How to drive safely on roads in the Peruvian highlands

One curve turns into five. Fog rolls in. The downhill feels longer than expected. And suddenly you’re driving with full focus.

This guide is for drivers in Peru who want to drive safely on roads in the Peruvian highlands—without stress, without rushing, and without taking unnecessary risks.

Here’s what makes the highlands tricky:

• Roads can be narrow, with limited shoulders
• Curves are sharper and visibility is lower
• Weather changes fast (sun → rain → fog)
• You may not have phone signal for long stretches
• Some routes have loose gravel or damaged pavement

And yes—rockfalls and landslides are real in certain areas.

The “3-minute check” that saves you headaches

• Brakes: do they feel normal? any weird noise?
• Tires: enough air + not too worn out
• Lights: especially headlights and brake lights
• Wipers: if fog or rain hits, you’ll need them
• Fuel: don’t start with “almost empty” in remote areas

Small tip that works: try to keep your tank above half when you’re heading into long mountain routes.

What to keep in the car (mountain edition)

• Reflective triangles + vest
• Phone charger or power bank
• Water + something small to eat
• A warm layer (nights get cold fast)
• A simple first aid kit

Nothing fancy—just things that help when plans change.

Driving uphill: steady beats aggressive

When you’re climbing:

• Keep a smooth pace
• Don’t force overtakes
• Give space to trucks and buses
• Stay patient if the road gets slow

It’s normal for traffic to move differently on steep roads.

Driving downhill: protect your brakes

Downhill is where people make the biggest mistake: braking too much, too long.

What works better:

• Shift into a lower gear for engine braking
• Brake gently, then release (repeat as needed)
• Keep extra distance from the car ahead

If you ever smell hot brakes, don’t ignore it. Find a safe spot, stop, and let everything cool down.

Curves: slow down before the turn

Simple rule: brake early, not late.

• Reduce speed before entering the curve
• Stay in your lane (don’t cut corners)
• Watch for vehicles coming wide in the opposite direction

Fog and rain: don’t fight it

If fog gets heavy:

• Use low beams (high beams can make it worse)
• If you have fog lights, use them
• Drive slower than you think you need
• Increase your distance

And if visibility gets really bad? Pull over only when it’s safe—not on a curve, not on a narrow shoulder.

Altitude can make you feel:

• tired
• dehydrated
• slower to react

Quick signs you need a break

• you blink more than usual
• you feel “zoned out”
• you miss small details on the road

Even a 10-minute stop helps. Stretch, drink water, reset your focus.