Cordillera Negra Backroad Circuit

The Cordillera Negra’s forgotten mining roads snake through barren peaks that earned this range its dark name – no glaciers, just exposed rock and ancient Inca stonework. Starting from Caraz, you’ll climb rough 4WD tracks past abandoned mines and pre-Columbian terraces to ridgelines offering stunning views across the Callejón de Huaylas to the snow-covered Cordillera Blanca. The route connects remote villages like Pamparomás and Pueblo Libre via tracks that see more llamas than vehicles. Watch for the Inca road segments still visible near Huata.

This is difficult terrain requiring experienced drivers and capable 4WD vehicles with good ground clearance. Rocky surfaces, steep grades, and narrow shelf roads demand attention. No services between villages, so carry fuel, water, and repair kit. Dry season (May-September) is essential – tracks become impassable mud during rains. The circuit rewards with solitude, archaeological sites, and some of the best Huascarán views in Peru without the Cordillera Blanca crowds.