What are the most spectacular roads in Peru?
In the embrace of the Andes, Peru unfolds a rich tapestry of roads that beckon travelers with stories steeped in ancient wonders and natural grandeur. The Interoceanic Highway acts as a bridge, linking the humid mysteries of the Amazon with the stark allure of the Pacific coast. On the Curvas de Huanchaca, 24 switchbacks tease and challenge, demanding attention and respect on a narrow, precipitous path.
Ascend to the dizzying heights of the Anticona Pass, where the cold Andean winds whisper tales of times gone by. Cañón del Pato, "Duck Canyon", presents not just jaw-dropping beauty but also the thrill of a road demanding skill and courage. And if that wasn't enough, the route to Punta Olimpica in the heart of the Andes is nothing short of awe-inspiring, a testament to nature's grand canvas.
Yet, amid these towering giants, the Nazca desert stretches out, a canvas of ancient art with the Panamericana Sur as your viewing gallery, allowing you to ponder the mysteries etched into the very earth. In Peru, roads aren't mere pathways but a bridge across time, a blend of tradition, tenacity, and topography. So, gear up and let the Peruvian landscapes regale you with tales where every turn holds a new story, a new vista, and an age-old charm
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Cañon del Rio Mala
Mala River Canyon is located in the central region of Peru. The route demands 100% concentration. This road has humbled many egos.
The wild road to the summit of Abra Quenco
Abra Quenco is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.020m (16,469ft) above the sea level, located in the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve, in the Arequipa Region, Peru. It's one of the highest roads of Peru.
The unpaved road to Abra Huarcaya
Abra Huarcaya is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.057m (16,591ft) above the sea level, located in the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve, in the Arequipa Region, Peru. It's one of the highest mountain roads of Peru.
La Pampa-Sihuas (Road 12A)
Carretera 12A is a very scary high mountain road located in central Peru. It’s one of the most extreme roads in the world, bordered by a drop of hundreds of meters unprotected by guardrails. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo.
An epic climb to Abra Anta Q'asa in the Andes
Abra Anta Q'asa is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.881m (16,013ft) above the sea level, located in the Andes of Peru.
Mirador de Tres Cruces
Located in the Paucartambo province of Peru, the Tres Cruces is a high mountain viewpoint at an elevation of 3.641m above the sea level.
Laguna Conococha
Laguna Conococha is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.050m (13,287ft) above the sea level located in the Andes-Cordillera in north-western Peru.
Puente Tincoc
The Tincoc bridge is situated in the Paruro Province, Ccapi District, in the Cusco Region of Peru. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Driving the infamous road from Autisha to Chaclla
Located in the Lima Region of Peru, Carretera Autisha-Chaclla is one of the most challenging roads of the country. Drivers must remain cautious as the journey has been known to claim the lives of careless drivers. Drive with care as this is a mountain road with hairpin curves and dangerous dropoffs.
Abra Ojelaca is a paved road heading deep into the high mountains
Abra Ojelaca is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.606m (15,111ft) above the sea level, located in the Andes of southern Peru, in the Moquegua Region.
Abra Yanashalla: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Abra Yanashalla is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.689m (15,384ft) above the sea level, located in the Ancash department, in Peru.
A pretty unpaved road to Laguna Marcapomacocha
Laguna Marcapomacocha is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.470m (14,665ft) above the sea level located in Yauli Province in the Junín Region in Peru.
Abra Huarapasca
Punta Huarapasca is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.815m (15,797ft) above the sea level, located in the Huascarán National Park of Peru.
Meseta Marcahuasi
Meseta Marcahuasi is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 4.100m (13,451ft) above the sea level, located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The place is known for curious shapes of human faces and animals visible in granite rock.
Abra Condorillo
Abra Condorillo is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.993m (16,381ft) above the sea level, located in the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve, in the Arequipa Region, Peru.
Laguna de Pacucha
Laguna de Pacucha is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.100m (10,170ft) above the sea level, located in the Andahuaylas Province in the Apurímac Region, in Peru.
