The climb to Huaytara is spectacular and I would definitely make this trip again. We seemed to climb forever and as we passed through the small town I looked ahead and we were only about half way up the winding road.

It was dark now and there was hardly a light to be found aside from the occasional oncoming bus. I was able to make out in the darkness a heavy snowfall as we climbed towards the highest pass en route to Ayacucho; the Apacheta. My mind wandered back to the Costner film and the bald tires. Did I get us into a big mess this time?

We arrived safely in Ayacucho and were fortunate to have some spectacular experiences and a few adventures as well. About five days later we were set to return to Lima. As we waited at the bus station I once again pointed out bald retreads to my father.

The climb out of Ayacucho is steep with many switchbacks. Being acrophobic, it would have been a white knuckle ride under normal circumstances. What was to follow shortly after we were ascending out of the city was something out of a nightmare.

The Peruvian interprovincial busses have somewhat of a cockpit with a locking door. I was soon to find out why. In my opinion it was to protect the driver and his assistants from the passengers.

Continued