Cañón del Pato :
An exceptional passage between the two mountain ranges

The journey through the Cañón del Pato is divided into several distinct stages. Each has its own characteristics, number of tunnels and points of interest. This breakdown helps to better understand the organisation of this extraordinary route.

First stage: from the Callejón de Huaylas to the hydroelectric plant

The first stage begins at the northern end of the Callejón de Huaylas and continues to the Cañón del Pato hydroelectric plant. It covers about 12.5 kilometres and passes through tunnels numbered 1 to 35.

It is in this first section that most of the tunnels carved into the living rock are concentrated. The road here is particularly narrow and follows the course of the Santa River close to the walls.

The Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo hydroelectric plant

The Cañón del Pato hydroelectric plant, also known as Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo, is one of Peru's most important energy facilities. Inaugurated on 21 April 1958, it was the first Peruvian facility built inside the mountain itself.

From the plant, high-voltage transmission lines run, supported by towers that climb the Black Mountain Range through the abra de Tocanca, located at 4,700 metres above sea level. These lines feed the Sistema Eléctrico Interconectado Nacional (SEIN) and supply a large part of the country's north and centre.

Second stage: from Huallanca to Chuquicara

After Huallanca, the town where the railway from Chimbote once ended, the road passes through an additional tunnel (number 36) before beginning the second stage of the canyon.

This second section runs between the Huarochirí bridge (at the junction towards La Pampa and Corongo) and the limit of the canyon. It covers about 8 kilometres and includes the tunnels numbered 37 to 44.

Further west, two additional tunnels (45 and 46) mark the stretch leading to Chuquicara. Beyond that, the road continues its descent towards the coast and joins the Panamericana Norte near the town of Santa, between Chimbote and the bridge over the Santa River.

The Cañón del Pato road is regularly cited among the most extreme and dangerous routes in Peru, and more widely in South America. Its reputation rests on very specific characteristics.

Why the Cañón del Pato is considered extreme

The road is very narrow: on many segments, only one vehicle can pass at a time. It is built on the route of an old single-track railway, which explains this reduced width.

The precipices bordering the road are deep and, in several areas, no safety barrier protects against the void. A simple slip can send a vehicle plunging down to the Santa River.

The tunnels, 35 main ones in total, are narrow, dark and often unlit. They allow only one vehicle to pass at a time, requiring constant vigilance.

Finally, the climate plays a major role: during the rainy season, landslides and falling rocks can block the road or make the ground slippery.

Precautions to take on the road

Several recommendations come up regularly for travelling this route in the best safety conditions.

It is advisable to drive only during the day, as visibility is better and the road safer. Before entering each tunnel, it is recommended to sound your horn to signal your presence to oncoming vehicles. Speed must be reduced and driving must remain cautious at all times.

Access to the Cañón del Pato is mainly from two hubs: the town of Caraz, to the south, and the coastal city of Chimbote, to the west. In both cases, the journey follows the course of the Santa River and crosses part of the canyon.

Access from Caraz and Huaraz

From Caraz, you first cover 3 kilometres of asphalt towards Yuracoto, accessible by taxi, private vehicle or as part of an organised tour from Huaraz. From Yuracoto, the road becomes unpaved and leads to Huallanca in about one hour.

For travellers starting from Huaraz, it is possible to take a bus from the city terminal or to opt for private transport. The journey to Caraz forms the first part of the route.

Access from Chimbote

From Chimbote, the first stretch leads to Chuquicara in about an hour and a half by road. From there, allow about two additional hours to reach Huallanca, going up the canyon from the west.

This route offers a different approach to the canyon, starting from the coast and gradually penetrating the Andes.

Practical tips for the visit

The high-altitude sun is quickly felt. It is advisable to bring sunscreen and a hat or cap. Temperatures vary widely during the day: bring light clothing but also a warm jacket.

If possible, visiting by private vehicle allows you to choose your own pace and stop freely at the waterfalls and tunnels that deserve it. The route can be a significant physical effort: it is advisable to bring water and energy food such as fruit or cereal bars.

Many Huaraz agencies also offer visits to the Cañón del Pato as a private service with a local guide. Depending on the number of participants, transport is by taxi or minivan. These excursions generally focus on the first kilometres of the canyon, where the gorge is narrowest and the walls most impressive.

There are no shops along the route. Everything needed must therefore be brought from the starting point. Finally, although the site is public and accessible at any time, it is not advisable to drive the road at night: it is safer and more visible during the day.

The Cañón del Pato is not just a spectacular road: it is also a place where several activities allow you to fully enjoy the Andean natural setting.

Hiking and trekking

The canyon's natural environment is ideal for hiking. The silence of the mountains and the scale of the landscapes make this a memorable experience. Some sections of the route offer resting points suited to contemplation, in the heart of the Andean mountain ranges.

Cycling and mountain biking in the canyon

The Cañón del Pato road is particularly popular with cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts. The generally good condition of the road, the winding route and the succession of tunnels make it a sought-after itinerary. Motorcycle enthusiasts also find a route with strong character.

Photography and landscapes

Every kilometre of the route offers remarkable viewpoints. The waterfalls and suspension bridges that dot the canyon add an adventurous dimension to the experience. Photographers, amateur and experienced alike, find many opportunities to capture spectacular images.

Reaching the end of the route, travellers find themselves closest to the two mountain ranges, in an environment where the proximity to the mountains is particularly felt.

Beyond its geographical interest and its spectacular road, the Cañón del Pato has a heritage and cultural dimension that enriches the discovery of this region of Áncash.

The origin of the name "Pato"

The canyon's name comes from an old hacienda located nearby, which bore the name "Pato". This local toponym eventually came to designate the entire spectacular geographical feature, long before the construction of the road and the hydroelectric plant.

This origin reminds us that the canyon was already a landmark for local populations well before the development of the modern route.

An industrial and energy heritage

The Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo hydroelectric plant, inaugurated in 1958, is a landmark of Peru's industrial heritage. The country's first facility built inside the mountain itself, it illustrates the canyon's importance in national energy development.

The high-voltage lines that cross the Black Mountain Range through the abra de Tocanca bear witness to this technical history, still active today as they supply the national electricity grid.

The canyon in popular culture

The reputation for danger of the Cañón del Pato road has gone beyond Peru's borders. The route was notably featured in the documentary series "Rutas Mortales" produced by History Channel, which lists the world's most extreme roads.

This media recognition helped raise the canyon's profile with an international audience, while reminding viewers of the precautions needed to travel it.