The dangerous road to Caranavi is not for the faint of heart
Bolivia, south-america
61.7 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
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!
Where is it?
The dangerous road to Caranavi is not for the faint of heart is located in Bolivia (south-america). Coordinates: -16.4884, -63.5726
Road Details
- Country
- Bolivia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 61.7 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -16.4884, -63.5726
Related Roads in south-america
extremeCerro Juquel: Driving the steep 9.5% climb in Potosí, Bolivia
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Deep in the Potosí Department of southwestern Bolivia lies Cerro Juquel, a mountain peak soaring to 4,612m (15,131ft). This landmark pierces the desolate Andean landscape, offering access to a communication tower via a seriously dramatic, technical road. The views? Absolutely insane – think salt flats stretching forever and stark volcanic terrain. Your adventure kicks off near Hostal De Sal La Escondida, that cool salt hotel you'll find in the Altiplano. From there, the track claws its way up the dry, rocky mountainside of the Potosí region. It’s a land of pure isolation, sculpted by volcanic minerals and super thin air. The climb is 9.01 km (5.60 miles) long, and as you gain altitude, the ground gets looser and more technical. This is not for the faint of heart (or the 2WD). Yep, the road to the summit is 100% unpaved. It's a narrow, rocky track demanding a 4x4 beast. The trail is super steep, featuring 19 hairpin turns that will have you gripping the wheel. These switchbacks are tight and often have significant drop-offs, so maybe skip this one if you're scared of heights. The surface is high-altitude gravel and volcanic soil, which can get slippery, especially on those ramps where the 9.5% gradient makes your engine scream. The real challenge of Cerro Juquel is that brutal combo of steepness and altitude. Over those 9 km, you'll gain 856 meters in elevation, resulting in an average gradient of 9.5%. Up at 4,600+ meters, your engine will struggle with the lack of oxygen, seriously impacting power. Low-range gearing is a must to keep things smooth through those hairpins. The communication tower at the top is your final destination, but the real reward is that mind-blowing panorama of the desolate Potosí wilderness – a view few travelers ever witness. Weather here is harsh and unpredictable. Even in the dry season, high winds are a constant, making steering tricky on the exposed hairpins. Temperatures plummet the moment the sun dips, often well below freezing. If you encounter any moisture, the volcanic dust transforms into a super-slippery paste, turning that 9.5% grade into a dangerous slide. Always check local conditions and pack recovery gear, extra fuel, and warm layers before ditching the salt plains.
extremeJourney Through the Depths: Exploring Peru's Challenging Cotahuasi Canyon Road
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Cotahuasi Canyon Road in Peru! About 124 miles from Arequipa, deep in the Southern Andes, lies Cotahuasi Canyon, a contender for the world's deepest. We're talking a whopping 11,595 feet down, dwarfing even the Grand Canyon! Think mind-blowing views, traditional farms clinging to the steep slopes, and remnants of ancient civilizations. Now, let's talk about the drive. This isn't a Sunday cruise, folks. This 22-mile stretch from Cotahuasi to Quechualla is strictly 4x4 territory. Imagine a narrow, unpaved ribbon clinging to the canyon's edge. We're talking hairpin curves, serious drop-offs, and a bumpy, uneven surface that'll test your skills. No guardrails here, so keep your eyes on the road (and maybe a little prayer in your heart). Plan for a full day of travel because you’ll be going slow and steady! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Think rugged mountains, lush valleys, and terraced farms stretching as far as the eye can see. Keep an eye out for the snow-capped Misti Volcano early on. Later, you'll pass through the town of Corire, home to the ancient Toro Muerto Petroglyphs – seriously cool cave paintings! Finally, wind through the lush Cotahuasi Valley with those rolling hills and maybe even spot an Andean condor soaring overhead. When to go? Aim for the dry season, June to September. Warm days, cool nights, and most importantly, dry roads! And don't forget to pack comfy clothes, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Get ready for an unforgettable Peruvian adventure!
hardHow to get by car to Tocorpuri Volcano on the border of Chile and Bolivia?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Ready for an epic adventure? Head to the Chile-Bolivia border and discover the incredible Volcán Tocorpuri. A mining road snakes its way up this dormant volcano, climbing to a staggering 5,563 meters (that's over 18,251 feet!). It's seriously one of the highest roads you'll find here. You'll find Tocorpuri, also known as Michina, Cerro de Tocorpuri, or Cerros de Tocorpuri straddling the border between Chile (Antofagasta) and Bolivia (Potosí). The volcano itself is ancient, formed from old lava flows and volcanic debris. The latest activity was around 34,000 years ago, but there's still geothermal action nearby, possibly linked to the El Tatio geysers. The road itself? It's a beast! Built for sulfur mining, this unpaved, sandy track winds up the Bolivian side. You'll need a 4x4 for sure. Expect a nail-biting 90 km (56 miles) drive from Quetena Grande, complete with narrow sections and a whole lot of hairpin turns. The views? Absolutely breathtaking, but keep your eyes on the road!
extremeHow to Get by Car to Laguna Canchiscocha, Laguna Fudococha, and Laguna Tayacocha in the Cordillera Negra?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a seriously epic road for you: the route to Laguna Canchiscocha, Laguna Fudococha, and Laguna Tayacocha in Peru's Yungay Province. Nestled way up in the Ancash Region, in the Huaylas Valley, this trio of high-mountain lagoons is worth the trek, but be warned: it's not for the faint of heart! The road is a beast – unpaved, rocky, and clinging to the side of the Cordillera Negra range with zero guardrails. Think serious drop-offs and a few hairpin turns right at the end to keep you on your toes. You'll top out at a staggering 4,561m (14,963ft), so keep an eye on the weather, as fog is a frequent visitor. This is seriously remote, so rally your crew. You'll need a 4x4 for this one; anything less just won't cut it. Starting from Abra Tsactsapunta, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 4,472m (14,671ft), you've got a wild 8.9 km (5.5 miles) to go. Trust me, the views of those lagoons at the end make it all worthwhile!