Route from Lima Southern Highlands

LIMA-AREQUIPA-JULIACA: Distance: 1,272 kms.

Estimated Time of Duration: 20-22h. Check Out Routs Arequipa.

Lampa – Juliaca – Puno Desaguadero

Distance: 230 kms. Estimated Time of Duration: 4hrs.

Lampa-Juliaca (34 kms; 30 minutes). Route 3-S. Asphalted road in good conditions.

Juliaca-Puno (49 kms; 30 minutes). Route 3-S. Asphalted road, nearly in parallel to the west shoreline of the Titicaca Lake. Its first section crosses Caracote (Highway Toll Booth) On its right on the same section you will find a right turn which is about 17 Km before reaching Puno this is the entrance to the ruins of Sillustani (17 kms) Paucarcolla and Yanamayo.

Puno-Desaguadero (147 Kms; 3 hrs). Asphalted highway, leaving the city of Puno you will find the division to Moquegua (Route 32). Afterwards you will drive through beautiful little towns such as Chucuito, Plateria, Acora, Ilave (Toll Booth and deviation on non asphalted road to Mazo Cruz), Pomata and Zepita, where you will finally arrive in Desaguadero, border with Bolivia. Shortly after Pomata you will find the turn off to Yunguyo (Asphalted road) this is the town nearby the Bolivian city of Copacabana.

Puno-Cusco: Distance 395 Km. Estimated Time of Duration 6-7 Hrs. Please beware there various train crossings

Puno-Juliaca (49 Kms.) Route 3-S this road Section Asphalted. Please beware of Busses and small Combis which cross the road 

Juliaca-Sicuani (200 Kms). This road section is asphalted. On this road following the journey in the inverted manner Route 3-S you will cross the small towns of Calapuja (Km 1,287), Caracara, Pucara (Km 1,249), Ayaviri (Km 1,219, this is the largest town where you will find a petrol station and highway toll booth, and from there on you will start the journey towards the Canyon of Tinajani), Santa Rosa (Km 1,177) and the mountain pass known as La Raya (4, 312 m.a.s.l, which is 166 Kms from Juliaca). At this point marks the limitation of the Regional Department between Puno and Cusco where you will start descending to Sicuani passing bye the towns of Marangani (13 kms from Sicuani) and Chectuyoc.

Sicuani-Cusco (146 Kms), Route 3-S, asphalted along this section of the journey you will pass bye  numerous towns worthwhile visiting such as San Pablo, San Pedro, Tinta, Chacecupe (Where you can visit a beautiful colonial temple), Quiquijana, Urcos, Andahuaylillas (Sixteen chapel) , Oropesa, Saylla (Highway Toll Booth), San Jeronimo and San Sebastian. Also you will cross deviation roads leading to Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado and Paucartambo

Puno-Moquegua-Tacna: Distance: 412 kms.

Estimated Time of duration: 10 hrs.

Puno-Humajalso (152 kms), Route 32. Asphalted road until a little after Moroquere (This is the Regional Department Limitation between Puno and Moquegua) from there on non asphalted road, 65 Kms until Humajalso, a great part of this section is driven at 4,000 m.a.s.l. this road passes bye small towns (Laraqueri, Laripongo, Huacochullo and Titiri), there are three mountain passes known as: Laripongo at 4350 m.a.s.l, Gallatini at 4,400 m.a.s.l, and Chocajinani at 4,450 m.a.s.l and the bridge Viscacha named after the same river that flows underneath it.

Humajalso-Moquegua (109 kms) Route 34, starting from Humajalso on asphalted road you will initiate the descent towards Moquegua which is at 1,410 m.a.s.l. On the route you will pass bye the towns Chillihua (at 20 Kms) and Torata (at 67 Kms).

