Volcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drives

Volcanos Valley Road, one of the world's top drives

Peru, south-america

Length

44.3 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Peru
Continent
south-america
Length
44.3 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-9.8020, -75.1238

Related Roads in south-america

An epic road to Paso Salar Capina in the Andeshard

An epic road to Paso Salar Capina in the Andes

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I just conquered Paso Salar Capina in Bolivia, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride! We're talking seriously high altitude here – 4,654 meters (that's 15,269 feet!). You'll find this beast in the Potosí department, chilling near the Chilean border. Now, don't even THINK about attempting this without a 4x4. The road is entirely unpaved and rough as guts. Plus, the air is thin up there in the Andes, so take it easy and listen to your body. Weather can change in a heartbeat, so be prepared for anything. You'll be cruising from Villamar Mallcu to the stunning Laguna Capina, a salt lake that’s not just pretty but also known for some serious seismic activity! Buckle up, buttercups, it's an unforgettable experience!

Where Is Abra Condorillo?moderate

Where Is Abra Condorillo?

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're chasing that off-the-beaten-path thrill in Peru, Abra Condorillo is calling your name. Nestled way up high in the Arequipa region, this mountain pass tops out at a staggering 16,381 feet! Picture this: You're in southwestern Peru, smack-dab in the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a rough and ready dirt track the entire way, carved out to reach the Arcata gold and silver mine. The climb starts at around 15,400 feet, and I won't lie, it's a bit of a grunt to get started. But once you're past the mine, it mellows out into a stunningly scenic climb. Keep your eyes peeled, though – there are some seriously steep drops along the way. Expect some tight switchbacks too, but nothing too crazy. The surface can be a bit rough, but nothing your trusty 4x4 can't handle. Oh, and you'll actually drive *through* part of the mine itself! This stretch is only around 14.4 kilometers (about 9 miles) long, but you'll feel a million miles from civilization. Trust me, the views and the sheer solitude are worth it as you start a beautiful descent into the valley beyond. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Why is Termas Valle de Colina famous?hard

Why is Termas Valle de Colina famous?

🇨🇱 Chile

Okay, picture this: you're in Chile, itching for an adventure, and someone whispers about natural hot springs nestled high in the Andes. That's Termas Valle de Colina, sitting pretty at 2,500 meters! Getting there is half the fun. You'll cruise from Santiago for about 76 kilometers (almost 50 miles!) towards Argentina, following Camino Al Volcán (Ruta G-25). The road hugs a river, snaking its way deeper and deeper into the mountains. It's paved at first, but don't get too comfy. The last 10 kilometers are rocky, unpaved, and begging for a 4x4. Seriously, leave the sedan at home. Expect some steep sections! Once you arrive, it's a short 3-kilometer hike to a killer viewpoint of the San José Volcano. But the real reward? Nine natural thermal pools, terraced down the mountainside, with water temps hitting up to 50°C. Imagine soaking in those mineral-rich waters with snow-capped peaks all around – bliss! Word to the wise: check the weather. Even in summer, it can get chilly up there, especially at night. The weather can change fast, from sunny skies to misty rain, or even snow. In winter, the road's usually closed, so plan accordingly. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience!

Where is Sico Pass?hard

Where is Sico Pass?

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for an epic border crossing between Chile and Argentina, then Paso de Sico is calling your name. This high-altitude pass sits at a staggering 13,425 feet above sea level, linking the Antofagasta Region of Chile with the Salta Province of Argentina. We're talking serious Andes mountain scenery here! The journey stretches for 209 miles, winding from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to the quaint town of San Antonio de los Cobres in Argentina. On the Chilean side, expect smooth sailing on a newly paved road. But Argentina throws in some spice with a challenging unpaved section – though rumors say it may get paved soon! Keep an eye on the weather! Summer brings pleasant 23°C, but winter dips to a chilly -12°C. It’s open year-round, but those high altitudes mean things can get cold and seriously windy, so pack accordingly. Get ready for views that'll leave you breathless (literally, maybe, at that altitude!), and an experience you won't soon forget!