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

Located on the eastern-central region of Ancash, in Peru, the Punta Olimpica Old Road is a scary experience running near the abyss. Rock falls have blocked this road and it’s no longer passable in a car but is okay on a bike.

Pastoruri glacier is a cirque glacier at an elevation of 4.955m (16,256ft) above the sea level, located in the Andes mountain range, in Northern Peru in the Ancash region.

Abra Huacullo is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.002m (16,410ft) above the sea level, located in the Apurímac region of Peru. It's one of the highest mountain roads of Peru.

Abra Antajirca is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.783m (15,692ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Lima and Pasco regions, in Peru.

Abra Loncopata is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.100m (16,732ft) above the sea level, located in Arequipa region in southwestern Peru. The road features 20% gradient sections. It's one of the highest mountain roads of the country.

Tipon Inca ruins are located in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range.

Located in the Junin Region of Peru, the wooden Upamayo Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Mina Santa Rosa is an open-pit mine at an elevation of 5.133m (16,840ft) above the sea level, located in the Puno Region, Puno Province, in the south of the Acora District, in Peru. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.

Located in northwestern Peru, the Tablachaca bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. The bridge is 36m long.

Abra de Acjanaco is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.502m (11,489ft) above the sea level, located in the province Paucartambo of Peru.

Abra Viraco is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.940m (16,207ft) above the sea level, located in the Viraco District, one of fourteen districts of the province Castilla in Peru.

Abra Apacheta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.762m (15,623ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Huancavelica and Ayacucho regions of Peru.

Mala River Canyon is located in the central region of Peru. The route demands 100% concentration. This road has humbled many egos.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.689m (15,384ft) above the sea level, located in the Ancash department, in Peru.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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