Moquegua-Tacna (151 kms) 5 kms from Moquegua, the route 34 (asphalted road) another 48 Kms until reaching deviation division on the southern Panamerican highway. From this point the journey continues towards the south where you will pass bye the mountain pass known as Quebrada Honda and after 88 kms you will reach the city of Tacna.

Ilo-Moquegua-Mazo Cruz-Desaguadero: Distance: 399 kms.

Estimated Journey time 6hrs.

Ilo-Moquegua (92 Kms). Route 34 Asphalted road. Starting from the main square of Ilo (Km 0), after 44 Kms on the southern Panamericana you arrive to the deviation points, here again you continue 48 Kms more and arrive at the turn-off to Moquegua.

Moquegua-Mazo Cruz (214 kms). Asphalted road, Initiation of the road with a pronounced upward drive and many curves. The first milestones on this route are Samegua and Torata (42 kms from Moquegua) from there onwards you will initiate a long journey on route over 4,000 m.a.s.l, you drive bye the deviation to Humajalso (Left), you will cross a mountain pass (4,750 m.a.s.l) you will reach at this point the Suches Lagoon you will pass nearby the Luceropata Lagoon, you will cross another mountain pass at 4,540 m.a.s.l, after crossing a bailey bridge you will arrive at Mazo Cruz. At this point you will find the deviation to Ilave (Left Turn) and to Tacna (Right Turn) both are non asphalted roads.

Mazo Cruz-Desaguadero (93 Kms). Asphalted road, continuing the straight ahead and after crossing Pichu Picchuni and the river Ccallaccame you will arrive in Desaguadero, this is a frontier city between Peru and Bolivia.

LIMA-HUANCAYO-AYACUCHO-CUSCO: Distance: 1,145 kms. Estimated duration: 28 to 32 hrs.

Lima-Huancayo (298 kms). Central and longitudinal highland asphalted road.

Huancayo-Huanta (209 kms). This road is asphalted up till Izcuchaca (first 65 km); the rest of the road is not asphalted. The exit is through Chuca and the first towns to pass bye are Huayucachi and Imperial. From Ñahuinpuquio (3,780 m.a.s.l) begins a notorious descent — in   4 km section— until reaching Acostambo (2,430 m.a.s.l). A little bit afterwards the road will start running in parallel to the train tracks and the Mantaro River, Crossing the deviation to Izcuchaca —The same road to Huancavelica — arriving at Mariscal Caceres (La Mejorada), after 10 Kms. Continue in parallel to the Mantaro River and 105 kms further you will arrive at Mayocc a town which lies 28 kms from Huanta. Huanta-Ayacucho (45 kms). Asphalted road. This road does not represent any difficulties and crosses small towns such as Ayahuarca, Huayhuas, Chupan and Checeo as well as important deviation points to Quinia and Pisco

Ayacucho-Andahuaylas (261 kms). Non asphalted road. This section which initiates at 2,760 m.a.s.l reaches up to 4,200 m.a.s.l through the mountain pass known as Toctoccasa (40 km from the passing point) and at 4,400 m.a.s.l  at the mountain passing point  Huamina (58 km from the original starting point). From there on the road starts descending after passing bye the town of Ocros and Chumbes you will also arrive at the Pampas bridge (This is the regional department limits between Ayacucho-Apurímac), continuing your journey passing bye Chincheros (2,800 m.a.s.l) and Uripa (2,900 m.a.s.l). Between this point and Andahuaylas (79 kms) you will have to cross another mountain pass known as Sorojcocha (4,150 m.a.s.l) in order to initiate a descent which culminates after 32 kms in Andahuaylas,  after having passed Santa Maria of Chicmo and Talavera, you will find the medicinal baths of Hualalachi. Andahuaylas-Abancay (138 km). Route 3-S. non asphalted road. The first town on the way is  San Jerónimo; after 7 km you will arrive at the deviation to the lagoon and the town of Pacucha, famous for its beautiful landscape. From there onwards begins a uphill drive which culminates at the mountain pass of Huayllaccasa. Afterwards the road will continue for another 25 kms above 4,000 m.a.s.l until arriving at Cruzccasa and then descends into the city of Abancay, passing bye the deviation Chalhuanca-Puquio-Nazca-Abancay-Cusco (191 kms). Asphalted road.The road ascends slowly and reaches after 38 kms after the mountain pass Socllaccasa. From there on you initiate a descend and cross the turn off to the famous ruins and stones of Saywite as well as the town of Cachora, from which marks the beginning point of the journey to the ruins of Choquequirao. Right after you will arrive at the town of Curahuasi (famous for producing one of the worlds most tasteful anis, here you will also find restaurants and petrol station) here again you start descending reaching a bridge called  Cunyac (This is the border limit between the Regional Department of Apurimac and Cusco). At this point you initiate up hill drive reaching the mountain pass of Huillqui (3,900 m.a.s.l) Last way points are Limatambo(76 kms from Cusco), Anta and the towns of Izcucacha, Pucyura, the cement company of Chimayo and Poroy.

