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
Travelling through the dangerous Karkatera Tunnels
Located in Peru's Apurímac region, north of Abancay, the road through the Túneles de Karkatera, also known as Túneles de Carcatera, is one of the most dangerous drives in the country.
Laguna Puywanqucha
Laguna Puywanqucha is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.685m (15,370ft) above the sea level, located in the Andes of Peru, in the Lauricocha Province, Cauri District.
Chagual-El Pallar Road
Located in La Libertad Region, Carretera Chagual-El Pallar is a very dangerous high mountain road.
Mollepata-Pallasca Road
Located on the border of La Libertad and Ancash regions in northwestern Peru, the Mollepata-Pallasca road is a very exciting journey in the heart of the Andes mountain range.
Road LI-117
Located in the Lima Region of Peru, Carretera LI-117 is a high mountain road with hairpin turns and dangerous dropoffs.
Paso Cacanapunta
The Cacanapunta Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.162m (13,654ft) above the sea level, located in the in the Ancash Region of Peru.
Laguna Cochachuyo
Laguna Cochachuyo is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.324m (14,186ft) above the sea level 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.
Laguna Oshgomachay
Laguna Oshgomachay is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.430m (14,534ft) above the sea level, located in Central Peru, in the province Junín in the region Junín.
Laguna Tarusmachay
Laguna Tarusmachay is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.443m (14,576ft) above the sea level, located in Central Peru, in the province Junín in the region Junín.
Wamp'una
Wamp'una is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.843m (15,889ft) above the sea level, located in Lima Province in Peru.
Hatun K'irawniyuq
Hatun K'irawniyuq is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.407m (14,458ft) above the sea level, located in the Arequipa Region in the Andes of Peru.
Corihuarmi Mine
Mina Corihuarmi is an open-pit gold mine at an elevation of 4.883m (16,020ft) above the sea level, located in Junín, a region in the central highlands and westernmost Peruvian Amazon.
Sumbilca-Pacaybamba Road
Located in the province Huaral in Peru, Carretera Sumbilca-Pacaybamba is one of the most extreme 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.
Pacoorcco Pass
Paso Pacoorcco is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.758m (15,610ft) above the sea level, located in the Andes of Peru, in the Moquegua Region, General Sánchez Cerro Province, Ubinas District.
Chucusvalle Bridge
Located on the border of La Libertad and Ancash regions in northwestern Peru, Puente Chucusvalle is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Don Mario Pass
Paso Don Mario is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.739m (15,547ft) above the sea level, located in the Junín region, in central Peru.
Abra Jahuaycate: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Abra Jahuaycate is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.065m (11,003ft) above the sea level, located in Pitumarca District of the province Canchis in Peru. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Laguna Pumacocha: this road is not for timid drivers
Laguna Pumacocha is a high mountain lagoon at an elevation of 4.370m (14,337ft) above the sea level, located in the Yauyos Province, in the Lima Region of Peru.
Wiswillani Pass
Paso Wiswillani is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.807m (15,771ft) above the sea level, located in the Arequipa Region of Peru.
Chicrin-Cerro de Pasco Road
Carretera Chicrin-Cerro de Pasco is a high mountain road located in the Pasco region, in central Peru. The road runs entirely over 3.500m above the sea level.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Chimboya Pass
Abra Chimboya is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.114m (16,778ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between the regions of Cusco and Puno, in Peru. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Alto de Tapacocha
Alto de Tapacocha is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.732m (15,524ft) above the sea level, located in the province Recuay in Peru.
Huachococha Pass
Paso Huachococha is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.366m (14,324ft) above the sea level, located in the region Ancash, in central Peru.
Abra Tucuccasa
Abra Tucuccasa is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.496m (14,750ft) above the sea level, located in the region Ayacucho of Peru.
Abra Sotacocha
Abra Sotacocha is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.261m (13,979ft) above the sea level, located in Ayacucho region, in south-central Peru.
A Complete Travel Plan for Peru
Peru is one of the most popular places for tourism. Wherever you travel, having an itinerary planned for your trip is essential- Read this article to know more.
Laguna Jochauma
Laguna Jochauma is a high mountain lagoon at an elevation of 4.947m (16,230ft) above the sea level, located in the Arequipa Region, Castilla Province, Orcopampa District of Peru.
Abra de Rumualdo
Abra de Rumualdo is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.434m (11,266ft) above the sea level, located in the Caylloma Province of Peru.
Abra Livini-Tarata
Abra Livini-Tarata is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.803m (15,757ft) above the sea level, located in the Tacna Region in southern Peru.
Road trip guide: Conquering Nevado Huayracancha
Nevado Huayracancha is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.045m (16,551ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Lima and Junin regions of Peru. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Abra de Lares in Cusco
Abra de Lares is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.443m (14,576ft) above the sea level, located in Calca Province of Cusco Region of Peru.
Abra Tiabaya
Abra Tiabaya is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.747m (9,012ft) above the sea level, located in Peru’s Arequipa Region.
Laguna Ashcajocha
Laguna Ashcajocha is a high mountain lagoon at an elevation of 4.383m (14,379ft) above the sea level, located in the region Ayacucho of Peru.
Road LM-119
Carretera LM-119 is one of the scariest roads in the world. It’s located in Santo Domingo de los Olleros District, province Huarochirí in Peru.
Road PA-100
Carretera PA-100 is a high mountain road located in the Pasco region, in central Peru. The road runs entirely over 4.000m above the sea level.
Cerro Choquecota
Cerro Choquecota is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.001m (16,407ft) above the sea level, located in the Puno Region, in southern Peru.