TA-104 Road: Driving the narrow lakeside cliffs of Laguna Aricota
The TA-104 is a high-altitude regional road reaching an elevation of 2,917 meters (9,570 ft) above sea level in the Tacna Region of southern Peru. Carved into the barren volcanic ridges of the Andes, the route connects Mirave with Pallata and runs directly along the northern cliffs of Laguna Aricota.
| Road facts: TA-104 Road | |
|---|---|
| Location | Tacna Region (Peru) |
| Elevation | 2,917 m (9,570 ft) |
| Length | 55.7 km (34.6 miles) between Mirave and Pallata |
| Hairpin Switchbacks | 36 turns |
| Surface | Unpaved gravel, earth, and loose rock |
| Vehicle Requirement | High-clearance vehicle recommended |
Where is the TA-104 Road located?
The road runs west to east through the Candarave Province in the Tacna Region of southern Peru. The 55.7-kilometer track traverses Andean desert canyons and ridges, linking the settlement of Mirave with Pallata.
Is the TA-104 Road unpaved?
Yes. The entire 55.7-kilometer route is unpaved, consisting of loose gravel, fine dust, and rocky soil. The track features 36 tight hairpin turns cut into steep rock faces, with single-lane bottlenecks that require low-speed driving.
What hazards exist when driving along Laguna Aricota?
The primary physical hazard occurs along the northern shore of Laguna Aricota, where the unpaved track clings directly to the cliffside without guardrails or outer shoulder buffers. The rock walls above the road drop stone debris onto the surface, while moisture from coastal fog (camanchaca) turns the dust into a slick surface layer.
How long is the TA-104 Road?
The route spans 55.7 kilometers (34.6 miles) between Mirave and Pallata, topping out at an elevation of 2,917 meters. Navigating the 36 switchbacks and narrow lakeside cliff sections takes over two hours of driving time.