Driving through the defiant Garganta del Diablo

Located in the province of Yauyos, in the Lima Region of Peru, the road through the Ushco canyon is, truly, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. It’s called Garganta del Diablo (Devil's throat).

Garganta del Diablo

Is Garganta del Diablo paved?

Tucked away within the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve, Ushco canyon road is part of the main 24 Nacional Route. The road is totally paved but extremely challenging due its narrowness. Road is sign-posted as 3.2m wide but there are some serious rock overhangs at around 3.4m high. The adrenaline and the danger increase if it is at night.  How long is Garganta del Diablo?Be careful: this road is not for the sissies. One mistake can have serious consequences. The most challenging part of the drive through the Ushco canyon is 10.8 km (6.71 miles) long. It has been nicknamed Garganta del Diablo (Devil's throat). Its huge rock formations hide many stories, feelings and sounds that are discovered when passing by. 

Is Garganta del Diablo difficult?

The road features 3 unlit tunnels, totally impassable for 2 cars at the same time, so proceed cautiously and hope no other vehicles come from the other direction. Not recommended if you don't know how to reverse. Being one-way and not having traffic signs, it is common for cars to meet in opposite directions. There, the driver who has more space must go back to give way to the car that comes on the other side. The drive is stunning, running along the bottom of very deep, narrow, winding and beautiful canyon.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez

 

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.