Volcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drives
Peru, south-america
44.3 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure through the Valley of Volcanoes in southern Peru's Arequipa province! This isn't your typical Sunday drive – it's a 44.3 km gravel track linking Andagua and the stunning Colca Canyon, and it's packed with more than 85 volcanic cones!
The Valley of Volcanoes road serves up views for days as it weaves through crazy-deep river valleys and climbs over multiple 3,000-meter mountain passes. The road is maintained, so you can safely cruise along in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle (just take it slow on those long, straight stretches!).
Trust me, this drive is a MUST. The geological formations are unreal, with volcanic rocks sculpted by nature into all sorts of animal shapes. And the photo ops? Forget about it! Seriously, charge those batteries, clear your memory cards, and prepare to snap some unforgettable shots. If you're hunting for a place that's wild, remote, and practically untouched by tourism, you've hit the jackpot!
Where is it?
Volcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drives is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.8020, -75.1238
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 44.3 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -9.8020, -75.1238
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow to reach Laguna Capalococha?
🇵🇪 Peru
Laguna Capalococha is a remote high-mountain lagoon situated at an elevation of 4,623m (15,167ft) above sea level in the Huaylas Province of Peru. Nestled deep within the Ancash Region, the road to this glacial lake is one of the most secluded and demanding tracks in the Cordillera Blanca range. Road facts: Laguna Capalococha Huaylas, Ancash, Peru (Cordillera Blanca) Wild Unpaved / Loose Rocks How to reach Laguna Capalococha? The road to the lagoon spans and runs north-south, connecting the high mountain pass of (4,289m) with the remote village of . This route is rarely mentioned in travel guides, making it a true hidden gem for those exploring the western part of the Peruvian Andes. Is the road to Laguna Capalococha dangerous? Yes, this is an extremely challenging drive. The surface is and consists of loose rocks and gravel, with absolutely no guardrails protecting drivers from the dangerous vertical drops . The track features approximately 30 sharp hairpin turns that negotiate the steep Andean slopes. Due to the technical nature of the terrain and the altitude, a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. What are the weather conditions like? At over 4,600 meters, the weather is a constant factor. The area is frequently shrouded in , which can reduce visibility to near zero in seconds. Combined with the narrowness of the track and the loose surface, driving here requires maximum concentration and experience in high-altitude environments. It is one of the most "raw" and "wild" driving experiences remaining in the Cordillera Blanca. Hints for reading Spanish road signs Driving a Wild Curvy Road to Abra Ucchuchacua 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.
hardLaguna Milluni
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to Laguna Milluni, a stunning alpine lake chilling at a whopping 4,565 meters (that's nearly 15,000 feet!) high in the Bolivian Andes' Cordillera Real. The road to Milluni Grande, as it's also known, is a gravel track that winds its way up with several hairpin turns. Be warned, though – this climb is a beast! The air gets thin *real* fast up there, so be prepared to feel the altitude. Most people start feeling the effects at around 2,500-2,800 meters. Plus, at this altitude, the road can get snowed in anytime, so check conditions before you go. But trust me, the views of the lake and surrounding peaks are totally worth the challenge.
easyWhere is San Isidro Lighthouse?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: Southern Patagonia, Chile. You're heading to the very tip of South America, to the San Isidro Lighthouse – the continent's southernmost beacon, shining since 1904! This beauty sits at the end of the Brunswick Peninsula, right on the Strait of Magellan. Built by George Slight back in the day, the area is pure Patagonia magic: mountain ranges, crazy diverse wildlife, subantarctic forests of coigüe and cinnamon trees, peatlands, glacier valleys...you name it! The road to get there? It’s Ruta 9, starting from Ciudad del Rey Don Felipe (aka Puerto del Hambre – "Port of Hunger" – a spot with a *dark* history). The road itself is a well-maintained, unpaved road that stretches for 23.6 km (14.66 miles). But here's the catch: the last 7 km (4.34 miles) are foot traffic *only*. You'll park at the "Fin de Camino" sign and hike the rest of the way on a trail that dates back to the early 1900s, hugging the coast and offering unreal views of the Strait of Magellan. Word to the wise: the lighthouse itself is pretty, but bare-bones. No water, no restrooms, and you can't even go inside! So, pack accordingly, and get ready for an adventure!
moderateA delightful yet challenging road to Páramo el Zumbador
🌍 Venezuela
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Venezuelan Andes, headed to Páramo el Zumbador, a super charming little village perched way up at 2,571m (8,435ft) in the state of Táchira. The road? It's part of Carretera Trasandina/Troncal7/Route 7, and let me tell you, it's an adventure. Think paved, but narrow, with some seriously steep sections and more twists and turns than you can count! It's not for the faint of heart, but the reward is so worth it. Páramo El Zumbador is a total gem, a must-see. This 22.6 km (14.04 miles) stretch of road linking Mesa de Aura and El Cobre is pure eye candy, with killer viewpoints that show off the stunning scenery. Trust me, you'll want to stop often for photos. Just a heads-up: it gets chilly up there, even when the sun's blazing, thanks to the strong winds. Layer up and get ready for an unforgettable drive!