The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) announced on March 26 the opening of five alternate routes to the Carretera Central in an effort to reduce traffic congestion during the long Holy Week holiday. The new routes are intended to maintain connectivity between the coast and central highlands.
The announcement is significant as increased travel during Holy Week often leads to heavy congestion on main roads, especially the Carretera Central. By providing alternative options, authorities aim to facilitate smoother transit for travelers.
According to MTC, users can choose from five specific routes: Route 1 runs from Óvalo Río Seco through Sayán and Oyón to Ambo and is available for light vehicles and trucks with up to three axles; Route 2 connects Huaral, Acos, Huayllay, Desvío Cochamarca, and Desvío Cerro de Pasco but is only open for light vehicles; Route 3 goes from Lima through Canta and Huayllay toward Desvío Cochamarca and Desvío Cerro de Pasco for both light vehicles and trucks up to three axles; Route 4 links Cañete with Lunahuaná, Desvío Yauyos, and Huancayo—open for similar vehicle types except double-decker buses; finally, Route 5 stretches from Pisco through Pámpano, Rumichaca, Plazapata, Huancavelica, Izcuchaca to Huancayo for light vehicles and trucks with up to two axles.
Additionally, MTC has imposed a temporary restriction on heavy cargo traffic along the Carretera Central. This measure applies specifically between kilometer 19 (Ñaña) and kilometer 145 (Pucará). Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons will be restricted in two key periods: from Wednesday April 1 at 8 p.m. until Thursday April 2 at 8 a.m., then again on Sunday April 5 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., as formalized by Ministerial Resolution No.008-2026-MTC/18.
Emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, fire trucks or those transporting humanitarian aid or involved in road clearance are exempted from these restrictions. The MTC also recommends that travelers check its Road Emergency Viewer online before starting their journeys so they can verify current road conditions or any real-time restrictions.
These measures are expected to help ease travel during one of Peru’s busiest holiday periods by offering alternatives while prioritizing safety.
