Northern Peru ok to go

Hello,

My original plans were to go to Northern Peru but that was before the rains/floods came. I'm wondering now if I should change my plans and go south instead. Original plans were this...

Apr 20- Lima
Apr 21- Lima
Apr 22- Bus to Chimbote (visit friends)
Apr 23- Chimbote
Apr 24- Trujillo
Apr 25- Trujillo
Apr 26- Chiclayo
Apr 27- Chiclayo
Apr 28- Cajamarca
Apr 29- Cajamarca- Fly or bus back to Lima

I know the road up to Chimbote is fine. However, I'm wondering the status of the Panamaerican Hwy at Viru which would basically prevent me from going up to Trujillo. Any thoughts?

Also, just to re-confirm. Everything that I've read here says that I can wait until I get to Cuzco to book the Salkantay trail. I've seen prices from $320-1100 per person online. My husband wants me to book online before we go, but like i said from what the good Thorn Tree people have said is that we can wait until we get there. Thoughts? Thanks ahead of time for your help!

I dont know about the roads but your plans are very rushed. You have not accounted for any travel time between each place.

Salkantay will be about $150 in Cusco, there are plenty of travel agents to book the trip there.

Thanks! The husband wants peace of mind, but I'd like to save money so will see...

Thanks for the tip! Maybe I'll take out Trujillo.

See the question I posted here asking for up-to-date information about infrastructure damage:

https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/90819/sources-for-infrastructure-damage-due-to-heavy-rains-in-peru

Thanks SO much! Was extremely helpful!

I can't help with the roads either. I just wanted to say I would not skip Trujillo. Nice city (again... I don't know what it is like now, after the floods). And we really liked Chan Chan and Huaca de la Luna. But maybe you don't have to skip anything. I agree that your itinerary is a bit rushed but it is doable. If you leave early for the next destination you would have 1.5 days in each place.

I am currently in Huaraz and will travel on April 21 from Huaraz to Casma and the next day to Trujillo. The road should be open.

On the coast, long distance can be managed by night-buses, so no problem with the travel time.

I think it is a good itinerary and you have so many things to see and do in every place. Keep your itinerary as it is :)

Happy travels,
Martina

I've just updated the "mega thread" on this subject: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/permalink/post/22474223

The new bridge at Viru has been opened today, and road travel along all the north coast is back to normal.
From now on, all destinations in Peru are accessible. There is no need to skip places on the north coast or book expensive flights anymore. Also, all the tourist attractions on the north coast are open for visitors.

Thanks so much for the tips!! Yes, klaush, I had been following your thread very closely! Appreciate everyone's help immensely!!!!!

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