Explore the Enchanting Oxapampa, Peru
How did a quaint town in the Peruvian Amazon, some 280 miles from Lima, come to play host to the nation’s top annual music festival? Based on its history, Oxapampa knows how to charm. This high jungle town was able to make rolling stones stay put when Austrian and German colonists settled there in the mid-19th century.
In the 1950s, Argentine revolutionary Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara was driven to pen words when, en route to Lima, he strolled through the botanical kingdom and was impressed by the hillsides “covered with valuable woods” decorated with “beautiful climbing plants that should be displayed in an exhibition.” Today, the town continues to mesmerize modern visitors with offerings in adventure, gastronomy, and entertainment, making it an attractive getaway. Here are five compelling reasons to explore Peru’s sweetheart jungle town.
El Tigre Waterfall
Coming in at nearly 30 meters, El Tigre is certainly a remarkable natural phenomenon. Located just 14 km from the city center, it translates to a short (15-minute) car or mototaxi ride away. For those looking to earn a refreshing dip into the cool cascading waters, intrepid pedestrians can enjoy a 45-minute walk across gravel roads, appreciating the picturesque scenery as the typical wooden, A-framed houses begin to fade into lush foliage. Upon arrival at El Tigre, visitors will find a set of well-maintained steps and handrails aiding their descent to the inviting pool of water, complemented by a romantic bridge perfectly positioned for stunning photographs.
Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park
Flirt with Peru’s vibrant national bird, the scarlet gallito de las rocas (Andean cock-of-the-rock), in this protected natural area. Additionally, if winged creatures don’t pique your interest, you’ll find a diverse range of flora and fauna, including orchids, insects, and even spectacled bears. Covering approximately 120,000 hectares (470 square miles) of rich forest land, the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park serves as the focal point of the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve, established to safeguard native communities that have thrived in the region for centuries. Visitors can camp and immerse themselves in off-the-grid tranquility or embark on a rigorous 8-10 hour trek through the park, culminating in breathtaking valley views surrounded by towering mountains (S/10 admission for adults, S/3 for children).
El Wharapo
Situated in the district of Chontabamba, this artisanal distillery specializes in guarapo (or huarapo), a naturally-produced sugar cane liquor reputed for its smoothness, often said to leave no hangover. While beverages made from fermented sugar cane are common throughout Latin America, the Peruvian variant is crafted using a trapiche (manual press) to extract liquid from the stalks. This family-owned establishment is one of the few remaining producers of guarapo in the country, where visitors can witness the production process in an intimate open-air setting surrounded by lush greenery. Small samplers are available for guests, and large bottles can be purchased for enjoyment on-site or to take home. El Wharapo is conveniently accessible from Oxapampa’s town center via a 10-minute bike ride.
Sustainable Stays
Rest in one of the cozy, eco-conscious hostels and inns in Oxapampa. Ulcumano Ecolodge is a prime example of sustainable comfort, where proceeds from visitors’ stays in any of the six cabins support forest conservation efforts. Immerse yourself in the jungle atmosphere and focus on rejuvenation, as there is no television or internet available.
Just blocks from the town’s main square lies Carolina Egg Guesthaus, a family-operated hotel nestled within a spacious garden that supplies many ingredients for the dining hall menu, even offering unique fruits like granadilla (passionfruit). With solar panels and other energy-saving technologies in place, guests can enjoy a cozy atmosphere while participating in nightly gatherings around a fire pit, fostering connections in a way that social media never could. During these evenings, the owners share captivating stories of their family’s deep roots in Oxapampa, often adorned in traditional clothing from the German settlers—making you feel as if you have traveled back in time.
Selvamonos
For a decade, this music and culture festival has transformed a vast green space—spanning four hectares (equivalent to four soccer fields)—into a stage for one of Peru’s most unique live performance events. With musical styles ranging from rock to cumbia, national bands create a live soundtrack for enchanting nights illuminated by the moon, twinkling lights, and an abundance of positive energy. The lead-up to the two-day music festival features a week of cultural activities that are both free and family-friendly. From daytime photo exhibits and theater performances to outdoor movie screenings and a trio of stages for live music by night, this alternative festival is as eclectic as the town it celebrates.
How to Get There:
Travelers can reach Oxapampa directly from Lima by car (approximately eight hours) or bus (9-12 hours). The nearest airport to Oxapampa is Jauja, located a half-hour flight from Lima, after which a three-hour bus ride will take you to your destination. Recommended bus companies include Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Movil Tours.
