Driving the road from Celendin to Yerbabuena: absolutely no room for mistakes

Carretera Celendín-Yerbabuena is a very scary winding mountain road located in the region of Cajamarca, in Peru. Hair raising stuff! There is absolutely no room for mistakes.

Carretera Celendín-Yerbabuena

How long is the road from Celendin to Yerbabuena?

Tucked away in the northern part of the country, the road is fully paved. It’s 163 km (101 miles) long and links the towns of Celendín and Yerbabuena.

How challenging is the road from Celendin to Yerbabuena?

The road is in excellent condition, but at times it becomes incredibly narrow, with a 1,000-meter drop on one side and a towering cliff on the other. As you navigate the tight corners, it can feel like one of your rear wheels is hanging over the edge. Steep drop-offs line almost the entire route, and there are so many hairpin bends that they'd make even a seasoned driver dizzy. With over 500 twists and turns, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. However, the route is a nightmare for those with a fear of heights, as many sections feature drops of several hundred meters without any protective guardrails.