LIMA-PISCO (Deviation point at San Clemente)- AYACUCHO-CUSCO: Distance 1,149 kms. Estimated duration: 24 to 29 hrs.

Deviation at San Clemente to Lima (227 kms) (before 229 kms). Route 1-S, Southern Panamericana. Asphalted in very good conditions.

Deviation at San Clemente to Ayacucho (331 kms). Route 24, asphalted known as the via de Los Libertadores. In this section the road starts ascending slowly towards the valley of the Pisco River (Valle del Rio Pisco) passing bye various small towns such as Independencia (at 15 kms away) Humay (31 kms) Huancano (67 kms) and Huaytara (109 kms in the Huancavelica Department),  this place is of touristical interest. Between  Humay and Huancano you will find the ruins of Tambo Colorado (At the site you will find a museum) and between Huancano and Huaytara (toll booth and Pacra Bridge) next way point is the mountain pass known as Apacheta (4,746 m.a.s.l) this is the highest point of the journey from which a slow descend starts and culminates after 97 kms in Ayacucho.

Ayacucho-Andahuaylas-Abancay (400 kms). Route 3-S nearly the whole road is non-asphalted

Abancay-Cusco (191 kms). Route 3-S, asphalted in good conditions.

LIMA-NAZCA-PUQUIO-ABANCAY-CUSCO: Distance: 1,085 km. Estimated duration: 20 to 22hrs.

Lima-Nazca (450 kms). Route 1-S. Panamericana highway, totally asphalted. Nazca-Puquio (157 km). Route 26, asphalted with many curves. Important to fill up completely your tank in Nazca. Please take note that from Nazca to Abancay you will only find petrol with 84 octane’s and diesel. This section begins at kilometre 450 of the southern Panamericana highway and takes you to the east through the Nazca Valley. Arriving at Sol de Oro ( 13 kms from Nazca) one begins an abrupt uphill climb with very dangerous curves known as the uphill drive of the drunken (Cuesta del Borracho). This route crosses the pampas of Paticorral and continues the uphill drive known as Toro Muerto, Pampas Galeras (The largest reserve of Vicunas and Alpaca of the world) and the mountain pass Condorsencca (3,960 m.a.s.l) afterwards starts to descend through the mountain opening of Lucanas, shortly afterwards you will ascend again to the town of Lucanas and 31 kms further you will arrive in Puqio.

