Driving the paved 20A road to Laguna Huascachoca
Laguna Huascachoca is a high-altitude glacial lake sitting at 4,485 meters above sea level, right on the rugged boundary between the Pasco and Junín regions in central Peru. Located along the high Andean plateau, this lake is a constant companion for those driving the Route 20A. It is a world of grey water and desolate peaks where the thin air and the presence of massive mining operations define the driving experience. While the road is paved, the environment is raw and unforgiving, making every kilometer a test of both mechanical and human endurance.
| Road facts: Laguna Huascachoca | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pasco / Junín border, Peru |
| Elevation | 4,485m (14,714ft) |
| Road Name | Route 20A |
| Length | 41 km (25.4 miles) |
Where is Laguna Huascachoca located?
The lake is nestled in the central highlands of Peru, marking the physical divide between the departments of Pasco and Junín. This is the heart of the Cordillera, a high plateau where the landscape is stripped of trees and dominated by rock and high-altitude grasses. Driving through Laguna Huascachoca means navigating one of the highest paved sectors in the country. The isolation here is total; between the mining camps and the small settlements, you are alone with the wind of the puna and the looming peaks that frequently disappear into the thick Andean clouds.
What is the road to Laguna Huascachoca like?
The road leading to the lake is the Route 20A, which is fully paved and generally in good condition. However, as shown in the images of the area, the asphalt is often wet and slick due to the constant fog and light rain that characterizes this range. The track is wide but lacks significant protection in many sectors, with only metal guardrails separating your tires from the deep waters of the lake. You must be extremely careful with the local traffic; this sector is a major road for heavy mine trucks that take up more than their fair share of the lane in the curves. Their speed and braking capacity on wet asphalt are very different from a passenger car, so always maintain a wide safety margin.
How long is the road through Laguna Huascachoca?
The journey spans 41 kilometers, running north-south from the town of Huayllay towards the Abra de la Viuda pass. It is a grueling stretch that requires constant gear changes as you navigate the undulating terrain of the high plateau. At 4,485 meters, your engine will lose about 40% of its torque, making overtakes a slow and risky maneuver. Keep a close eye on your temperature gauge, as the thin air reduces the radiator's efficiency. On the long descent towards the pass, rely on engine braking to control the weight of the vehicle. If you ride the brakes on these slick, high-altitude slopes, you will glaze your pads long before you reach your destination. Carry extra fuel and warm clothing, as temperatures here stay near freezing even when the sun is out.