Chanchamayo offers several distinct reasons to choose an excursion: the route to Catarata Bayoz; the landscape of Catarata Velo de la Novia de Bayoz, which is connected to the Río Yurinaki; wild three-toed sloths in the El Perezoso Botanical Garden; and cultural offerings from the Comunidad Nativa Pampa Michi. There is also Catarata La Borgoña, a waterfall that forms part of a hiking loop. You can therefore consider wildlife watching, waterfalls, and cultural experiences as distinct areas of interest.

Waterfalls and their trails

A trail equipped with stairs and railings leads visitors to Catarata Bayoz. The stairs and railings are part of the trail; conditions may change. Check them before your visit so your plans reflect the current situation.

Catarata Velo de la Novia de Bayoz plunges 55 meters, joins the Río Yurinaki, and, a few meters farther on, together with the river forms the 2 km-long Cañón de Yurinaki. For visitors interested not only in the height of the waterfall but also in river and canyon landscapes, this connection is a distinctive feature.

Wildlife watching and cultural experiences

Visitors can observe wild three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus) in the El Perezoso Botanical Garden. This makes wildlife watching a distinct nature-focused activity alongside the waterfalls. Those choosing excursions based on their interests can distinguish this focus from the river and canyon scenery.

The traditional music and dances of the Comunidad Nativa Pampa Michi are part of its cultural and experiential tourism offerings. Cultural experiences thus feature alongside wildlife watching and waterfalls. The music and dances give these offerings their own distinct cultural focus.

Hiking on the Ruta Indiana Jones

Catarata La Borgoña is part of the adventure tourism loop known as the “Ruta Indiana Jones.” It includes hikes on nature trails, stream crossings, and ascents and descents over uneven terrain with dense vegetation and rock formations. If you sort activities by their focus, hiking and its varied terrain take center stage here. Conditions on the route can also change; check them before your visit.

A wider look at Junín

The wider destination of Junín offers other distinct cultural themes. The Huayligía, also known as Huaylegía, of the provinces of Jauja and Tarma in the Department of Junín is recognized as Cultural Heritage of the Nation. In Santa Rosa de Ocopa, in the Province of Concepción, the Fiesta Patronal de Santa Rosa de Ocopa is celebrated every year on August 30; it includes the traditional Chonguinada.

The fiesta also features a fair on August 30, where lechón, chicharrón colorado, and trout prepared in various ways are sold. This festival in Santa Rosa de Ocopa thus combines a traditional dance form with food offerings.

The Department of Junín’s historical heritage is also reflected at the Santuario Histórico de Chacamarca, which encompasses the Qhapaq Ñan and archaeological remains associated with the Battle of Junín. At the Monumento a los Vencedores de Junín, the Centro de Interpretación Cultural de Chacamarca displays infographics, uniforms, models, busts, commemorative plaques, and murals about the battle.

Discover more destinations: Santa Clara, Concepción, Tarma, Huancayo, Satipo, La Merced, Provincia de Tarma.

See the broader travel overview: Junín.