yungas—aka the "Death Road"—is probably the most notorious stretch of pavement (well, dirt) on the planet. This 36.4km (22.61 miles) gravel track snakes between La Paz and Coroico through Bolivia's lush Yungas region, and honestly, it lives up to its terrifying reputation. Here's the thing: while it still holds legendary status, the Death Road has technically lost its "World's Most Dangerous" title thanks to a shiny new highway nearby that's stolen most of the traffic. But don't let that fool you—this route is still absolutely wild. The narrow 3-meter-wide path climbs through jungle-covered mountains to 3,151m (10,337ft), with nauseatingly deep canyons plummeting up to 1,000 meters below. If heights make you queasy, seriously, skip this one. Back in the day, this road was a genuine nightmare. An estimated 200-300 people died here annually, with dozens of vehicles going over the edge each year. The statistics are haunting—that July 1983 bus accident killed over 100 passengers alone. Those macabre white crosses scattered along the route? They're memorials to the many who didn't make it. Here's a wild safety feature: unlike the rest of Bolivia, traffic drives on the left. The reason? Drivers get a better view of the cliff edge, so they can actually see if their tires are about to kiss the abyss. Descending vehicles don't have the right of way and must hug the outer edge, making it a tense negotiation when you meet an oncoming truck. The road is brutal in every sense. At just 3 meters wide with zero guardrails, it gets even trickier when rain turns everything into mud, or when dust clouds and year-round fog reduce visibility to nearly nothing. Add in waterfalls cascading onto the surface and you've got a recipe for disaster. These days, about 25,000 thrill-seeking cyclists and tourists tackle the Death Road annually. Since 1998, at least 20 have died doing it. The nearby South Yungas Road (Chulumani Road) is nearly as treacherous, with its own 600-meter drops and relentless hairpins. While the Death Road still dominates the danger conversation, some extreme drivers now point to Turkey's D915 as the ultimate test. With 29 hairpins and no tourist infrastructure, it's raw, unforgiving mountain driving at its finest.
moderateDriving the paved road to La Raya Pass in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just discovered the most incredible mountain pass in Peru! Abra la Raya, also called Apu Chimboya, sits way up high at 4,352m (14,278ft), right on the border between Puno and Cusco regions. This beauty is totally paved – yep, smooth sailing on Carretera 3S, nicknamed the "Route of the Sun"! The drive stretches for 107km (66 miles), connecting Sicuani (Cusco) to Ayaviri (Puno). Perched high in the Andes’ La Raya range, this pass is generally open year-round. Weather can be dicey in winter, so keep an eye out for potential closures. December and January are usually the wettest months. Picture this: you're cruising from Cusco towards the legendary Lake Titicaca, winding through a surreal landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, and shimmering pools. When you reach the top, BAM! Epic panoramic views. There’s even a local bazaar where you can snag awesome Andean crafts (hello, alpaca wool!). From here, the snow-dusted Chimboya peak pops into view. A word to the wise: the altitude will hit you. Take it easy; even if you're used to the Andes, the thin air is no joke. Forget jogging – one step at a time is the way to go. Rushing can lead to headaches, dizziness, or breathlessness. So, chill out and soak in the unbelievable scenery of La Raya Pass.