Kahuish Tunnel is one of the world's highest tunnels
Peru, south-america
N/A
4,516 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Peruvian Andes in the Ancash region, right? Boom! You hit the Tunel de Kahuish, a mind-blowing tunnel at a whopping 14,816 feet above sea level. Seriously, this place is HIGH!
You'll find it nestled in Huascarán National Park, surrounded by the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Oh, and don't miss the giant Christ statue (Cristo Blanco) watching over the valley just past the tunnel – photo op alert!
Fun fact: they started building this tunnel way back in 1927, and it was a tough job, with lots of dynamite and a few accidents. But hey, they finished it in 1941, and gave it a makeover in 2007.
You'll drive it on the AN-110 road connecting Huaraz and Chavin. This tunnel basically cuts through the Cordillera Blanca, taking you from the Santa River valley to the Marañon valley. The west side of the road is smooth sailing on pavement, but watch out – the east side gets a little rougher with mostly unpaved sections.
The tunnel itself is pretty long at around 1,587 feet, and it's pitch black inside, so be prepared! It's the highest point on the main road, and there's no way around it, so cyclists, you're going through! Get ready for an unforgettable Andean adventure!
Where is it?
Kahuish Tunnel is one of the world's highest tunnels is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.1396, -74.6881
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,516 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -9.1396, -74.6881
Related Roads in south-america
hardDriving the stunning Camino Minero Veladero
🇦🇷 Argentina
Craving an epic adventure in Argentina? Look no further than Camino Minero Veladero, a mind-blowing route through the San Juan Province Andes! Starting near Rodeo, this unpaved, but well-maintained road winds 181 km (112 miles) to the Veladero gold and silver mine, practically on the Chilean border. Hold on tight for 624 turns and some seriously steep sections – we're talking up to 13% gradients! This road isn't for the faint of heart, with elevations soaring to a staggering 4,878 m (16,003ft) above sea level at Portezuelo de Conconta. Keep in mind that Mother Nature can be a bit wild here. Daytime temps can plummet to -20°C, and winter nights can reach a bone-chilling -50°C. Add winds up to 120 km/h, and you've got a true test of endurance! Best to tackle this one during daylight hours, as night driving is definitely not recommended. Plus, it's usually closed to private vehicles in the winter. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking!
hardCurvas de Huanchaca: 24 Switchbacks on a Narrow and Steep Road
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for the Curvas de Huanchaca, a wild ride through the Peruvian Andes! This road, snaking along the border of Cusco and Apurimac, is famous for its mind-boggling series of 24 hairpin turns. Seriously, it's one of the most intensely switchbacked roads on the planet, promising a drive that's both spectacular and maybe a little dizzying. You'll find this beauty in the southern highlands of Peru, nestled in the Urubamba Valley, about 40km west of Cusco. It's known locally as Curvas de Huallpachaca too. Route 3SF has been recently paved and even though it's barely wide enough for one car in places, most vehicles can handle it. But don't let the fresh pavement fool you – this road is a challenge! Those 24 switchbacks are carved right into the rock, and there are no guardrails to keep you from the sheer drop-offs. If you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the road ahead! This incredible feat of engineering climbs steeply through the mountains, maxing out at a 17% gradient in some sections. The intense part is 12.5km (7.76 miles) long, starting at the Puente Huallpachaca over the Apurimac river at 2,142m (7,027ft) above sea level and topping out at 2,901m (9,517ft) asl. That's a whopping 759 meters of elevation gain, averaging out to a 6.07% gradient. Trust me, you'll feel it!
moderateCamino al Sol de la Mañana: a challenging track to Cerro Sanabria
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the Bolivian Andes, in the surreal Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. You're about to tackle Cerro Sanabria, a mountain pass that tops out at a staggering 15,892 feet! Forget pavement, this is a 30-mile dirt track called Camino al Sol de la Mañana, and you'll need a 4x4 to even think about attempting it. The entire route stays above 13,000 feet, so that thin mountain air will definitely get your attention. You'll be winding your way from the stunning Laguna Colorada to the tiny village of Quetena Chico. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure!
extremeAn unforgettable road to Cuesta Codoceo
🇨🇱 Chile
Hey adventure seekers! Ever heard of Cuesta Codoceo (aka Portezuelo Codoceo)? This high-altitude mountain pass sits way up at 4,342m (14,245ft) in Chile's Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, Atacama Region. You'll find it along Ruta 31-CH, a 280 km unpaved road that's totally doable in most cars when it's dry. The route kicks off in Copiapó and winds its way to the Argentinian border. Expect a well-maintained gravel track, where even a 2WD with decent clearance can handle it safely at low speeds. Now, heads up: the climb is brutal! Seriously, the lack of oxygen will test your limits, and the steepness is no joke. Keep an eye on the weather – sudden snowstorms and blizzards can make things super tricky. Plus, it's a desert climate, so expect wild temperature swings between hot days and freezing nights. Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a little gravel track at the top that climbs even higher to Portezuelo Caballo Muerto at 4,410m (14,468ft). But the real reward? The stunning scenery! You'll be cruising through remote areas, including the breathtaking Salar de Aguas Calientes. Trust me, this is an unforgettable experience!