The Thrilling Road of Mantaro River Canyon: A Test of Nerves and Courage

The Thrilling Road of Mantaro River Canyon: A Test of Nerves and Courage

Peru, south-america

Length

147 km

Elevation

2,939 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Huancavelica region of Peru lies the mind-blowing Cañon del Río Mantaro, and let me tell you, the road through it is NOT for the faint of heart.

We're talking seriously narrow stretches with unprotected 200-meter (650 ft) drop-offs straight into the Mantaro River – the most distant source of the mighty Amazon! This isn't just a Sunday drive; this is a white-knuckle adventure where one wrong move could be your last. History whispers tales of lives lost along this route.

Known as 3S, the road is mostly paved, but don't get complacent! The most treacherous parts are often gravel. Seriously, words can't capture the sheer intensity of this place, and pictures barely scratch the surface.

The whole stretch runs for 147 km (92 miles), snaking from Izcuchaca (2,939 m/9,642 ft above sea level) down to Huanta (2,628 m/8,622 ft). So, if you're looking for an epic road trip with a serious dose of adrenaline and scenery that will leave you breathless (if you survive!), the Cañon del Río Mantaro is calling your name. Just remember to drive carefully!

Where is it?

The Thrilling Road of Mantaro River Canyon: A Test of Nerves and Courage is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.5497, -73.1248

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
147 km
Max Elevation
2,939 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-8.5497, -73.1248

Related Roads in south-america

How long is Ruta Provincial 70?hard

How long is Ruta Provincial 70?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, picture this: you're way up in the extreme northwest of Argentina, practically on the border with Bolivia. You're about to tackle Ruta Provincial 70, a totally unpaved dirt track that's gonna test your off-road skills. The adventure kicks off where it meets the RP75, near the stunning Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument. This lake is HUGE, think 180,000 square meters, and sits way up high. Trust me, it's one of the most beautiful spots in the whole province. The route winds its way up, eventually spitting you out onto the legendary Ruta 40 (RN40) – you know, that ridiculously long highway that stretches across Argentina. Just a heads up: this road climbs seriously high, topping out at Médano de Fundiciones. You can explore the area year-round, but keep in mind that the summer months can sometimes bring access issues depending on the road conditions. So make sure you're prepared! And definitely take it slow on Cuesta del Farallon — it's not for the faint of heart.

How to get by car to Colquechaca, the highest town of Bolivia?hard

How to get by car to Colquechaca, the highest town of Bolivia?

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising (and I mean *really* cruising, because you're high up!) into Colquechaca, Bolivia, a town perched way up in the Province of Chayanta. We're talking 4,167 meters (that's 13,671 feet!) above sea level – one of the highest spots you can drive to on the planet! The name "Colquechaca" means "silver bridge" in Quechua, which hints at the area's history with silver mining. You're smack-dab in the Department of Potosí, surrounded by the stunning central Bolivian landscape. Word has it this is Bolivia's highest city, with some houses topping out at 4,235 meters (13,894 feet)! The town itself is full of Quechua culture; most of the 4,270 residents are descendants. Now, the road in is an adventure. Forget smooth asphalt; it's all unpaved and gets pretty narrow in sections. The stretch from Macha to Rancho Tarueca is only about 47.2 km (29.32 miles), but expect it to feel longer! Prepare yourself to be blown away by the views, but keep your eyes on the road!

Where is the CH-265 Road in Chile?hard

Where is the CH-265 Road in Chile?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Ruta CH-265 is a great drive located in the Aysén Region of the Chilean Patagonia. It is one of the world's most scenic drives . The road is unpredictable, grueling, unsafe and tough, but yet captivating, charming, and strikingly beautiful. Where is the CH-265 Road in Chile? The road is located in the southern part of the country and runs along the southern shore of General Carrera Lake. How long is CH-265 in the Chilean Patagonia? The road is 122 km (75.80 miles) long, running west-east from Puerto Guadal, on the Carrera Austral (Ruta 7) to Chile Chico, on the Argentinian border. How long does it take to drive CH-265 road in the Chilean Patagonia? To drive this amazingly scenic drive without stopping will take most people between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. Stunning and fascinating views completely take you over and make you forget the roughness. The route itself is stunning and you can enjoy views of a gorgeous lake, islands and adjacent forest from the cliffside overhanging the lake. Is CH-265 in the Chilean Patagonia challenging? mostly unpaved: only the last kilometers, near Argentina, are paved. It has excessive dirt, stone and sand. This route has some parts that are like a roller coaster, always going up and down. There are very dangerous curves on this road, especially as you come downhill to a sharp curve. Most of this rough road is in intense and difficult condition. This road is frequently used by people driving much faster than the speed limit. The road is dangerous, with many mountains and steep hills. Make sure you have plenty of food because there aren't any stores for 200 kilometers. Expect amazing stiff hills, wind, and rain. The road tops out at 524m (1,719ft) above sea level. Abra de la Santa Cruz: Driving the 4,597m Jujuy-Salta Boundary (RP13A) A mining road to Cerro del Carmen 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.

How to get by car to Santa Rosa Mine near Pavico?extreme

How to get by car to Santa Rosa Mine near Pavico?

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! We're heading to the Mina Santa Rosa in Peru, one of the highest mines on the planet, clocking in at a staggering 5,133 meters (that's 16,840 feet!). Picture this: you're in the southern part of Peru, straddling the border between Moquegua and Puno regions, with the imposing Arichua volcano as your backdrop. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." We're talking totally unpaved, so a 4x4 is your best friend here. Get ready for a wild ride: narrow sections, steep climbs, and enough turns to make you dizzy. From Santa Rosa, it's roughly 40 km (25 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure. But wait, there's more! You're in the Andes, so expect some serious weather. Think harsh conditions, intense sun, crazy winds, and bone-chilling temps. But hey, you’re visiting one of the ten highest mines in the world — totally worth it for the bragging rights (and the views)!