Cerro Santa Isabel

Cerro Santa Isabel is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.153m (16,906ft) above the sea level, in the Cordillera de Lípez in the Sud Lípez Province of the Potosí Department in southwestern Bolivia. It's one of the highest mountain roads of the country.

At the summit of the peak, also known as Cerro Poderosa, is a mine called Santa Isabel. Silver, tin, and copper deposits are documented at the mine. The road to the mine is gravel. Due its unique location and the climb in elevation over thousands of feet, and passing through remote areas, it is important when driving in these conditions to be prepared. Don’t forget water, food, extra fuel, a warm jacket, a good GPS and maps. The surface isn’t great and there are some really steep sections. Located in the Andean Highlands the climb is simply terrible, with a notorius lack of oxygen that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters. Near the summit, oxygen is in short supply.
Pic: Torsten Krekeler

 

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