
Driving through the defiant Garganta del Diablo
Peru, south-america
10.8 km
3.4 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Garganta del Diablo ("Devil's Throat") in the Lima Region of Peru! This road punches right through the Ushco canyon in the Yauyos province, and it’s an unforgettable experience.
You'll find this gem winding its way through the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve as part of Route 24. The pavement is smooth, but don’t let that fool you. This 10.8 km (6.71 miles) stretch is seriously narrow, with sections only 3.2m wide and rock overhangs dipping down to around 3.4m. Night driving? Double the adrenaline, double the danger!
Picture this: a stunning, winding canyon with rock formations that seem to whisper secrets as you pass. The road snakes along the bottom, super deep and narrow. But hold on – there are three unlit tunnels to navigate. They're so tight, only one car can pass at a time. Hope you're good at reversing, because meeting oncoming traffic is common, and someone's gotta yield! This isn't a drive for the faint of heart, but if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it.
Where is it?
Driving through the defiant Garganta del Diablo is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.6329, -74.8987
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 10.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3.4 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -9.6329, -74.8987
Related Roads in south-america
hardLaguna Yantac
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because today we're heading to Laguna Yantac! This stunning, sky-high lake sits way up in the Peruvian Andes, in the Junín Region, at a whopping 4,641 meters (that's over 15,000 feet!). Reaching this beauty isn't for the faint of heart. The road is gravel, so a 4x4 is definitely your best bet. Think dramatic cliff edges without guardrails—thrilling, right? The ascent is brutal, the air gets seriously thin (altitude sickness is a real possibility!), and the steepness is…well, let's just say your car will get a workout. But trust me, the incredible scenery makes it all worthwhile!
hardThings to Know Before Driving the Paved Road to Abra Lliullita
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Lliullita! This beast of a mountain pass climbs to a staggering 4,645m (15,239ft) in the Apurímac Department of Peru. Nestled in the southern Peruvian Andes, this route, also called Abra Llullita, will take your breath away - literally! Historically a vital trade route, now it's more about the thrills and views. Speaking of views, near the top you’ll find the incredible Laguna de Lliullita, a must-see for fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. The road itself? It’s fully paved and known as Carretera 3SF, but don't let that fool you. Expect endless twists, turns (hairpins galore!), and some seriously steep climbs. If you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out! It's a consistent 45km ascent from Vilcabamba, but the good road surface and lack of traffic make it manageable. After conquering the summit lakes, prepare for a rapid 1,500m descent into Lambrama. The whole route stretches 135km (83 miles) from Vilcabamba to Abancay. A word of warning: the altitude is no joke. Take it easy and acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness! Trust me, the views are worth the effort.
moderateIs the road to Cruz del Cóndor paved?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, picture this: you're in Peru, high up in the Andes in the Department of Arequipa. You're headed to Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, a spot that sits at a whopping 3,794m (12,447ft)! This place is *the* place to be if you want to witness the legendary Andean Condor soaring through the sky. The drive itself? Mostly smooth sailing on paved roads (we're talking AR-109, baby!), but keep an eye out for some unpaved sections to keep things interesting. It's a 22km (13.67 miles) hop from Pinchollo to Cabanaconde, winding through incredible mountain scenery. Seriously, this is one of Peru's top spots for a reason. You're not just looking at a canyon (one of the deepest in the world, by the way), but also breathtaking views of the whole region. And, of course, the condors! Get there early (7-9am is prime time) to beat the crowds and get the best views of these magnificent birds. You'll find a cross marking the spot, and a small wall for safety. Hit it up between May and November for the best weather. Plus, you're near Oquepuño Pass and Patapampa Pass, some of the highest paved roads and passes in South America, so you can make a real adventure of it!
hardDriving the wild Cuesta del Lipán to Abra de Potrerillos in Jujuy
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: You're in Argentina, in the province of Jujuy, ready to tackle the incredible Abra de Potrerillos! This mountain pass is a beast, sitting way up at 4,192 meters (13,753 feet). The whole thing is part of National Route 52, connecting Purmamarca to Santuario de Tres Pozos via Salinas Grandes, stretching about 80 kilometers (almost 50 miles). The road is totally paved, thankfully. The real star here is the Cuesta del Lipán, or Lipan Slope. Get ready for some serious switchbacks as you climb about 2,000 meters in just 17 kilometers from Purmamarca! There's a viewpoint near the top where you can really appreciate the engineering marvel that this road is. Keep in mind the elevation! You might find yourself a little breathless, so take it easy. The scenery is epic, so be sure to soak it all in as you wind your way up and down.