
How dangerous is the road through Mantaro River Canyon?
Peru, south-america
147 km
2,939 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving an adventure that'll test your mettle (and maybe your sanity), you HAVE to check out the Cañon del Río Mantaro in Peru's Huancavelica region. This canyon is absolutely breathtaking, but fair warning: the road through it is NOT for the faint of heart.
We're talking seriously narrow stretches hugging cliffs with unprotected 200-meter drops straight into the roaring river below. Yeah, you read that right – no guardrails! This road, known as 3S, is mostly paved, but the sketchiest sections are gravel. Trust me, this isn't just a scenic drive; it's an adrenaline-pumping experience where words and pictures simply can't capture the intensity.
The route stretches for 147 km (92 miles), winding its way from Izcuchaca (at a lofty 2,939 meters above sea level) down to Huanta (at a slightly lower 2,628 meters). You'll be tracing the Mantaro River, the Amazon's most distant source. So, if you're up for a challenge and a serious dose of stunning scenery, this road trip is calling your name! Just remember to pack your courage.
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 147 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,939 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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