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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Hikin' somewhere near Cusco Just because a hike isn't the official Inca Trail doesn't mean…
By now, we don't need to explain what makes Machu Picchu and Cusco so special…
Explore emerald landscapes accentuated by imposing snowcaps. Or take a peak at the lives of…
Colorful, narrow buildings guide your eyes upwards towards snowcapped mountains, backdropping the turquoise-green River Inn,…
Austria's clean, well-organized capital pulls off being sophisticated without being snobby. The city has a…
It's the size of Pennsylvania, and its population is barely half of London's. Yet Austria…
This website uses cookies.