The road to San José de Parac is said to be the scary of scaries
Peru, south-america
11.2 km
3,815 m
hard
Year-round
# San José de Parac: Peru's Most Terrifying Mountain Drive
Nestled high in the Andes at a breathtaking 3,815 meters (12,516 feet), the remote mountain town of San José de Parac in Huarochirí Province will test your nerves like nothing else. And getting there? That's half the adventure—if you can call it that.
The Camino a San José de Parac is genuinely one of Peru's scariest roads, and for good reason. This 11.2-kilometer (6.95-mile) cliff-hugging route climbs 604 meters with an average gradient of 5.39%, but the numbers don't do it justice. Picture hairpin turns so tight you literally can't make them in one go—you'll need to reverse and try again. The road is unpaved, narrow enough that two cars can't pass each other, and bordered by hundreds of meters of sheer drop. Guardrails? Don't count on it.
The scenery is genuinely surreal as the road weaves through rocky terrain high above the void, but the views come with a heavy dose of adrenaline. While passenger vehicles can technically make it through, this route absolutely isn't for beginners, nervous drivers, or anyone who breaks into a cold sweat at heights. One wrong move isn't just inconvenient—it's potentially catastrophic.
Starting from San Mateo, this is a drive that demands respect, skill, and nerves of steel. It's navigable, sure, but it's definitely not for the faint of heart.
Where is it?
The road to San José de Parac is said to be the scary of scaries is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -7.5310, -72.9186
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 11.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,815 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -7.5310, -72.9186
Related Roads in south-america
hardLos Caracoles Drive Guide From Santiago to Mendoza Through High Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're itching for an epic road trip, something that'll test your nerves and reward you with views that'll blow your mind. Look no further than the route between Santiago, Chile, and Mendoza, Argentina. This isn't just crossing a border; it's conquering the Andes, that colossal mountain range that forms the backbone of South America. You'll start in the buzzing Chilean capital, but soon enough, the city fades in the rearview mirror, and you're snaking your way into the mountains. Ruta 60 starts off friendly enough, but don't be fooled. As you climb, the air gets thinner, the temperature drops, and you know you're entering serious territory. Then comes the main event: Los Caracoles, "The Snails." Trust me, the name is spot on. This stretch is a wild collection of 29 hairpin turns, one right after the other. Forget straightaways; it's all about zig-zagging up a barren mountainside. You'll go from around 2,600 feet to over 10,500 feet in a crazy short distance. And here's the kicker: many of these corners have no guardrails. Yeah, you read that right. One wrong move, and you're looking at a serious drop. The views are insane – think dizzying valleys and towering peaks – but you'll need to keep your eyes on the road. Reaching the top of Los Caracoles is only half the battle. You're now at the Paso de los Libertadores, a high-altitude pass where the weather can turn on a dime. Snowstorms and blizzards are common, especially from June to September. Ice can turn the road into a skating rink, and visibility can drop to zero. The pass sometimes closes for days or even weeks, trapping vehicles. Even in summer, keep an eye out for sudden storms and strong winds. Near the top, you'll plunge into the Túnel del Cristo Redentor, a 2-mile tunnel that bores through the mountain, connecting Chile and Argentina. It's narrow, dimly lit, and feels like entering the heart of the Andes. Altitude can mess with your car too; engines can lose power, and you might feel a little short of breath. Take it slow and steady. For the truly adventurous (and those with a serious 4x4), there's an old unpaved road that climbs even higher, topping out at nearly 12,600 feet near the Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. It's only open a few months in summer and is a raw, wild ride. Just remember, Los Caracoles is a major commercial route, so you'll be sharing the road with massive double-trailer trucks. These guys crawl up and down the steep grades, and overtaking them is risky. You'll often find yourself stuck behind them, inching along in low gear. Patience is key. Before you even think about tackling this drive, make sure you're prepared. Steep climbs, high altitude, and unpredictable weather demand respect. Check your tires, lights, and battery. A breakdown up here can be more than just an inconvenience. Finally, you'll hit the border crossing at the Complejo Fronterizo Los Libertadores. Be warned: during peak season (January–February) or after a weather closure, the wait times can be insane – sometimes 8–10 hours. Lines of cars and trucks stretch for miles, and services are limited. Pack water, snacks, and a full tank of gas. Timing is everything. If possible, travel outside peak months and check for recent closures. It could save you hours.
moderateThe World’s Fastest Downhill Mountain Bike Ride in the Atacama desert
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're carving down a mountain in the Chilean desert, wind screaming past you, scenery blurring... pure adrenaline! This isn't your average Sunday cruise; we're talking about the very slope where Austrian daredevil Max Stöckl smashed the world speed record on a stock mountain bike. We’re at Cerro "El Flaco", peaking at almost 4,000 meters. The initial slope is a heart-stopping 45 degrees, and the run is a nail-biting 1.2km blast from top to bottom. Stöckl himself said it was an exhausting 20 seconds of pure exhilaration! While I wouldn't advise trying to hit 167 km/h yourself, just imagine the view and the rush – definitely a trip for the adventurous soul.
hardHow to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, get ready for a trip to the absolute BOTTOM of the Americas! We're talking about Gran Bajo de San Julián, nestled way down in the Patagonian wilds of Santa Cruz, Argentina. Forget about sea level – we're diving to -105 meters (-345 feet)! Yeah, Death Valley's cool and all, but this place is lower, making it the ultimate low-rider experience in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Think vast, desolate landscapes: a proper desert vibe with crazy temperature swings, salty ground, and hardy plants clinging to life. It's remote, so you won't be battling hordes of tourists, but you might bump into a scientist or a fellow traveler with a serious case of wanderlust. The good news? The road in is fully paved! You'll cruise along Ruta Nacional 3, a sweet 125 km (77-mile) stretch from the historic coastal town of Puerto San Julián (Port St. Julian) to Comandante Luis Piedrabuena. So, pack your camera, fill up the tank, and prepare for a truly unique journey to one of the planet's hidden gems.
hardWhere Is Chicarhuapunta?
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Chicarhuapunta in the Peruvian highlands! Perched way up in the Cordillera Blanca range in Huaylas Province, we're talking a whopping 4,289 meters (14,071 feet) above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The 141km (88-mile) stretch from Pueblo Libre to Huambacho follows Carretera 104 (AN 104) and throws a mixed bag your way – paved bits and unpaved sections that will keep you on your toes. Oh, and potholes. Lots of them! Get ready for a climb, because you'll be gaining 1,937 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of around 5.94%, but don't get complacent – some spots crank up to a leg-burning 12%! But the views? Totally worth it.