Green hills roll on as if the Amazon created waves that were frozen in place, and clouds seem to emanate from them with the sunrise. You watch this while sipping local coffee at your Bavarian-inspired ecolodge. You thank yourself for deciding to visit Oxapampa and wonder what adventure to do today.
A hike through tropical climates that ends at a mythical cave? Walking the canopy bridges with an over-enthusiastic and incredibly entertaining group of birders? Ziplining past tree lines and over valleys?
Maybe you just decide to chill at a bar, sipping local micro-brews and admiring the springlike weather and Alpine-like geography.
Oxapampa was populated by German immigrants in the mid-1800s. Native communities such as the Tsachopen and Ashaninka have kept their presence, too. So here you’ll sip local (delicious) coffee and look out the window to spot Bavarian architecture among tropical scenery. And your menu might be in Spanish and German.
What to Do
The Popular Options
The cultural experiences
- La Merced coffee tours. All bias aside, this region has the BEST coffee in Peru!! If you like strong, earthy coffees, this is your place. La Merced is 2 hours from Oxapampa and buses leave regularly. Price should not be more than S/ 25 a person.
- Main Plaza. Stroll around the large, shady plaza. Some of the best food is found in the restaurants and cafes here.
- Pozuzo, the original German settlement. Here everything is just a little more German. Pozuzo is smaller and warmer than Oxapampa and hosts an Oktoberfest every year. It’s 2 hours from Oxapampa and buses leave regularly. The trip is S/ 25 a person.
Note: The route to Pozuzo is a swerving, curving dirt road which can be unsafe during times of rain. Consult with a local before jumping on the bus.
- El Wharapo: Check out the old-fashioned way of making cane sugar and get some samples too! This is about 2 miles (3.3 km) from Oxapampa. This is close to Tunqui Cueva so you can make a half day trip of Tunqui and El Wharapo.
outdoors adventures
- Hanging Bridges Tour. So good we did it twice! The 40-foot high bridges put you right in the forest canopy at Ulcumano Ecolodge. You can do this as part of your stay (one activity a day is included) or as an independent activity. If you can, go at night.
Ulcumano is a top-ranked place to stay in Oxapampa and is a local leader in ecotourism. It was a surprising highlight during our 2022 trip to Peru.
- Rio Tigre waterfall: Get in some walking, work up a sweat, and soak off in the falls!! This is a good half-day option. The waterfall is over 60 feet (20 meters) tall. Any taxi or mototaxi (tuk-tuk) can take you here. Try to go first thing in the morning.
- Tunqui Cueva: This cave is only 3 miles (5k) from Oxapampa. You only need about 30 minutes to explore and see rock figures such as “La Bruja” (the witch). Creepy. Bring a flashlight.
- Yanachaga Chemillen National Reserve. Here you’ll be among hundreds of Cock-of-the-Rocks, who flock near the campsite around 4pm. The park guides are friendly and informative. You can do a half-day visit or camp (bring your own gear). The easiest way to arrive is to take a car from “Oxa” towards Pozuzo. Just tell the driver you are going to the park.
What to Eat
Oxapamapa has a unique mix of culture, history and geography. Because of that you’ll find an eclectic gastronomy to enjoy!
This includes German-inspired dishes (including secret-recipe German beer!) and typical jungle dishes. My personal favorite is tacacho, made of plantain and pieces of fried pork.
Oxapampinos are most proud of the region’s coffee. You can have a great cup anywhere and buy bags of local beans to bring home. I recommend going to to the cafe at Hotel Heidinger (a 10 minute walk from the main plaza).
This is a rarity- a specialty coffee shop in the same area where the coffee is grown!
Where to Stay
The best eco and adventure option is Ulcumano (see Outdoors Adventures above).
Also, family-run and sustainability-minded Carolina Egg Gesthaus is $45 a night for a room (includes breakfast). We stayed here in 2019 and 2022 and loved it both times.
They have a bonfire every night, and during the day it’s warm enough to dip in the pool. The buildings are traditional log cabins set around tropical vegetation. This is the spot to stay in town.
When to Visit Oxapampa (Including Weather)
The rainy season is from November through March. Try to avoid those months. Torrential rains can make transportation to Oxapampa difficult.
When you go, bring sunblock, a hat, and repellant. The average temperature in Oxapampa is in the high-60s all year (17-18 C), so bring layers for cool nights and warm afternoons.
Festivals
- The Festival of San Juan on June 23rd is the biggest party in the Central Jungle.
- Selvamanos is an increasingly popular music festival. Every year they have it in June or July.
- Octoberfest in Pozuzo is celebrated in September or October (date varies).
How to Get There
Movil Tours and Cruz del Sur provide transportation from Lima to Oxapampa. Depending on the seat and when you buy it costs S/ 40 to 85. The ride takes about 10 hours.
I recommend getting a seat that reclines at least 160 degrees on an overnight bus, so you can sleep and don’t lose a day traveling!
Conclusion
The central jungle’s biggest city is a cool cultural tourism spot with tons of outdoor adventure options. I fell in love with an Oxapampina, then fell in love with “Oxa”.
I cannot recommended enough going to this slightly off-the-beaten path spot, as it might be the unexpected highlight of your trip.
Check out this 10-day off-the-beaten path Peru itinerary to get started.