Infiernillo Canyon is by no means an easy road
Peru, south-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Cruising through Peru? You HAVE to check out the Infiernillo Canyon in the Huarochirí Province, just outside of Lima. The Rímac river has carved this absolutely stunning gorge, and the road that snakes through it is something else.
We're talking the Carretera Central del Peru, the country's main artery, and yeah, it's completely paved. But don't let that fool you, this isn't your average highway. This road is a beast! It climbs dramatically from Lima towards La Oroya, so get ready for some serious switchbacks and steep grades.
Opened back in '35 after a decade of hard labor cutting through solid rock, this road is essential, but also notorious. It's known as one of Peru's most dangerous routes due to those crazy curves and the impatience of drivers trying to pass slower vehicles. Tragically, it sees a high number of accidents. Plus, nature throws a wrench in things regularly. Landslides and heavy snowfall often shut it down, especially during the rainy season from December to March. Expect delays! But even with the challenges, the views and the sheer audacity of this road make it an unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
Infiernillo Canyon is by no means an easy road is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.9616, -75.1787
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -8.9616, -75.1787
Related Roads in south-america
hardQuebrada Blanca
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Quebrada Blanca in Chile's Tarapacá Region is calling your name! This insane mountain pass tops out at a staggering 4,389 meters (that's nearly 14,400 feet!), so get ready for some serious altitude. Nestled deep within the Andes, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think gravel, rocks, bumps galore – the A-85 road is a real off-road challenge. You'll definitely need a 4x4, and a healthy dose of courage. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. It's steep, it's high, and if it's wet, it's going to be muddy and tough. Winter? Forget about it, probably impassable. But hey, if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a thrill, this is your playground. The views from up here? Totally worth it.
extremeHow to drive the challenging Carretera 104 from Jauja to San Ramon?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Carretera 104 in Peru's Junín Region! This wild ride connects Jauja and San Ramón, snaking along the eastern Andes. It's the ultimate shortcut between the highlands and the Chanchamayo Province. Forget pavement, this 123 km (76-mile) stretch is pure, unadulterated dirt road. Get ready for crazy steep inclines, hairpin turns galore, and an oxygen-thin summit at 4,428m (14,527ft) near Laguna Corazon. Trust me, your engine will feel it! Heads up: you'll be mesmerized by lagoons and waterfalls, but there are zero guardrails. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential, especially when it rains. This area is notorious for landslides. But the views! As you descend over 3,600 meters towards San Ramón, prepare for a tropical transformation. Humidity skyrockets, the landscape explodes with green, and fog hangs thick in the air. And watch out – some waterfalls actually cascade *onto* the road! The final descent can be super slick due to the mud. Get ready for an epic (and slightly hairy) adventure!
hardParque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure awaits just 12km west of Ushuaia, "the end of the world," along Ruta Nacional 3! You'll find yourself cruising through Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego – the southernmost slice of Andean-Patagonian forest. Be warned, though, the road turns to gravel, so keep your speed down to 40km/h and stick to the designated routes. But trust me, it's worth it for the views! We're talking waterfalls, dense forests, jagged mountains, and shimmering glaciers – the scenery is seriously epic. Keep an eye on the weather, too, because the wind here is a wild card. Seriously, gusts can reach up to 130km/hour and come at you from any direction, making driving a bit of a challenge. Finally, look out for that sign marking the end of the road, a simple map that confirms it: you've reached the end of the line, the bottom of Argentina, and maybe even the world!
extremeA wild road to Cerro Rico, the silver mountain that eats men
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cerro Rico, the "Rich Mountain" of Bolivia! This iconic, cone-shaped peak, also called Cerro Potosí, sits way up high in the Andes, clocking in at a staggering 15,616 feet above sea level. Okay, a bit of history: this mountain is legendary for its massive silver deposits that fueled the Spanish Empire back in the day. Imagine, the world's largest industrial complex in the 16th century! Today, it's still mined for zinc, tin, tungsten, lead, copper, and even a little silver. Now, getting to the top is where the adventure really kicks in. The road is completely unpaved, twisting and turning with hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. And hold on tight, because some sections are incredibly steep, with gradients reaching a maximum of 15%! Be warned, though, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Due to extensive mining over centuries, the mountain is unstable and riddled with tunnels, making it a potentially hazardous climb. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep your eyes on the road – you'll need them!