Oroya: Araza Riverbank and Nature

The Río Araza, the Oroya–Saqra Cumbre nature site, and the history of the La Oroya Bridge offer different ways to explore Oroya. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the locations: the river stretch and nature site relate specifically to Oroya; the wildlife of the protected forests and the Río Nusiniscato are associated with other named areas.

The Río Araza and the bridge’s history

In the Puente Oroya sector of the Camanti District, a 0.84-kilometer-long riverbank strip has been delineated along both banks of the Río Araza. It is at least 8.00 meters wide on the right bank and 4.40 meters on the left bank. The two sides therefore have different measurements: the description includes both the length of the delineated stretch and the minimum width on each bank.

The decommissioned La Oroya Bridge, also known as Puente Viejo, was swept away by the Río Araza during the flood in December 2020. This historical turning point is also part of the river’s story. The addition “Viejo” distinguishes the former structure from today’s Oroya Bridge.

Nature and cocoa in Oroya

The Oroya–Saqra Cumbre sector in Oroya is classified as a nature site and has natural features that make it suitable for observing flora and fauna. This complements the river setting with a different perspective on the landscape: plants and animals take center stage here. Cocoa is also specifically associated with the Oroya sector. On June 19, 2023, a workshop on grafting and pruning cocoa plants was held there for local producers. Along with nature and water, the event brings local production into focus.

The protected forests of Camanti

The perspective widens to the protected forests in the Camanti District. Howler monkeys, maquisapas, amphibians, and reptiles live there; macaws are easy to spot. The conservation concession of the Asociación Camanti Sostenible covers 15,447.54 hectares in the Bosque Protector del Cusco, in the Camanti District of Quispicanchi Province. The concession’s forests are home to species including dwarf brocket deer, giant anteaters, giant armadillos, giant otters, and spectacled bears. This biodiversity gives the nature theme a broader scale than a single riverbank stretch or nature site.

Waterscapes and choosing a location

Another natural area lies on the Río Nusiniscato in the Esperanza–Santa Elena sector. Its temperate, refreshing water flows down from the mountain slopes; natural pools and waterfalls along the river are suitable for swimming. The area is densely vegetated. Water, swimming pools, and waterfalls take center stage here—a different landscape focus from the Araza riverbanks or the wildlife of the protected forests.

When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to first decide which location you want to be near: Oroya and Oroya–Saqra Cumbre for the local nature site, Camanti for the protected forests, and Esperanza–Santa Elena for the Nusiniscato. Choose your location based on the landscape that is central to your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Huaro, Checacupe, Soray, Ollantaytambo, Las Cruces, Chillca, Colcapampa, Maras.

For the main travel overview: Cuzco.