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Back in Lima. I returned the car to Sixt just in time. Farewell, old friend.
So what was it like, driving in Peru for 10 days?
Let me put like this: If you are an unexperienced driver d o n o t even consider it. The peruvian traffic will suck you in and spit you out ripped to the bone. Get a tour instead. - If you're an experienced driver don't do either, unless you're willing to accept that traffic rules don't matter around here. It's not the dogfights bumper-to-bumper, it's not the road conditions together with the lack of any signs, it's the attitude towards risk which is completely different from anything I've seen so far: Trucks loose frequently load like sugarcane, gravel or garbage, due to laxly secured freight; or the container just sits on the low bed trailer - why bother to fix it, it's heavy enough. Trucks can drive where they want - left lane in case of two - or your lane in case of one lane(s) per direction - as fast they want (10 or 110 km/h, depending on the age of the truck, which can vary from 5 to 50 years), buses stop and start when ever they want and regular cars do what ever they want, like driving in the middle of the road to stay in the pole- position. Then there are the moto-taxis, even though they mostly drive at the sidelines, often you can't overtake them (not enough room) and you can't run them over either, (against the law - both annoyingly). - Turn signals are used not to indicate but to mislead you. The 'left yields to right' rule is unheard of, at intersections it's more who gets one's nerves first. Traffic lights have this countdown feature, which allows Peruvians an early start in a way to rush into the intersection when is still 03 seconds red - if you don't, they honk at you. And don't think they can't make a turn to the left driving on the right. Oh yes, they can! - But these are the smaller issues only. Be aware that in overtaking situations you might be pushed out of your lane, because the guy coming from behind didn't give a dime and started his maneuver even though there wasn't any space at all. You better keep your eyes on the road all the time since there might be a pothole or one of these not indicated street bumps, which have the potential to break your car's axle or wheels (btw a big compliment to Nissan who built a sturdy little car, which I learnt to appreciate). Anything can happen, it's just a matter of time. - If that doesn't scare you, here are some tips: Get yourself the best navigation system: Apple maps sucks and Google maps is a very mixed package: it works for the most part, but in the Andes you can't trust it: indicating regular roads, which are indeed still under construction, it recommends routes as viable options, which really aren't and when you've followed it's suggestions the GPS positions you sometimes far of the road (which isn't all that funny in the middle of the night on a dirt road, not knowing which one and where it's heading to). Useful maps, no chance to find any! Also, for the hole endeavor a 4x4, preferably a pickup, SUV or a real off-road vehicle with high clearance would be best. When driving into a city you'd better turn of the music and bring your seat in an upright position, you need all your senses at full capacity. Also bring a knife and clench it between your teeth. - Is there something to like? There's actually a section on the panam north of Lima between km 50 and 120 where it's two-lanes, which was indeed relaxed driving (the only problem is to get there or worse, to get back) - also some of themountain road are enjoyable, when you are alone. Would I do it again? You bet!
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