Travelling through the dangerous Karkatera Tunnels

# Túneles de Karkatera: Peru's Heart-Pounding Mountain Drive

Ready for a serious adrenaline rush? Head to Peru's Apurímac region, just north of Abancay, where the infamous Túneles de Karkatera awaits the brave—and honest-to-goodness, only the brave.

This unpaved mountain road hugs the right bank of the Pachachaca river and is legitimately terrifying. We're talking a narrow, winding stretch with a jaw-dropping 1,500-meter drop straight down to the canyon below. Two cars can't pass each other, so you're committed once you start. If you're new to extreme driving, this isn't your training ground—seriously consider skipping it or hiring a local guide.

The road's claim to fame? Three tunnels carved right into the mountainside, ranging from 5 to 50 meters long. It's genuinely impressive engineering, and the tunnels have become quite the tourist attraction lately. Fair warning though: if heights make you queasy, keep your eyes on the road ahead and resist the urge to look out the window.

The payoff? Stunning vistas of the Pachachaca river canyon unfold around every hairpin turn. The key to tackling this route safely is timing—stick to the dry season between April and October, and absolutely drive during daylight hours. Night driving here is a recipe for disaster.

This one's for experienced drivers only who crave an unforgettable—if slightly terrifying—mountain adventure.