Distance: 331 kms. Asphalted highway. Estimated duration: 6 to 7hrs.
Lima – Turn-off Pativilca (209km). North Pan American highway.
Pativilca – Conococha (122kms). Asphalted double lane highway, which passes bye Pativilca, the turn-off to Huaraz begins at km 209. There is a small post which marks the initiation at 000 kms. The first 50 kms are of a light up-hill drive but with tight and dangerous curves. Be aware of the vehicles coming on your contrary lane due to the reason that they usually come at high speed downhill. Passing Chasquitambo (Km 48), where there is a police check-point the up-hill drive from there on will become steeper until reaching 4,100 m.a.s.l the Conococha lagoon. You will pass bye the towns of Raquia, Coica (Last Petrol Station in 100 kms) and Cajacay where there is another Police Check-point. The traffic is less dense on the Carretera Central, but there are many tight curves and steep uphill drive. Ocasionally you may find on the way cow herds, please be aware of mud slides or rocks on the road as well as fog, especially in rainy season. The Village of Conococha is located in the Km 120 on this very route, but changes to Km 488 due to the reason that it crosses the route 3N which starts from La Oroya (Km 0) and reaches Huaraz and other towns of the Callejon de Huaylas.