What are the highest roads in Peru?
Peru, south-america
2,414 km
6,096 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Peru. Not just the beaches, but the real heart of it – the Andes Mountains! We're talking about almost 1,500 miles of pure, unadulterated mountain majesty. These aren't just hills, people; these are colossal, ice-crowned peaks scraping the sky at over 20,000 feet. Seriously breathtaking.
Now, to experience this firsthand, you've gotta drive. And let me tell you, the roads here? Epic. Think winding, high-altitude routes that'll challenge your driving skills and reward you with views you won't believe are real. We're talking some of the highest, most remote roads on the planet. Get ready for an adventure!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Peru? is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -8.7739, -73.8832
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 2,414 km
- Max Elevation
- 6,096 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -8.7739, -73.8832
Related Roads in south-america
extremeThe dangerous road to Caranavi is not for the faint of heart
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Bolivian Yungas, near the infamous Death Road, lies the road to Caranavi, and let me tell you, it's an adventure! Picture this: a mostly dirt track clinging to the mountainside, barely wide enough for one vehicle, with a raging river on one side and sheer drops on the other. This isn’t a Sunday drive. We're talking serious pucker-factor here. Expect heavy traffic, blind corners, and a road that laughs in the face of rain. One wrong move and… well, let's just say you don't want to find out. Stretching for about 62 kilometers (38 miles) from Coroico to Caranavi, this section of Ruta Nacional 3 is a wild ride through breathtaking (and slightly terrifying) scenery. Mountains, cliffs, and precipices abound. Just keep your eyes on the road, because you definitely don’t want to miss the next turn!
hardWhere is the SC-390 road?
🇧🇷 Brazil
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the southeast of Santa Catarina, Brazil, on SC-390 (aka Rodovia Daniel Brüning), and it's like you've entered a postcard. This isn't just any road; it's a wild 12.87km (8 miles) of paved switchbacks clinging to the Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain range, hitting a peak elevation of 1,465m (4,806ft). Built way back in 1903, this road throws you into a world of hairpin turns – we're talking 250 of them! The average gradient is a steep 9.2% as you descend from nearly 4,800 feet to sea level in just eight miles. Watch out for those crags and deep ravines! On clear days, you can even glimpse the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 100 km (62 mi) in the distance. And the views? Lakes, waterfalls, native critters, and mind-blowing nature everywhere you look. This area is straight-up one of Brazil's most gorgeous spots. Plus, there’s usually very little traffic. Heads up: while the road's lit by wind turbines, winter (June-August) can get super foggy. Summer's your best bet, but even then, keep an eye on the weather. The average temp hangs around 12° C due to the altitude and ocean proximity, but nearby Sao Joaquim da Serra can dip below freezing with snow in the winter!
extremeLM-106 is a Peruvian epic road through the iconic Catajambo Canyon
🇵🇪 Peru
Get ready for an epic Peruvian adventure on Carretera 106 (LM-106)! This 140 km (87-mile) route winds its way from the coastal town of Pativilca, soaring up to Cajatambo high in the Andes. Prepare for a serious climb! You'll start practically at sea level (54m / 177ft) and ascend to a breathtaking 3,457m (11,341ft). The road's fully paved as of 2019, but let's just say the asphalt isn't winning any awards. Plus, be warned: some sections narrow to less than 3 meters, and sheer drop-offs are common, so keep your eyes on the road! Despite the challenges, this drive is a feast for the eyes. You'll carve through the dramatic Catajambo Canyon and tackle the infamous "Subida a Cajatambo," a dizzying section boasting 25 hairpin turns. The views alone are worth the white knuckles!
hardHuachococha Pass
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising through central Peru's Ancash region and have a serious craving for off-the-beaten-path thrills, Paso Huachococha is calling your name. Nestled high in the Cordillera Blanca at a whopping 4,366 meters (14,324 feet), this mountain pass is not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpiness as you connect San Luis and Cajay. This is a 4x4-only zone for experienced drivers who aren't afraid of heights. Seriously, this trail is steep! But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with scenery that'll blow your mind. Giant glaciers loom in the distance, and a stunning lagoon and mountain refuge await you at the top. Just be warned: this area is prone to heavy mist, so keep an eye on the weather and maybe skip it if visibility is low. Muddy conditions can also make things extra tricky, so be prepared. This isn't just a road; it's an epic journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Peru has to offer!