Road from San Francisco de Mosca to Antapirca: Driving the 23 Hairpins in Pasco
The mountain road connecting San Francisco de Mosca and Antapirca is a high-altitude unpaved route located in the Pasco region of central Peru. Traversing the rugged Andean topography, the road represents a critical link between the Huánuco and Pasco departments, maintaining an elevation consistently above 2,000 meters.
| Road facts: San Francisco de Mosca - Antapirca | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pasco / Huánuco, Peru |
| Max Elevation | 3,570 m (11,712 ft) |
| Length | 19 km (11.8 miles) |
| Hairpin Turns | 23 |
| Surface | Unpaved / Gravel and Dirt |
How is the road from San Francisco de Mosca to Antapirca?
The road spans 19 km (11.8 miles), running in a north-south direction. The surface is entirely unpaved, consisting of a mix of gravel and local clay-based soil. The route's technical complexity is defined by its 23 sharp hairpin turns, which allow the track to climb from the lower valleys to its highest point at 3,570m (11,712ft). The road is exceptionally narrow, often with only enough width for a single vehicle, requiring drivers to use widening points to allow oncoming traffic to pass.
What are the driving hazards on the road to Antapirca?
The primary hazard on the route to Antapirca is the extreme exposure to vertical drops without any form of safety barrier. The track is subject to rapid deterioration; even a single rainfall event can turn the dirt surface into a slippery mud slurry, significantly reducing tire traction on the steep gradients. Furthermore, the 23 switchbacks are located on unstable slopes where localized landslides are common during the Andean wet season. Drivers must be prepared for falling rocks and sections where the road shoulder has been eroded by water runoff.
Is the road to San Francisco de Mosca open during the rainy season?
While the road is technically open year-round, its condition becomes highly unpredictable between December and March. At 3,570m, the lack of paved drainage means that water accumulates in the ruts, creating deep mud traps that can stall non-4x4 vehicles. High-clearance vehicles are a mandatory requirement for operational safety. Due to the remote nature of the Pasco highlands, there are no emergency services or mechanical support along the 19 km stretch, making self-sufficiency in terms of fuel and recovery gear essential.
What is the driving strategy for the 23 hairpin turns?
Navigating the switchbacks between San Francisco de Mosca and Antapirca requires a high level of technical competence. During the ascent, maintaining momentum is critical to avoid wheel spin on the loose gravel ramps. On the descent, the use of low-range gearing and engine braking is mandatory to prevent the overheating of the braking system, which is under constant stress due to the sustained vertical drop. Drivers must sound their horns on blind corners and keep a constant lookout for local agricultural transit or heavy machinery used for periodic road clearing.