Things To Do
in Oxapampa
Oxapampa is a small market town in the Peruvian central Amazon foothills known for its Austrian–German settler architecture, dairy farms and cloud-forest surroundings. It sits at roughly 1,800–1,950 meters elevation and serves as a gateway to Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park and several indigenous Yanesha communities. The town offers a relaxed, rural base with craft bakeries, local breweries and a plaza framed by timber houses and a timber church.
Outdoor activity options include birdwatching, waterfall hikes, coffee and cattle-farm visits, and scenic drives to nearby Pozuzo.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in the beautiful Ochagavía Valley, where you can marvel at the stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. As the sun rises, enjoy the cool morning air and listen to the sounds of nature awakening around you. Capture some breathtaking photographs of the valley's vibrant scenery before heading back to the town for a hearty breakfast.
After lunch, visit the La?Chira Waterfall, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters and feel the stress of daily life melt away. Spend the afternoon lounging by the waterfall or exploring the nearby trails to uncover more of Oxapampa's natural beauty.
Return to the town and enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample delicious dishes made from fresh ingredients. As night falls, stroll through the streets of Oxapampa, visiting small shops and chatting with friendly locals. End your day by relaxing under the stars and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the Andes.
Begin with a visit to the town's main square, where you can see the beautiful church of Santa Rosa and interact with local artisans. Explore the market stalls and try local delicacies like 'pachamanca', a traditional dish cooked in the ground with hot stones. Embrace the vibrant culture as you learn about the history of the area from the welcoming locals.
Participate in a coffee tour at a nearby plantation, where you’ll learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. Experience the rich aromas and flavors through tastings, and understand why Oxapampa is known for its high-quality coffee. This hands-on experience provides deeper insight into the region’s agricultural heritage.
Finish the day with a cultural performance featuring traditional dances and music that represent the rich heritage of the region. Join in on the festivities and interact with the performers, enhancing your cultural experience. Savor the moments spent enjoying the sounds of local instruments and the warmth of the community.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus / colectivo ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🥘Mid-range restaurant dinner for two | $15-30 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $15-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cloud-forest biodiversity and excellent birdwatching opportunities
- Unique cultural blend of Amazonian and Central European (Austrian/German) heritage
- Relaxed small-town atmosphere with local gastronomy and craft producers
- Good base for day hikes, waterfalls and visits to Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park
- Limited nightlife and fewer modern conveniences compared with larger Peruvian cities
- Restricted card acceptance and occasional ATM shortages—cash is essential
- Rural roads can be slow and affected by rain, making some places hard to reach in wet season
- Healthcare and emergency services are basic; serious cases require transfer to larger cities
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Buenas tardes" - Good afternoon
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Oxapampa
Visit one of these nice places.
The central square surrounded by Austrian-style wooden buildings and the town church offers classic Oxapampa-era architecture and street scenes.
Local viewpoints provide sweeping vistas over the valley, patchwork farms and cloud forest—best at sunrise or sunset for soft light and mist.
Cloud-forest trails, mossy trees and waterfalls inside the park create dramatic nature shots and excellent bird- and macro-photography opportunities.
Photograph plantation terraces, processing stations and pastoral scenes of cattle and cheesemaking for authentic rural portraits.
The nearby Colonia Pozuzo shows colorful wooden houses and Bavarian-style architecture—ideal for cultural and architectural photography.
Food in Oxapampa
Oxapampa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Local cheeses, dulce de leche and leche asada (baked milk dessert) available at markets and small dairy producers on the town outskirts.
Must-Try!
Fresh trout from nearby streams, commonly grilled and served with salad and cancha or potatoes — found in family restaurants and hospedajes.
Hearty soups and stews that combine Andean staples with Amazonian flavors; often prepared in local eateries and during community meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market is the best place to try fresh cheese, bread, fruits and small cooked dishes; also a source for local honey and preserves.
Small bakeries and street stalls selling European-style breads, strudels and empanadas reflecting the town’s immigrant culinary heritage.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet shopkeepers, hosts and neighbors with a polite 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' when entering—Peruvian small-town etiquette values cordiality.
Use señor/señora or don/doña with surnames for older people or in formal situations until invited to use first names.
When visiting Yanesha or other indigenous communities, ask permission before photographing people, follow guide instructions and be mindful of cultural protocols.
Dress modestly in rural and religious settings; be respectful at church services and community events—avoid loud displays in small-town centers.
Safety
Tipping in Oxapampa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 5–10% tip is common if service is not already included; small tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff are customary for good service.
Cash (Peruvian soles) is king in Oxapampa: markets, small eateries and many lodges do not accept cards. Larger hotels and a few restaurants may take credit/debit cards, but card acceptance is limited outside town centers.
ATMs exist in town but can run out of cash—carry sufficient soles for remote excursions and check opening hours. Withdraw larger amounts in regional cities if planning longer trips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Wet season with frequent rain and higher humidity; cloud forest trails can be muddy and some remote roads may be difficult. Bird activity is high and waterfalls are at their fullest—bring rain gear and waterproof footwear.
Transition to drier weather; rains taper off, trails become easier and landscapes remain lush. Good time for trekking and fewer mosquitoes than in peak wet months.
Drier months with clearer skies and cooler nights; comfortable days for hiking and sightseeing. This is the highest season for visibility and outdoor activities.
Rains start returning; wildflowers and new growth appear but expect afternoon showers. Prepare for variable weather and occasional muddy trails.
Oxapampa at Night
Hiking in Oxapampa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of cloud-forest trails ranging from short walks to multi-day treks with opportunities to see endemic birds, orchids, mammals and waterfalls—guided entry is recommended.
Scenic hikes around Pozuzo combine cultural visits to European-descended colonies with riverside and forest walks; trails vary in difficulty and are accessible as day trips.
Short to moderate local hikes that reach nearby cascades and swimming spots—ideal for half-day excursions from town; trail conditions vary with season.
Airports
How to reach Oxapampa by plane.
Main international gateway to Peru; reaching Oxapampa from Lima requires a multi-hour bus or private car journey (typically 5–8 hours depending on route and traffic) or a regional flight plus road transfer.
Regional airport (Tingo María) offers closer access by road to Oxapampa with onward bus or taxi connections; schedules and connections vary so check current services.
Tarapoto is another regional airport used by travelers headed to the northern Amazon; travel time to Oxapampa is several hours by road and is useful for combined itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are mestizo smallholders, dairy farmers and traders who support the town’s markets and services.
A visible cultural influence dating back to 19th-century settlers—reflected in architecture, bakeries and some family names.
Local indigenous communities live in surrounding areas and maintain cultural practices, crafts and traditional land use; community tourism offers cultural exchanges when arranged respectfully.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches and community leagues are common and draw local crowds on weekends.
A popular pastime, especially in schools and community events.
Rural traditions include horseback riding and occasional festivals with equestrian displays.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oxapampa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; ask at markets for egg, cheese, vegetable stews and salads. Carry snacks and be explicit about no meat when ordering, as meat broths are common.
Vegan and strict gluten-free choices are less common—plan ahead, bring staples, and communicate needs clearly; larger guesthouses may accommodate with notice.
Explain allergies in Spanish and carry medication. Cross-contamination is possible in home-style kitchens, so request simple preparations.