Puquio-Abancay (287 kms). Route 26. Asphalted road. It is recommendable to drive by daylight and with a lot of care; there are many mud and stone slides on the road during the months of January and April. From Puquio (3,214 m.a.s.l) the road ascends again and crosses the mountain pass of Tauriviri (4,400 m.a.s.l) and passes bye at shot distance of the lagoon which bares the same name of the mountain pass. One crosses a large plain area, the mountain pass known as Huashuaccasa (4,300 m.a.s.l), this is the border limit between Ayacucho and Apurímac, from where you start to descend known as (Cuesta del Ciervo) after having passed bye the town Cotaruse  21 km afterwards you arrive in Chalhuanca, located 103 kms from Abancay. From this point onwards the road is asphalted, which continuous to descend through the gorge of Chalhuanca and after having crossed a variety of  small towns, you will arrive at the road which comes from Ayacucho and leads you to Abancay. The landscape and climate is just wonderful in this area and worthwhile enjoying it in summer season during daylight. Abancay-Cusco (191 kms). Route 3-S. Route totally asphalted and in perfect conditions until Cusco. Please see route aforementioned.

LIMA-AREQUIPA-CUSCO: Distance: 1,618 kms.
Estimated duration: 28-30hrs.

Lima-Arequipa (1,010 kms). Routes 1-S (Lima-Distribution Division, 974 kms) and 30-A ( Distribution Division-Arequipa, 36 kms). Road asphalted in very good state.

Arequipa-Juliaca (262 kms, 3-4hrs). Leaving from Arequipa towards Yura,  the road is asphalted up till Juliaca. After passing Yura (24 kms) you continue heading north and afterwards east boarding the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca until reaching Patahuasi (76 kms from Arequipa). At this point (from where, begins the deviation of the non-asphalted road  which leads to the mine of Tintaya and Cusco) this route enters the Reserve and crosses the towns of Pillones and Imata and arrives at the Crucero Alto station, in the regional department of Puno. Another important way point is the town of Santa Lucía. From here on its only another 61 kms to Juliaca where you also pass bye the Destua Station.

Juliaca-Sicuani (200 kms). Route 3-S, Asphalted. Starting from the main square of Jualiaca the road runs in parallel of the train rails until the town called Calapuja. From there on the road continues near the river side of Pucara, passes bye the deviation to Lampa on the left side, the deviation to Azangaro on the left and arrives at the town of  Pucara. This is a tourist attraction 62 kms from Jualiaca. From there on you pass bye a series of small villages such as Ayaviri (Toll booth  30 km from Pucará, ideal for making a small stop), Chuquibambilla (National Reserve for the preservation of Alpaca’s) and Santa Rosa ( 134 kms from Juliaca),  before reaching the mountain pass known as La Raya (4,313 m.a.s.l, 30 kms  further down). From there on initiates the slow descend, which passes bye Marangani and Chectuyoc and arrives in Sicuani, Capital of the Province of Canchis (3,550 m.a.s.l).

Sicuani-Cusco (146 kms). The asphalted route 3-S continues  in descent  and crosses the villages of San Pablo, San Pedro, Tinta, Combapata, Checacupe, Cusipata, Quiquijana, Urcos y Huaro, and arrives at Andahuaylillas (103 km far from Sicuani), in the valley of the Vilcanota River 53 km from Cusco. Continue in the valley passing bye the villages of Oropesa, Saylla, San Jerónimo y San Sebastián before arriving at the Archaeological Capital of the Americas.

Lima-Arequipa Distance; 1010 kms.

Estimated duration; 13 to 14 hrs.

Continue the southern Panamericana highway until reaching the highway distribution point (Km 974) before (km 966) and take the turn-off to Arequipa. We recommend you to make this trip in two stages. Nazca (Km 450) is a good option for overnight in a nice hotel (Watch the Hotels nearby) The first 800 kms of highway are relatively easy and sea level height. Reaching Camana (Km 841, highway toll and petrol station) and in the turn-off  to Quilca (Km852) begins uphill drive with a lot of curves known as (Cuesta del Toro) until reaching the Pampas of Majes; this is the most difficult part of this section and it is not recommendable to drive this section after many hours of driving nor at night, due to possible fog, afterwards you drive bye Vitor and drive up to the distribution and reach Uchumayo (Highway toll box) after 20 kms you have arrived in Arequipa.

