Driving the Camino a Pacaraos: A terrifying cliff road in Peru
Peru, south-america
2.6 km
3,331 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, picture this: you're in the Huaral Province of Peru, heading towards the remote mountain town of Pacaraos, perched way up at 3,331m (that's over 10,900 feet!). The only way up? Camino a Pacaraos.
Don't let the mere 2.6 km fool you. This isn't just a quick jaunt; it's an adrenaline-pumping ride that will test your skills and your nerves. Starting from the junction with Carretera 20C, the road winds its way up, presenting technical and psychological challenges at every turn.
Why so intense? Well, for starters, it's NARROW. Think "barely-one-vehicle-wide" narrow. And right beside you? A sheer 300-meter drop with absolutely zero guardrails. Yep, you read that right.
The entire road is unpaved gravel. Add in a bit of Andean rainfall, and you've got yourself a seriously slippery situation. Thunderstorms can turn the track into a muddy nightmare, demanding 4x4 capabilities or potentially making the road impassable altogether.
Sadly, this road has seen its share of accidents. Buses and cars have lost their grip, tumbling down those unforgiving cliffs. The psychological pressure of driving so close to the edge is immense, so caution is key!
Speaking of vehicles, a 4x4 is highly recommended, especially if there's any moisture in the air. Those steep, winding sections combined with loose gravel can seriously compromise your traction. Trust me, words and pictures can't truly capture the intensity of this mountain drive!
Where is it?
Driving the Camino a Pacaraos: A terrifying cliff road in Peru is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -6.9478, -74.5013
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 2.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,331 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -6.9478, -74.5013
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