Cordillera Negra Backroad Circuit
Mining roads through Peru's forgotten mountains
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 85 mi / 137 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13450 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Caraz, Ancash |
| Land manager | Regional Government of Ancash |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or 4Runner run the Cordillera Negra circuit, or does it need mods?
A stock Land Cruiser can attempt it, but you'll want at minimum an all-terrain tire upgrade and solid ground clearance — the rocky mining track sections will punish low-clearance vehicles hard. A lift and skid plates are strongly advisable given how remote the recovery situation is out here.
When does the trail become impassable, and what does the wet season actually do to it?
Stick to May through September — the dry season. October through April brings heavy Andean rains that turn the rock and dirt sections into serious mud traps, and several creek crossings can swell to dangerous levels with zero warning.
Do you need any permits or fees to run this circuit through Ancash?
No formal permit is currently required to drive the route. The Regional Government of Ancash administers the area, but there's no checkpoint or fee structure in place — just respect the mining operations and local communities you'll pass through.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it genuinely sketchy?
The upper mining road segments near the 13,450-ft max elevation are the crux — exposed shelf roads with loose rock, no guardrails, and steep fall-offs on one side. Altitude affects both driver judgment and engine performance, so factor in reduced power and take the exposed switchbacks slow and deliberate.
Is there any reliable water source on trail, or do you need to carry everything for 2-3 days?
There are Andean stream crossings on the route that can be used as water sources, but treat everything — livestock grazing is common at these elevations and contamination is real. Carry enough capacity for at least one full day as a buffer since stream locations vary by season.
Trail track
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