How dangerous is the road through Mantaro River Canyon?

How dangerous is the road through Mantaro River Canyon?

Peru, south-america

Length

147 km

Elevation

2,939 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving an adventure that'll test your mettle (and maybe your sanity), you HAVE to check out the Cañon del Río Mantaro in Peru's Huancavelica region. This canyon is absolutely breathtaking, but fair warning: the road through it is NOT for the faint of heart.

We're talking seriously narrow stretches hugging cliffs with unprotected 200-meter drops straight into the roaring river below. Yeah, you read that right – no guardrails! This road, known as 3S, is mostly paved, but the sketchiest sections are gravel. Trust me, this isn't just a scenic drive; it's an adrenaline-pumping experience where words and pictures simply can't capture the intensity.

The route stretches for 147 km (92 miles), winding its way from Izcuchaca (at a lofty 2,939 meters above sea level) down to Huanta (at a slightly lower 2,628 meters). You'll be tracing the Mantaro River, the Amazon's most distant source. So, if you're up for a challenge and a serious dose of stunning scenery, this road trip is calling your name! Just remember to pack your courage.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
147 km
Max Elevation
2,939 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in south-america

Jama Pass is an Andean road from Chile to Argentinamoderate

Jama Pass is an Andean road from Chile to Argentina

🇦🇷 Argentina

Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Paso de Jama, an insane high-altitude pass perched way up at 14,051 feet! You'll find this border crossing connecting Jujuy, Argentina, with the super cool desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. This is the northernmost road linking these two countries, and it's your gateway to where Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina almost touch. We're talking about 100 miles from the Chilean border. You'll cruise through parts of Los Flamencos National Reserve before hitting San Pedro. Keep an eye out for trucks, too – it's a popular route for them heading to Chilean ports. The road's been paved since '05, so you can leave the off-roader at home. This baby's open year-round for all vehicles, but snow can sometimes close it down, so check ahead! Daytime temps can hit a balmy 86°F, but nights? They plunge, especially in winter – think freezing! And the wind? Let's just say it can get a little wild. Remember, you're in the Andes, cruising through a semi-desert at an average of 9,800 feet. Pack layers! And maybe skip that massive lunch before you head up – trust me, your stomach will thank you. You'll be rolling on Ruta 27 (CH-27) in Chile and National Route 52 in Argentina. Heads up, the Chilean side climbs even higher, topping out at 15,853 feet at Portezuelo Paranal. From Jujuy, it's mostly uphill to Jama (217 miles to be exact!). Once you conquer the pass, it’s still another 100 miles to San Pedro – but hey, it's downhill from there!

Driving the RN149 to Abra del Colorado in San Juanhard

Driving the RN149 to Abra del Colorado in San Juan

🇦🇷 Argentina

Hey adventure seekers! Let me tell you about Abra del Colorado, a must-see mountain pass in Argentina's San Juan Province. Picture this: you're cruising along at 2,629m (8,625ft), surrounded by the raw beauty of the Andes. This isn't just any drive; it's a key route connecting the Iglesia and Calingasta valleys, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the towering Andean peaks. The landscape here is something else – a dry, almost Martian terrain with reddish soil that gives the area its name, "Colorado." You'll be driving on Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149), a smooth, fully paved road that stretches for 88.3 km (54.86 miles) from Bella Vista towards the junction with the RP436, en route to Talacasto. Now, a word of caution: you're in high mountain territory. Keep an eye out for sudden gusts of wind—the notorious Zonda can really test your driving skills! Cyclists, take note! This pass is legendary, the ultimate stage of the Vuelta a San Juan. Even if you're not a pro, you'll feel like one as you tackle this climb. The gradients are forgiving, mostly around 5-6%, but it's the sheer length and the desert heat that'll challenge you. The final 15 kilometers are the stuff of legends, winding through a rocky canyon before you finally reach that high-altitude plateau. Trust me, the sense of accomplishment is unreal! For drivers and cyclists, this climb is an epic experience, a unique taste of the Argentinian Andes that you won't soon forget.

Laguna Lulicochaextreme

Laguna Lulicocha

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're headed to Laguna Lulicocha, a stunning alpine lake nestled way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the province of Pasco. We're talking a lung-busting 4,285 meters (that's 14,058 feet!) above sea level. The road to get there? It's called PA-106, and let's just say it's not for the faint of heart (or your brand-new car!). Seriously, think twice before attempting this one in anything but a sturdy 4x4. You'll be navigating some seriously rough terrain. Expect a narrow, winding path with several unlit tunnels thrown in for good measure. Keep your eyes peeled, because this area is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, not to mention the sneaky patches of ice that can appear out of nowhere. The climb is brutal, and the air gets thin, really thin. Most folks start feeling the altitude around 2,500-2,800 meters, so be prepared. By the time you reach the top, oxygen is definitely at a premium! But trust me, the incredible scenery and the feeling of accomplishment are totally worth it.

Highest roads of Boliviahard

Highest roads of Bolivia

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Bolivia, a South American giant the size of California and Texas put together, is a land of extremes! Think Himalayas-level mountains but smack-dab in the Andes. This country's got it all: sky-high peaks, the desolate Altiplano plateau, and crazy-steep, humid valleys. If you're a driver seeking adventure, you're in the right place. Prepare for some seriously high-altitude driving, with roads that hug cliff faces and hairpin turns that will make your jaw drop. You'll find some of the highest, most remote, and utterly breathtaking mountain passes you could ever imagine on this continent. Some top contenders for epic drives include the Portezuelo Sairécabur, the road to Minas San Pablo Lipez, the international Chungara-Tambo Quemado Pass, and tackling Ollague Volcano—one of South America's highest routes. Get ready for the ride of your life!