Arequipa-Juliaca Distance: 262 kms. Estimated duration: 5-6hrs, Departing from Arequipa heading to Yura the road is asphalted until Juliaca. After passing bye Yura (24kms) heading towards the north and afterwards the east, boarding the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca until reaching Patahuasi (76 kms from Arequipa). At this point, begins the deviation on non-asphalted road to the mine of Tintaya and Cusco, the route returns enters the Reserve, crosses the villages of Pillones and Imata and arrives at Crucero Alto Station, already in the Department of Puno. Another waypoint is the town of Santa Lucia. From this point its only 61 kms to Juliaca and you pass bye on route the Train Station of Destua located 28 kms from Juliaca.

Arequipa-Juliaca (281 km). Route 30. The route initiates on asphalted road. From the deviation of  Banos Termales de Jesus, uphill drive with a steeper climb after Chihuata (26 kms from Arequipa), from where begins the non-asphalted road. After passing the tunnel El Cimbral (54 kms from Arequipa) There is a long section which stays at 3,800 m.a.s.l, and continues at the skirts of the Salina Lagoon (Right Hand), crosses the turn-off to Ubinas and Imata and reaches the mountain pass of El Alto Toroya, this is the highest point of the route: Yanatambo (4,690 m.a.s.l) from here on the deviation to Puno (On the right) to Llapapata there are 37 kms distance. Continuing on the left you arrive in Santa Lucia, from where it connects with the previous route and starts the asphalted road. The Town and Train Station of Destua is the last important waypoint before reaching Juliaca.

AREQUIPA-TÁCNA. Distance 363 kms Estimated Duration: 6-7hrs. Arequipa to he Highway distribution (36 kms). In order to get to the distribution (Reparticion) on the south Panamericana highway, there are two alternatives continue on the left , via Tingo-Tiabaya, through Cerro Verde (Old Highway), or take the road on your right, through the Variante Uchumayo (New Highway), which is 7 kms shorter and is a faster route although in bad conditions after passing bye the mine. Both highways meet and join again near the repartition or distribution point. Distribution point-Tacna (327 kms). Route 1-S. Asphalted highway in good conditions. Please look at : Routes South Coast.

AREQUIPA – VALLE DEL COLCA

Arequipa-Chivay (148 kms). There are two routes which join in Chivay. The first one which is the best one departs from Arequipa on a asphalted road with heading north, to Yura, this road boards he north face of the Chachani Volcanoe. Continue uphill drive until Pampa Cañahuas. At this point you take the left hand route towards Chivay. The second Route as aforementioned which is basically not recommendable, departs from Arequipa from the east side, and continues uphill drive through Cabrerias, between the snow covered Chachani and Misti mountains. On this route there are a series of turn-offs; always take the left ones this way you maintain the Chachani Volcano always on your left . A great part of this uphill drive is in very bad conditions and maybe very foggy until arriving at  Cañahuas (64 kms from Arequipa), from where the route even gets worse. 22 kms further you will find the route to Chivay, Capital of the province of Caylloma, or continue north until Sibayo. The first alternative which crosses a pampa at a high level, permits you a shorter drive to the Colca Valley; the other alternative offers you to visit 4 villages more and the opportunity to practice canoeing.

Chivay-Madrigal (160 kms). From Chivay you can visit the Colca on either side of the river in the Valley. On the right hand side of the river margin, penetrates on a non-asphalted road the villages of  Coporaque, Ichupampa y Lari, which just like the other towns on the other side of the river have beautiful colonial churches. In Lari starts a small section which is  basically a lane which brings you to Madrigal.

Chivay-Cabanaconde (220 kms). Recommendable section. Continuing on the left hand margin of the Colca it is possible to enter deeper in the valley. A firm non asphalted road crosses the villages of Yanque, Maca, Pinchollo and Cabanaconde and from there continues to Majes, this is the returning point to Arequipa.