
San Francisco de Mosca-Antapirca Road
Peru, south-america
10.9 km
2 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Carretera San Francisco de Mosca-Antapirca! Nestled high in the Pasco region of central Peru, this isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking a 10.9km gravel track that winds its way from San Francisco de Mosca (Huanuco) up to Antapirca (Pasco), never dipping below 2,000m above sea level!
Think dramatic Andean scenery, but also think super steep climbs and a whopping 23 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Rain turns this road into a real challenge, so be prepared for potentially tricky conditions. The highest point hits a breathtaking 3,570m (11,712ft), so take it slow and steady. Oh, and did I mention the narrow sections and seriously exposed drop-offs? This is a road that demands respect and careful driving. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
San Francisco de Mosca-Antapirca Road is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -9.4183, -74.7164
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 10.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -9.4183, -74.7164
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