Driving the paved AN-110 road to Laguna de Querococha
Laguna de Querococha is a high-altitude glacial lake sitting at 3,980 meters in the Ancash Region of northern Peru. Located within the heart of the Huascarán National Park, it serves as the spectacular gateway to the Cordillera Blanca. The road that leads here, the AN-110, is a high-mountain engineering feat that climbs through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Andes, connecting the valley floor with the thin air of the upper peaks. It is a world of emerald waters and granite walls where the pavement is smooth but the driving requires total concentration.
| Road facts: Laguna de Querococha | |
|---|---|
| Location | Huascarán National Park, Ancash, Peru |
| Elevation | 3,980m (13,060ft) |
| Road Name | Ruta AN-110 |
| Length | 37 km (23 miles) |
Where is Laguna de Querococha located?
The lake is nestled in the northern part of Peru, acting as a natural mirror for the towering peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. As you drive the AN-110, you are entering a protected area within the Huascarán National Park, one of the most rugged and beautiful ranges in the Andes. The route follows the valley floor before starting its steep ascent towards the crest of the mountains. This is a high-altitude environment where the weather can change in minutes, and the massive glaciers of the Huascarán massif loom constantly on the horizon, reminding you that you are driving through one of the planet's most extreme mountain chains.
Is the road to Laguna de Querococha paved?
The road to the lake, known as Ruta AN-110, is fully paved and generally in excellent condition, but don't let the smooth surface lower your guard. As seen on the drive, the road is very curvy and maintains a sustained gradient that pushes engines to their limit. The track features 15 tight hairpin turns that are frequently used by heavy trucks and tourist buses, making overtakes difficult and dangerous. The lane is relatively narrow and bordered by deep drainage ditches; if you drop a tire off the asphalt while admiring the scenery, getting the vehicle back on the road without assistance is nearly impossible at this altitude.
How long is the road to Laguna de Querococha?
The 37-kilometer journey runs west to east, starting from the town of Catac and climbing relentlessly toward the Kahuish Tunnel, which stands as one of the highest road tunnels on Earth. At 3,980 meters, your engine will lose about 35% of its power, making the uphill sections feel much steeper than they look on a map. Keep a close eye on your temperature gauge, as the thin air reduces cooling efficiency. On the long descent back to Catac, you must rely on engine braking in lower gears. If you ride your brakes through the 15 hairpins, you will glaze your pads long before you reach the valley. Carry extra water and warm clothing, as temperatures drop rapidly the moment the sun disappears behind the peaks.