Is Garganta del Diablo paved?
Peru, south-america
10.8 km
3.4 m
hard
Year-round
Peru's got some seriously epic drives, and the Ushco Canyon road, snaking through the Yauyos province near Lima, is right up there. Locals call it "Garganta del Diablo" – Devil's Throat – and trust me, it lives up to the name!
This stretch of the 24 Nacional Route is completely paved, which is a bonus, but don’t let that fool you. It’s *narrow*, like squeeze-through-the-rocks narrow. We're talking about a signed width of 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) with some rock overhangs as low as 3.4 meters (11.2 feet), so keep an eye on your vehicle’s height. Tackling this at night? Get ready for an adrenaline rush.
The most intense part, the actual Devil's Throat, clocks in at 10.8 km (6.71 miles). It's a jaw-dropping drive along the canyon floor, and the towering rock formations are incredible.
Now, about those unlit tunnels… They're a one-car-at-a-time situation. Proceed with major caution, and maybe say a little prayer you don’t meet another vehicle coming the other way. Reversing skills are a MUST. Since it is not a one-way road, head on collisions are common. Whoever has more space is responsible for backing up.
Despite the nail-biting moments, the views are unreal. You're driving through a super deep, winding canyon that's as beautiful as it is intimidating. Definitely one for the bucket list, but maybe not if you're a nervous driver!
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 10.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3.4 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Cardenal Antonio Samoré Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré, a mountain pass chilling at 1,306m (4,284ft) on the Chile-Argentina border. Think epic scenery! You'll find it connecting Osorno Province in Chile's Los Lagos Region to the wild beauty of Patagonia in Argentina. Fun fact: it's named after Cardinal Antonio Samoré, a peacemaker between the two countries back in the day. The whole route, previously known as Paso Puyehue, is paved – yes, fully! It’s Ruta 215 on the Chilean side and Ruta Nacional 231 once you cross into Argentina. This is one of the most accessible Argentina-Chile crossings and a rare find with smooth tarmac in this part of the world. Typically, it’s open year-round from 9 am to 8 pm, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Expect some closures. The entire pass stretches for about 102 km (63.37 miles) from Entre Lagos in Chile to the charming Villa La Angostura in Argentina. Get ready for some serious views!
moderateUnduavi Tunnel
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Tunel de Unduavi! This beast of a tunnel sits way up high in the Bolivian Andes, at a lung-busting 11,161 feet. You'll find it in the La Paz Department, smack-dab in the Cordillera Real. Seriously, this is one of the highest tunnels on the planet! It's not super long—only about 280 meters—but it's unlit, so get ready for a brief dive into darkness. You'll find it right on Ruta 3, and the good news is, the road is paved. The not-so-good news? Be prepared to share the road with plenty of big rigs. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
extremeHow to reach Laguna Capalococha?
🇵🇪 Peru
Laguna Capalococha is a remote high-mountain lagoon situated at an elevation of 4,623m (15,167ft) above sea level in the Huaylas Province of Peru. Nestled deep within the Ancash Region, the road to this glacial lake is one of the most secluded and demanding tracks in the Cordillera Blanca range. Road facts: Laguna Capalococha Huaylas, Ancash, Peru (Cordillera Blanca) Wild Unpaved / Loose Rocks How to reach Laguna Capalococha? The road to the lagoon spans and runs north-south, connecting the high mountain pass of (4,289m) with the remote village of . This route is rarely mentioned in travel guides, making it a true hidden gem for those exploring the western part of the Peruvian Andes. Is the road to Laguna Capalococha dangerous? Yes, this is an extremely challenging drive. The surface is and consists of loose rocks and gravel, with absolutely no guardrails protecting drivers from the dangerous vertical drops . The track features approximately 30 sharp hairpin turns that negotiate the steep Andean slopes. Due to the technical nature of the terrain and the altitude, a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. What are the weather conditions like? At over 4,600 meters, the weather is a constant factor. The area is frequently shrouded in , which can reduce visibility to near zero in seconds. Combined with the narrowness of the track and the loose surface, driving here requires maximum concentration and experience in high-altitude environments. It is one of the most "raw" and "wild" driving experiences remaining in the Cordillera Blanca. Hints for reading Spanish road signs Driving a Wild Curvy Road to Abra Ucchuchacua in the Andes Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere does Ruta 3 Tierra del Fuego start and end?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for the ultimate road trip on Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego! This epic 395km (245-mile) stretch is supposedly the southernmost paved road on the planet, winding its way through the breathtaking Tierra del Fuego Province of Argentina. Your adventure kicks off at Cabo Espíritu Santo, right on the Chilean border, and cruises all the way to Ushuaia, that cool little town they call the "End of the World." But wait, there's more! The road keeps going into Tierra del Fuego National Park, wrapping up at Bahía Lapataia where you'll find a sign marking the very end of the line. Now, let's talk road conditions. The path through the national park starts a bit rough and narrow, but don't worry, it gets better, turning into a fully paved road. Heads up, though—some spots can be a little rough around the edges due to maintenance issues, and you'll likely share the road with big trucks and heavy machinery. For a smooth ride, keep that gas tank full—especially in remote areas where gas stations might be MIA. You'll hit some police checkpoints at the border, so have your documents handy. Plan plenty of pit stops to soak it all in and book your stays ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months. You can drive Ruta 3 year-round, as they keep the snow cleared. That said, try to avoid April through September when the weather can get gnarly and closures are more common. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and watch out for those Patagonian winds—passing trucks can be your best friend as temporary wind shields.