Oxapampa between mountain forest, water and culture

Oxapampa offers different ways to experience nature and culture: paths lead through dense mountain forest, you can swim in natural pools at Manantial de la Virgen, and wood carvings in the Plaza Principal tell of diverse cultural influences. The experiences vary widely in focus—from a roughly 20-minute tour to a route that can take a whole day.

Mountain forest in the Selva Alta

The San Alberto tourism zone is part of Yanachaga Chemillén National Park. It lies in the Selva Alta and covers 180 hectares. Those looking to combine their stay with nature experiences will find a specific route through dense mountain forest there: Sendero El Cedro. Starting at the checkpoint, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to walk through the forest.

Water and nature trails are also among the experiences described in the district: visitors can swim in natural pools at Manantial de la Virgen and hike along nature trails. Catarata Río Tigre is located in the district and province of Oxapampa, in the Pasco region. At Manantial de la Virgen, swimming in natural pools and hiking along nature trails go hand in hand; Sendero El Cedro, by contrast, leads through the dense mountain forest of the Selva Alta from the checkpoint in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Culture in the Plaza Principal

The wood carvings on the obelisk in the Plaza Principal de Oxapampa depict four figures: Santa Rosa de Lima, a Yánesha person, an Austro-German settler and Father Bardo Bayerle. The Austro-German colony of Oxapampa also maintains vibrant cultural traditions.

The Plaza Principal is also a starting point for sightseeing tours: most tours to nearby districts begin there. However, this is not true of every tour.

Experiences that take different amounts of time

At the MARIPOXA butterfly garden, a guided tour lasts about 20 minutes and is led by staff. Together with the Parque Ecobiológico de Oxapampa, it offers an educational and relaxing experience for all ages.

The Ruta de las Orquídeas takes considerably longer: it can take a whole day. More than 600 orchid species have been recorded in the surrounding area. Compared with the roughly 20-minute guided tour at the butterfly garden, Sendero El Cedro takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the Ruta de las Orquídeas can take a whole day.

Oxapampa in its regional context

The Oxapampa district is one of eight districts in the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve. It is considered representative there for its role in nature conservation and sustainable development. UNESCO recognized the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve on June 2, 2010.

When choosing a specific accommodation, check which destinations you would like to include in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Oxapampa.

Go to the main travel overview: Pasco.