Apurímac Canyon Descent Route
Expert canyon descent on ancient Inca trading routes
The Apurímac Canyon Route drops 8,000 vertical feet from the Andean plateau near Cusco into one of South America’s most savage river gorges. Starting at Limatambo, this ancient Inca trade route switchbacks down crumbling canyon walls on ledges barely wide enough for a vehicle. The infamous Puente Cunyac suspension bridge — rebuilt after the Shining Path blew it up — marks the halfway point where most drivers question their life choices.
Expert-only territory demanding winch-equipped 4WD, rock sliders, and serious technical driving skills. Rainy season (December-March) makes it suicide; dry season still serves up loose rock, exposure, and mechanical carnage. Fuel up in Cusco and carry water for three days minimum. Local porters in Limatambo know current bridge conditions. The payoff: untouched Inca ruins, condor-eye views of the deepest canyon system in the Americas, and legitimate bragging rights among Peru’s hardcore overlanding community.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 65 mi / 104.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14800 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with winch |
| Nearest town | Limatambo, Cusco |
| Land manager | Ministry of Culture Peru |
| Permit required | Yes |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.