Panamerican Highway - Nasca to Lima.
 

Has anybody any info on the state of the Panamerican Highway between Nasca and Lima following Wednesday's earthquake? At the moment we are in Nasca trying to decide whether to continue north or give up and head south instead. We have heard that a bridge between Ica and Pisco was damaged plus other damage to the highway itself.

No firsthand knowledge, but from today's NY Times, apparently a reporter was in the area:

On the Pan-American highway from Lima, the earthquake tore large chunks of asphalt from the highway and formed zigzagging crevices in many parts of the road.

From a photo attached to article (showing a bridge standing, but a single lane open):

The road from Lima suffered serious damage in the earthquake and crevices in the pavement made passing difficult at several points.

The same article did say that Ica was one of the hardest hit cities. I'd be more worried about what the people are doing (who are reported desperate for relief assistance) than the road conditions.

Please be careful in that area. Expect the road to be broken in many places, cracks, holes, and some very broken sections.

Also, please be careful of the people you meet. Many of them have lost *everything* and are blocking the road to get money/food/water/assistance from wherever they can.



Angie Cordano

Smellybiker

Peru earthquake
 

An email from Peru I received makes it sound pretty bad, especially the mountain roads. I would sit tight until things calm down.

I am heading that way from Ecuador, btw.

Lima
 

I,m in Lima just now watching the local news and they,re still pulling dead bodies from the ruins in Pisco and the people are starting to sound a bit desperate due to the lack of action from the government.
If I were you I,d just sit tight for a couple of days let shit sort it,s self out and if you,re driving a dual purpose bike pick your way through the wreckage,if you are on a road bike find a long way round.
let me know when you get to Lima and I,ll buy you a beer,here,s my cell number
9061 4222
just so you know I own a bar in Quito but I,m working in Lima right now!

I'm on the north side of the wreckage (in Huaraz) and wondering the same thing - how's the road south? Trying to find other paved roads (or at least short sections on very good dirt roads) that would allow me to pass by Lima, Ica & Nasca (sadly) in the northern highlands.

I'll post this separately, but I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who knows about the roads from Huaraz to Huanuco to Huancayo to Ayacucho to Cusco. Everyone I talk to here and every map I look at I gives me a different answer.

Thanks and stay safe,
Daren

I rode north through to Quito, 2 days before the quake. I don´t have any info on the roads, but would urge you all to heed the advice given above. People in desperate situations, will do desperate things. While normally the whole area is safe to travel through, it may not be as safe now, at least not until the local population has gotten some relief.

I am South American, from Argentina, so I don´t have a problem saying this. While under normal conditions they may see us ride thorugh in our high $$$ (to them) machines and not bother us, under the current circumstances it may not be the case. Think what you might do in a disaster to feed yourself and your family.

Not saying this is the case, just asking all to be careful, and if you can, just try and give it some time...

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Thanks for the sensible advice reminder gpothoven. I agree and will be looking for a better long-term place to stay here in beautiful Huaraz.

Cheers

I rode from Huaraz to Huanuco a couple months ago. The first half is paved, to a town I can't remember the name of - and the 2nd half to Huanuco is unpaved. Its not difficult dirt riding - I was using touring tires (Scorpions). Its a nice ride actually, especially along the part that's paved. Its a long ride though, so either do it in two days or start early from Huaraz.

From Huanuco south about 50km past Huancayo it is all asphalt - about 1/2 the distance at over 4000m.

I didn't do the ride south through Ayacucho to Cusco - I was having bike problems and had to go back to Lima - rode south from there through the Pisco-Ica area to Nasca on the way to Cusco.

Ayacucho - Abancay - Cuzco
 

I rode that part 3 years ago and it was all dirt road till you reach the mainroad just before Abancay!
Very nice road, some parts where a little raff, but not really bad!
If you ride offroad from time to time than just go for it!

Appie

Lima - Arequipa
 

Just spoke with a busdriver, he said there are some parts broken up but even a bus can pass through!
He said to watch out beetween Pisco an Chincha!
That's where most of the people lost everything!
Better not to stop there he said!

Appie

Huancayo - Abancay - Cusco
 

The road after Ayacucho is all gravel -good condition. Not a particularly fast road, will take a couple of days but was in good condition. A lot of switchbacks etc. Cheap hotels in most small towns. I crashed on this road so it took me a little longer. Some people very friendly, some people most definitely suspicious of strangers, real small towns...

still thinking of those who have lost their homes :(

It was reported here in the States that a Prison wall fell over and 600 prisoners are lose in southern Peru which is hampering rescue operations. Just be careful, furthermore there could be another quake in the area which is not uncommon. Sit tight or go around. Be safe.

Is there any rider/traveler that is trapped in the area ?

I saw that on the news here in Ecuador. 500 are back in, and 100 are camped outside the walls, asking to be let back in, but being refused.

I'm not kidding...

Sit tight
 

The advice above is great. Please be careful. There must be some desperate times in Lima and outlying areas right now.

It's so sad what just happened. Those poor people! From what I saw on my trip through two months ago was that they are tough as nails and very resilient.

I am not so much of a praying man but.... I pray that there are no bikers in the mix or in harms way because of this earthquake.

Keep us updated as to what you do and what you see when you feel it is safe to pass.

Good luck.