Driving through the lethal Ocoña Cliffs

Driving through the lethal Ocoña Cliffs

Peru, south-america

Length

74.6 km

Elevation

200 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Peruvian coast on the Acantilados de Ocoña – a cliff-hugging highway that's equal parts stunning and seriously thrilling.

We're talking southern Peru, where the road weaves between the Caravelí and Camaná provinces. Imagine a paved ribbon carved into the hillsides, a constant zig-zag dance as it climbs and plunges along the cliffs. Officially, it's known as 1S (Carretera Panamericana Sur) but unofficially? It's an adventure.

Clocking in at around 75 kilometers (46ish miles), this stretch connects Atico to Ocoña, and it's a non-stop ocean view extravaganza.

Now, for the adrenaline junkies: this road has a rep for being one of the trickiest in the country. Think sheer drops of around 200 meters (650+ feet) in many spots, with zero guardrails to hold you back! Plus, you'll be navigating a series of tunnels. Throw in the region's love for earthquakes, landslides, and ever-present traffic, and you've got yourself a ride to remember.

Where is it?

Driving through the lethal Ocoña Cliffs is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -10.7089, -74.7631

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Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
74.6 km
Max Elevation
200 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-10.7089, -74.7631

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