From the Amazonian lowlands to the montane cloud forest, the Oxapampa–Asháninka–Yánesha Biosphere Reserve extends across the Department of Pasco. At Nevado de Huaguruncho, it reaches an elevation of 4,500 meters. The reserve encompasses some of the last undisturbed ecosystems in Peru’s central jungle—and a diverse cultural landscape. It is home to Yánesha, Asháninka, and Ashéninka communities; descendants of European settlers of Austro-German and Swiss origin; and communities from the Andes, coastal regions, and Amazonian lowlands.
Nature from forest to highlands
Parque Nacional Yanachaga Chemillén protects a rich natural environment at elevations between 370 and 3,800 meters. Large trees and orchids are as much a part of it as jaguars and spectacled bears. In the Paujil tourist zone, clear rivers, Laguna Luna Llena, and waterfalls shape the landscape; viewpoints offer views across lowland and mountain rainforest.
Other zones have their own distinctive features: San Alberto combines rainforest with humid puna, natural viewpoints, and clear waterfalls. In San Daniel, a hiking trail leads to Laguna San Daniel, while a viewpoint looks out toward the Cordillera Yanajanca. The national park therefore brings together different landscapes and destinations, from waterfalls to views of the mountain range.
Pools, trails, and birdwatching
Three natural turquoise pools make up the Pozas de Agua y Sal de Pozuzo; their maximum depth is four meters. There, you can admire the turquoise water, photograph the landscape, and swim in the cool water. Visitor conditions may vary; check them before your visit.
The private conservation area Área de Conservación Privada Lluvias Eternas de Pozuzo lies in the buffer zone of Parque Nacional Yanachaga Chemillén. Its two signposted interpretive trails are called La Cattleya and Pozas lluvias eternas. The trails are of interest to birdwatchers because Andean cock-of-the-rocks nest there. Trail conditions may vary.
The Emperador Guillermo I ecotourism trail also connects nature with history: it starts at the bridge of the same name and follows an old mule track built by Austro-German colonists. Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for the trail if you visit all the points of interest at a moderate pace.
Visit times and practical information
The Huampal tourist zone has a two-kilometer loop trail that takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. By comparison, the Emperador Guillermo I trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours if you visit all the points of interest; the estimate accounts for stops and pace. Both times may vary depending on conditions and walking speed.
The route from Oxapampa to the San Alberto tourist zone is listed as 5.5 kilometers and approximately 25 minutes; the route and travel time may change depending on road conditions. Visiting hours are 06:00 to 14:00 daily in the Huampal sector and 08:00 to 16:00 daily in the San Alberto sector. Check the hours again before setting out.
Cultural history and coffee
The Negrería de Huayllay dance tradition was recognized as a Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru on October 18, 2013. Its historical and symbolic value, along with the interplay of Indigenous, Afro-Peruvian, and Hispanic traditions, contributed to its recognition.
Pozuzo was founded in the 19th century by Austro-German immigrants. European traditions developed there alongside Amazonian traditions. A destination in Pozuzo commemorates the first Austro-German colonists who arrived in Peru in 1859. Historic buildings include the houses of the first migrants and the San José church.
Coffee also tells the story of the region’s diverse traditions. Villa Rica is considered the heart of Peruvian coffee in Oxapampa. Yanesha, Austro-German settler, and Andean settler traditions all contribute to coffee production; the coffee has had a designation of origin since 2010. Nature experiences, cultural history, and coffee in Pasco are therefore not interchangeable themes, but different facets of the destination.
Discover more destinations: Oxapampa, Chontabamba, Moquegua, Coronel Portillo, Ancash, La Libertad, Cajatambo, Tacna
For the main travel overview: Peru.
