Pato Canyon Road is a path hewn out of sheer rock
Peru, south-america
52.2 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've found a road in Peru that's going to blow your mind—and maybe make you sweat a little. It's called Cañón del Pato, or Duck Canyon, and it's hidden away in the Ancash Region.
Picture this: you're cruising along Ruta 3N, right next to the Rio Santa, carving its way through the Callejón de Huaylas. This road, about 52 km long, takes you on a wild ride from Caraz to Yuracmarca, climbing from 500m to over 2000m in elevation.
But here's the kicker: get ready for 54 tunnels blasted by hand straight through the rock! Some are so narrow, you'll be holding your breath as you squeeze through. This mostly paved road is definitely not for the faint of heart. We're talking sheer drops of up to 1000m and a single lane track where passing another vehicle is a serious challenge. Keep an eye out for falling rocks, especially during the rainy and snowy seasons when the road might just be closed. But seriously, the views are out of this world. If you're up for a bit of danger mixed with incredible scenery, Cañón del Pato is calling your name!
Where is it?
Pato Canyon Road is a path hewn out of sheer rock is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.2564, -74.5163
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 52.2 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -9.2564, -74.5163
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Llano Chajnantor?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, in the heart of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. You're heading towards the Llano Chajnantor plateau, way up in the Andes Mountains. This place is seriously remote, about 40 km east of San Pedro de Atacama, and the landscape is straight out of a sci-fi movie – so much so, they've even filmed Mars scenes here! The air is thin, almost lunar. This high-altitude spot, reaching a whopping 5,042 meters (16,541 feet), is home to ALMA, the world's largest astronomical observatory. Why here? Because the extreme dryness and clear skies are perfect for peering into the universe. Now, about getting there: the unpaved road stretches for 14.3 km (8.88 miles) from Ruta 27, winding its way up to the plateau. But here's the catch – this isn't your average road trip. The altitude is no joke. If you have respiratory issues or heart problems, seriously reconsider this one. And kids under 16? They're not allowed. Plus, only ALMA-certified vehicles and drivers with a special license can make the drive. While you may not be able to drive up there yourself, the views from the area will make your jaw drop.
hardPaso Cacanapunta
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a beast of a pass in Peru? I'm talking about Cacanapunta Pass, chilling way up high in the Ancash Region at a staggering 13,654 feet! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta shaking. Winter? Forget about it – impassable. This one's for the seasoned off-roaders. If you're not comfy on unpaved mountain roads, maybe grab a postcard instead. But hold on, because the reward is HUGE! Picture this: insane, wide-open views of the wild Huayhuash mountains. Seriously breathtaking. 4x4 highly recommended, and if heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one too. It's STEEP. And when it's wet? Muddy mayhem! Heads up: you're climbing high, so take it easy. The air gets thin, and you'll feel it. Most people start feeling the altitude around 8,200-9,200 feet, and up here near the top, oxygen is scarce. But you know what? It's SO worth it. You'll be straddling the South American Continental Divide, with views of snow-capped peaks like Ninashancaa and Rondoy, plus the stunning Pucacocha Lake. Unforgettable!
extremeLaguna Estrellani
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in Bolivia's La Paz Department and craving a serious high-altitude thrill, Laguna Estrellani is calling your name. Nestled way up in the Cordillera Real of the Andes, this stunning lagoon sits at a whopping 4,671m (that's 15,324ft!) above sea level. The road to get there? It's Carretera 3, all paved, but don't let that fool you – it's a seriously steep climb! And trust me, you'll feel every single meter. This isn't a drive to take lightly. If you're prone to respiratory issues or heart problems, maybe sit this one out. The air is THIN, and I mean seriously thin. Most people start feeling altitude sickness way lower than this, and up top, your engine (and you!) will be gasping for air with about 40% less oxygen than you're used to. Think pounding heart, labored breathing, and a general feeling of "whoa, this is intense!" Severe weather up here can make things downright treacherous, so choose your travel days wisely. But if you're prepared for the challenge and acclimatize properly, the views of the rugged Andes scenery and the shimmering Laguna Estrellani are absolutely worth the effort! Just remember to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and take it slow. You’ll be at Huanacuno-Yunchara Road. This is an unforgettable experience.
hardIs the road to Alto de Salinas difficult to drive?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alto de Salinas is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,344m (14,251ft) above sea level, located in the Bolívar province of central Ecuador. Ranking as one of the highest roads in the country , it offers a dramatic ascent into the heart of the Andean paramo. The road is a vital high-altitude corridor that connects the unique community of (also known as Salinas de Tomabela) with the higher alpine plateaus. This region is famous for its high-altitude grasslands and unpredictable weather, where the landscape is often shrouded in thick mist. Driving this route provides a raw look at the volcanic terrain of the Andes, far from the typical tourist paths of the Pan-American Highway. Road facts: Alto de Salinas Bolívar Province, Ecuador 16.6 km (10.31 miles) Is the road to Alto de Salinas difficult to drive? The journey to the summit is a true 16.6 km (10.31 miles) , the road runs west-east from the famous salt-producing village of Salinas de Guaranda towards the 491 Road. The track is and consists of loose gravel and dirt. It is a notoriously steep drive, with some ramps hitting a staggering . Due to the high altitude and the technical nature of the climb, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended to ensure enough traction and power on the steepest sections. What are the weather conditions like at Alto de Salinas? Tucked away in the high Andes, the weather at Alto de Salinas is notoriously unstable. Drivers should expect foggy, rainy, and misty conditions even during the dry season. The temperature drops significantly as you approach the 4,300-meter mark, often hovering near freezing levels. The combination of high altitude, steep inclines, and low visibility makes this one of the most demanding drives in central Ecuador. Travelers are advised to be well-prepared for the "paramo" climate and to check local conditions, as heavy rains can quickly turn the unpaved surface into a muddy and slippery track. Pic: Daniel Alejandro Arroyo Discover Ecuador's 748-Kilometer Ruta Spondylus A memorable road trip to Refugio Chiles 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.