Why is it called Lastarria Volcano?
Chile, south-america
150 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Chile and Argentina, smack-dab in the Central Andes. Looming large is Volcán Lastarria, a seriously impressive stratovolcano named after some 19th-century Chilean brainiac, José Victorino Lastarria.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road, if you can even call it that, claws its way up the volcano to a lung-busting altitude that puts it in the running for one of the highest roads in Argentina. We’re talking serious elevation here.
The scenery? Think desolate, otherworldly, and jaw-dropping. You'll be surrounded by intense yellow sulfur deposits thanks to the volcano's constant, powerful fumaroles – it's been puffing away for over 70 years. But be warned: this beauty comes with a bite.
The "road" is basically a set of unmarked mining tracks carved out for sulfur extraction. Expect loose volcanic ash, sharp obsidian rocks, and sneaky sand drifts just waiting to swallow your tires. High-clearance 4x4? Non-negotiable. Satellite imagery? Your new best friend.
And did I mention the altitude? The air is thin, your engine's gonna whine, and those sulfur gases? They're not exactly aromatherapy. Plus, you're miles from civilization. If something goes wrong, you're on your own. Pack accordingly—we’re talking supplemental oxygen, gas masks, and enough supplies to survive a zombie apocalypse. This ain't for the faint of heart, but for the ultimate adventure, Lastarria delivers.
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 150 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhere is Pato Canyon?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: You're in Peru, exploring the Ancash Region, and you stumble upon the Cañón del Pato – Duck Canyon. Seriously, this place is unreal! This road snakes through a canyon carved out by the Rio Santa, right at the northern tip of the Callejón de Huaylas. Starting near Caraz and heading up to Yuracmarca, this 52-kilometer (32-mile) stretch is an adventure. Now, here’s the kicker: you're driving along a route carved into the cliff face, peering down into a massive gorge, and passing through *54* tunnels. And get this—they're all hand-cut into the rock! Most of the road is paved, but it’s super narrow. Forget passing another car easily; it’s a squeeze! Be warned: it's not for the faint of heart. During the rainy and snowy seasons, it can get shut down. Plus, falling rocks are a real hazard. These tunnels? Mostly one lane and rough as anything. The elevation climbs from 500m to over 2000m, so buckle up. The road just keeps getting narrower, tunnel after tunnel, with some serious drop-offs—we're talking 1000m drops! You'll need to keep your wits about you on this one. But, oh man, the views! It's an experience you won't forget.
hardAbra Jahuaycate: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Jahuaycate! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 5,065 meters (that's 11,003 feet!) high in the Peruvian Andes, specifically in the Canchis province. We're talking seriously high altitude here. Get ready for a bumpy ride because this isn't your typical paved highway. CU-124, also known as Ruta del Ausangate, is a dirt road that was improved a few years back. Think rugged terrain and epic alpine scenery. The pass stretches for about 48.4 kilometers (or 30 miles) between Uchullujllo and Cayena. Be prepared for some steep climbs too—some sections hit nearly 12% grades! This route is all about the journey, so get your camera ready and prepare to be amazed!
moderateWhere is Llaca Lagoon?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, near Huaraz, about to embark on an adventure to Laguna Llaca. This isn't your average Sunday drive! You're heading into Huascarán National Park, where the lagoon shimmers with turquoise-green waters at a dizzying 14,655 feet above sea level. The road to get there? Let's just say it's...rustic. We're talking unpaved all the way, a 9.81-mile stretch called "Carretera a Laguna Llaca" that climbs 2,136 feet. Expect a bumpy ride through some seriously stunning scenery, with snow-capped mountains towering all around. But be warned: the road is rough, think huge rocks and deep ravines carved out by water. This is strictly 4x4 territory, and you'll definitely want high clearance to navigate this wild, beautiful route. The average gradient is 4.12%. Get ready for incredible views and a drive you won't soon forget!
extremeDriving the LM-116: The treacherous cliff road from Barba Blanca to Autisha
🇵🇪 Peru
The LM-116 (Carretera Barba Blanca-Autisha), located in the Huarochirí Province of the Lima Region, is widely regarded as one of the most nerve-wracking drives in the Peruvian Andes. This road follows the deep canyon of the Santa Eulalia River, offering a high-altitude transit that is as spectacular as it is terrifying. As seen in the technical imagery, the road is literally carved into the vertical limestone walls of the canyon. The surface is a mix of loose gravel and packed earth, often narrow enough that two cars cannot pass each other at the same time. This forces drivers to reverse on a narrow ledge with hundreds of meters of vertical drop on one side and a solid rock wall on the other. Concentration must be absolute, as there are no guardrails protecting vehicles from the abyss below. The 20 km stretch running south-north from the settlement of Barba Blanca to the Autisha Bridge is an adrenaline-pumping journey. The reputation of the LM-116 is built on its fearsome geography: the road clings to the cliffs with a "free fall" drop that can reach several hundred meters. For passengers suffering from vertigo, this journey is a true nightmare, as the view from the window is often nothing but empty air. Beyond the height, the real mechanical danger comes from landslides. The steep, overhanging rock faces are unstable, and it is common to find large boulders blocking the path, especially after heavy rains. The curves are sharp and many are "blind," meaning you must sound your horn before every turn to avoid a head-on collision on a section too narrow to maneuver. The steepness of the climb also puts significant strain on the brakes and engine cooling systems of any vehicle attempting the transit. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is the only sensible choice for this route. While the road is technically open to local traffic, it is not for the faint of heart or those inexperienced with Andean driving. Concentration is key; one simple mistake or a lapse in focus has been known to claim the lives of drivers on this specific stretch of the Lima mountains. The drive is best attempted in the dry season (May to September). During the Andean winter, the gravel surface can become a slippery mud trap, and the risk of catastrophic landslides increases tenfold. Despite the danger, the LM-116 remains a vital link for the small communities of the Santa Eulalia valley and offers some of the most raw and untouched canyon scenery in the entire country. If you decide to go, ensure your tires are in perfect condition and your passengers are prepared for an extreme "cliff-hanging" experience. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map 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 here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.