The section of the 024 Road from Huancavelica to Ayacucho in the Peruvian Andes is considered to be the longest stretch of road in the world continuously above 4,000 meters, between wind and snow, biting cold and chewing coca, thin air and thinner apprehensions. For more than 110 km, the road does not dip below 4,000 meters, and along the way it crests several high passes, including one of the highest drivable pass in the world at 5,029 meters.
Be very careful driving in this area. Roads are poorly marked and poorly surfaced with blind turns, 1000-meter unprotected dropoffs and very frequent rock slides, not to mention suicidal truck drivers. Don't go alone and count kilometres diligently to keep a record of where you are as road signs are poor. The direct route from Huancavelica to Ayacucho (247 km) goes via Santa Inés (4650 m) at Km 78. Out of Huancavelica, the road climbs steeply with switchbacks between herds of llamas and alpacas grazing on rocky perches. Around Pucapampa (Km 43) is one of the highest habitable altiplanos (4500 m), where the rare and highly prized ash-grey alpaca can be seen. Snow-covered mountains are seen as the road climbs to 4853 m at the Abra Chonta pass, 23 km before Santa Inés.
By taking the turn-off to Huachocolpa at Abra Chonta and continuing for 3 km you'll reach one of the highest drivable passes in the world, at 5059 m. Nearby are two lakes (Laguna Choclacocha), which can be visited in 2½ hours. Beyond Santa Inés at the Abra de Apacheta (4750 m), 98 km from Ayacucho, the rocks have oxidized into all the colours of the rainbow, with a violet river running through the fabulous scenery.