Road 1NC
Carretera 1NC is a spectacular road located in the Andes of Peru. The road unfolds for over 47 km, almost entirely over 4.500 meters above the sea level. The highest point of the road is Abra Antajirca, at 4.780m (15,682ft) above the sea level.
Punta Pumacocha
Punta Pumacocha is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.990m (16,371ft) above the sea level, located in the Laraos District, one of thirty-three districts of the province Yauyos in the Lima Region in Peru. The top few kms are brutal.
Road CA-109 (Bambamarca-Celendín)
CA-109 is a very dangerous high mountain road located in northern Peru. This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. Don’t stuff your belly too much. Eventually, you might feel vomiting temptations.
Palambla-Huancabamba Road
Pista Palambla-Huancabamba is a high mountain track located in the province Huancabamba, in Northern Peru. In many places the road is bordered by a drop of hundreds of meters (many hundreds of feet) unprotected by guardrails. Words can’t describe the road and pictures don’t do it justice.
If you love to drive, you will love the Abra del Negro Bueno road
Abra del Negro Bueno is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.647m (15,246ft) above the sea level located in the province Concepción in Peru.
Llanganuco Chinancocha
Llanganuco Chinancocha is a high mountain crystal blue lake located in the Cordillera Blanca in the Andes of Peru at an elevation of 3.850m (12,631ft) above the sea level.
Abra Rit'ipata
Abra Rit'ipata is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.947m (16,230ft) above the sea level, located in the Apolobamba mountain range in the Andes of Peru.
Andahuaylas Airport
Located in the Andahuaylas Province in the Apurímac Region, in Peru, the Andahuaylas Airport is a high mountain airport at an elevation of 3.444m (11,300ft) above the sea level.
Vientos Pass
Located in the province of Tacna in Peru, Paso de los Vientos is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.012m (16,443ft) above the sea level.
Abra Suijo-Laguna Suyoc
Abra Suijo, also known as Abra Suyoc, is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.706m (15,439ft) above the sea level, located in central Peru.
Abra de Porcuya
Abra de Porcuya is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.137m (7,011ft) above the sea level, located in the province Huancabamba in Peru.
Abra Chucopampa
Abra Chucopampa is an extreme high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.858m (15,938ft) above the sea level, located in the Cajamarca department, in Peru. The climb is brutal and cruel.
Laguna Pallarcocha
Laguna Pallarcocha is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.740m (15,550ft) above the sea level located in the Arequipa Region, Condesuyos Province, Andaray District of Peru.
Laguna Chuchon
Laguna Chuchon is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.465m (14,648ft) above the sea level, located in the Lima Region, in western Peru.
Road PA-106
Carretera PA-106 is a high mountain gravel road located in the province of Pasco in Peru. The road is very rough--only try driving it in a 2wd car, if you're planning to buy a new car.
Driving through the defiant Garganta del Diablo
Located in the province of Yauyos, in the Lima Region of Peru, the road through the Ushco canyon is, truly, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. It’s called Garganta del Diablo (Devil's throat).
Road 38
Located between the departments of Tacna and Puno, in the Andean Cordillera, near Peru’s border with Bolivia, Carretera 38 is an extreme high mountain road running entirely over the 3.200m above the sea level.
Road 101
Located in the province of Pallasca in Peru, Carretera 101 is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. There are vertigo-inducing depths of up to 1.200m. Only the suicidal, the insane, or the paid-to-do-this should ever drive down.
Salkantay Refuge
Refugio Salkantay is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 3.849m (12,627ft) above the sea level, located in the Cusco Region, in Peru. Your wheels will be astounded at the wonderful views of the mountains spread out before you! They are terrible for drivers who are prone to vertigo. In many places the road is bordered by a drop of hundreds of meters (many hundreds of feet) unprotected by guardrails.
Quebrada Honda
Quebrada Honda is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.901m (16,079ft) above the sea level, located in the Carhuaz Province, in the Ancash Region of Peru.