South America is not yet so popular with Russian tourists, and this is understandable - one flight to this continent will take a lot of time, and its cost will be prohibitive. However, those who dare to take such a long journey will not regret it at all. And among the countries that you should definitely visit, Peru, the ancient country of the Incas, is not the last. The threatening Andes, the jungle of Selva stretching for kilometers - all this will be available to those who take the risk and cross the roads in Peru on their own. But it is worth noting that such a trip will be very difficult and dangerous.
Local road network
Peru is not just a large country stretching along the ocean coast. It is distinguished by an exceptional variety of terrain and, accordingly, the road network. The following types of roads can be found here:
- narrow and extremely dangerous serpentines of the Andes;
- chaotically lined rare roads in the Amazonian lowland;
- a magnificent stretch of the Pan American Highway that runs through the Americas.
It should be said right away that the quality of roads in Peru cannot be called good. The only exception is the road along the coast. Most of the passages are just a knurled track, there is no talk of any hard surface.
The most convenient Peruvian road is the section of the Pan American Highway along the Pacific coast. There is a good quality of asphalt, the maximum number of lanes and a high-speed mode of movement. However, some sections of this route are toll. In addition, there are practically no attractions along Pan American, as it passes through the coastal desert, so it will be boring to drive here.
The only highway that crosses Peru across, from west to east, is the Transand highway. Here, the quality of the roadway is much worse, and it is laid along heavier sections.
Driving along the mountain roads of Peru is one of the most extreme activities. The road winding along the rocky cliffs and gorges of the Andes requires constant attention and care. In addition, landslides and landslides are not uncommon here, so you can get stuck in a traffic jam for several hours if the road ahead is blocked.
As for the territories in the Amazonian lowland, traffic is almost impossible here. After all, most of this land is an impenetrable jungle, which can only be moved along river roads.
Features of movement on the roads in Peru
Due to the large length of the country, it is unlikely that it will be possible to see everything at once. Therefore, it is worth focusing on the southern half of the state, where most of the local attractions are located, including the famous Machu Picchu mountain. As a result, there are much more tourists in the south, car traffic is busier, and getting around is often problematic.
Most of the traffic in the cities of Peru gets on the nerves of constant noise. All drivers consider it their duty to accompany any movement with sound effects. As a result, after a few hours of the trip, the tourist from habit feels deaf. But in the mountains, because of the danger of landslides, everyone prefers to ride in complete silence. And a car that leaves because of a sharp turn can be an extremely unexpected surprise. So it's worth being on the lookout.
It will be extremely difficult for an inexperienced driver behind the wheel also for the reason that almost all cars go here without observing the rules. Chaotic traffic and ignoring road markings are the norm here.
Although a trip by car will allow you to visit many attractions, local traffic requires a lot of experience and a strong nervous system from the driver. So it might be better to hire a car or go to a travel agency than risk your own health on local roads.
