Dicing with Death: Peru, the deadly peaks

The Andes mountain range runs right the way through Peru, from the north to the south. Interlacing these peaks that reach over 6000m above sea level, are some of the most dangerous roads in Latin America. Every year over 3000 people lose their lives along these routes that link the Pacific Ocean to the Amazon rainforest. Twice a week, Juan Carlos takes up the precarious challenge of transporting a lorry load of eggs from the Pacific coast to Yungay, in the heart of the Andes. The only route available is the ’Canyon del Pato’, filled with pot holes and treacherously flanked by steep cliffs. The same goes for Pedro in his cement truck. Far beyond the reach of any town or infrastructure, he battles against a series of breakdowns and hostile conditions to reach his destination.

These journeys are not solely labour routes. This route also bears the pilgrimage of ’Senor de Quoylloriti’, where thousands of indians trek for over 5 days and nights, up a mountain over 5000m high to ask for the protection of God. They combat cold and fatigue by playing music, dance and pray through the nights.