Monterrico: Culture and History of Chanchamayo

Monterrico is located in Chanchamayo Province. The provinces of Chanchamayo and Satipo, together with Oxapampa, make up the Selva Central. It is considered a tourism region offering cultural, adventure, nature, health, anthropological and entertainment themes. For planning a trip, this classification opens up several perspectives: historic buildings, active pursuits and agricultural insights. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Monterrico, you can first consider which of these interests you want to shape your trip.

Puente Colgante Kimiri: Construction and History

A historic engineering structure in the district of Chanchamayo is the Puente Colgante Kimiri. Local residents built the suspension bridge in 1901 to connect both banks of the Río Chanchamayo and make it easier to transport local produce. The 75-metre-long bridge allows people and motor vehicles such as cars and pick-ups to cross. If you plan to cross it, check the current conditions in advance.

The construction itself also tells a story. Local materials such as stone, wood and brick are combined with industrially manufactured girders and metal cables. The main arch is made of calicanto masonry and has a four-metre-high entrance gate. The 75 metres refer to the entire bridge, while the four metres refer to its entrance gate. With this combination of materials, the functional engineering structure fits harmoniously into its setting. Peru’s Ministry of Culture declared the bridge part of the national cultural heritage by Resolution No. 063. The resolution was published in the official gazette El Peruano on 22 November 2012. The dates mark different milestones: 1901 refers to the bridge’s construction, while 22 November 2012 marks the publication of the heritage resolution. This clearly distinguishes its creation from its later recognition.

Waterfalls and Activities

Puente Kimiri connects to several attractions, including the La Borgoña and La Reyna waterfalls. Both are regarded as destinations for sporting activities such as hiking and cycling. This means that, alongside the engineering structure’s history and design, active pursuits also feature in the region’s travel offering.

Haciendas in Chanchamayo Province

Fundo Monterrico, a hacienda built by the Tremolada family in 1875, is located in Chanchamayo Province. An academic paper from 2014 lists the estate as a place worth visiting. If you are planning a specific visit, check access in advance.

Fundo Brasil, also a hacienda, is located in the same province. Plantations of coffee, citrus fruits, bananas, pineapples, cassava and yacón can be seen there. At Fundo Monterrico, the year it was built and the Tremolada family take centre stage; at Fundo Brasil, it is the crops on view. These examples offer distinct travel highlights: Kimiri represents engineering and history, the waterfalls offer hiking and cycling, and Fundo Brasil provides a glimpse of cultivated crops.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Casacancha, Satipo, San Ramón, Jauja, San Martín de Pangoa, Pichanaki.

Back to the regional travel overview: Junín.