Things To Do
in Oxapampa
Oxapampa is a picturesque town located in the Peruvian Andes, known for its lush cloud forests and stunning natural scenery. It is a popular destination for ecotourism, offering activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and visits to coffee plantations. The town is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of indigenous and European influences reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and customs.
Visitors to Oxapampa can enjoy the unique blend of traditions and landscapes that make this a truly special place to explore.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café. Explore the beautiful surroundings with a guided hike through the lush cloud forests.
Visit the impressive Tunki Cueva (Cave of the Tunki). Afterward, have lunch at a nearby restaurant serving traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up and rest. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner and perhaps some live music at a local venue.
Start your day with a visit to the Oxapampa Valley lookout for stunning views. Enjoy breakfast at a local bakery known for its fresh pastries.
Take a scenic drive to La Playa for a swim in the crystal-clear river. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the riverbank.
Head back to town and stop by a local handicraft market. Have dinner and shop for souvenirs to remember your trip.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with mountains and lush green landscapes.
- Rich biodiversity and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.
- Unique cultural blend, influenced by both indigenous and European settlers.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Opportunity to explore traditional coffee and tea plantations.
- Mild climate year-round, making it pleasant for visits.
- Limited infrastructure and amenities compared to larger cities.
- Occasional rainfall can disrupt travel plans.
- Language barrier, as English is not widely spoken.
- Remote location may require extensive travel from major cities.
- Limited healthcare facilities and services.
- Potential for tourist overcrowding during peak seasons.
Best Activities in Oxapampa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the lush forests surrounding Oxapampa with well-marked trails that offer stunning views of the biodiversity of the region.
Oxapampa is home to a variety of bird species. Join guided tours to enjoy birdwatching and experience the local wildlife up close.
Take a scenic drive through the Oxapampa Valley, known for its beautiful landscapes, agricultural fields, and traditional Austrian-Permanian architecture.
Experience the thrill of rafting on the Pichis River, suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers.
Discover the fascinating Tunki Cave, which features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a variety of geological formations.
Participate in cultural tours to learn about the local traditions, customs, and lifestyle of the inhabitants, including their coffee and dairy farming practices.
Tours
Uncover the best of Oxapampa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Oxapampa
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning waterfall located a short drive from Oxapampa, offering breathtaking views and great photo opportunities.
An observation point that provides panoramic views of the lush green hills and valleys surrounding Oxapampa.
A hill that offers a challenging hike rewarded with spectacular views of the town and its natural surroundings.
A unique forest area known for its mystical atmosphere and beautiful scenery, perfect for nature photography.
An archaeological site featuring impressive stone structures and stunning views of the landscape, ideal for exploration and photography.
High-altitude plains that showcase the breathtaking Andean landscape, a fantastic spot for wide-angle shots.
A scenic hanging bridge that offers spectacular views of the river below and the surrounding nature.
A protected area with diverse flora and fauna, featuring numerous trails that lead to beautiful vistas.
Food in Oxapampa
Oxapampa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Andean dish where meat, potatoes, and vegetables are marinated in spices, then cooked in an earth oven, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. You can savor this iconic dish at various local restaurants and during special events and festivals.
Must-Try!
A flavorful Amazonian dish made of rice, chicken, eggs, olives, and various spices, all wrapped and cooked in bijao leaves. It's a must-try at local markets or during community celebrations.
A beloved dish featuring mashed and fried plantains served with smoked pork. This dish can be found at street food stalls and traditional Peruvian restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Oxapampa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a diverse range of fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food stalls filled with traditional snacks like empanadas, tamales, and fresh fruit juices. It's an ideal place to immerse yourself in the local food culture.
The central square comes alive with food vendors offering a variety of local street food such as anticuchos (marinated and grilled skewered meat), tamales, and picarones (sweet potato and squash doughnuts).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Oxapampa is home to several indigenous communities. It's important to show respect for their traditions, languages, and customs. Engaging with local customs and participating in cultural events can foster mutual respect.
Peruvians value politeness and formality in conversations. Using proper greetings, such as 'buenos días' (good morning) or 'buenas tardes' (good afternoon), and addressing people with respect can go a long way in building relationships.
Oxapampa is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, and the community places a high value on environmental conservation. Being mindful of littering, respecting wildlife, and following local guidelines during outdoor activities demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Oxapampa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Oxapampa
Ensure a smooth experience
In Oxapampa, Peru, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a tip of around 10% at restaurants if the service is satisfactory. In bars and cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is also typical. For tour guides or taxi drivers, a small tip is appreciated if the service was good.
Payment practices in Oxapampa typically include cash transactions, as many small businesses may not accept credit or debit cards. The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN), and it is advisable to carry cash when exploring the town or visiting markets. Some larger establishments may accept cards, but it's best to confirm beforehand.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Oxapampa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Oxapampa as the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring the nearby cloud forests. You can expect mild temperatures during the day and cooler nights.
During the rainy season, expect frequent rains and higher humidity levels. While the lush landscapes are vibrant and beautiful, outdoor activities may be more challenging. However, this season is also great for those who enjoy bird watching and observing the rich biodiversity of the area.
Visiting during local holidays in June or December can provide a unique cultural experience, as you can witness traditional festivities, parades, and local cuisine. Be prepared for larger crowds and limited accommodation availability during these peak times.
Oxapampa at Night
Hiking in Oxapampa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful area with various trails and lush vegetation, perfect for hiking and exploring the rich biodiversity of the Oxapampa region.
This stunning canyon features various hiking paths along the Rio Blanco, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for birdwatching.
A challenging hike that leads to stunning snow-capped peaks, ideal for experienced hikers looking for adventure and solitude.
A national park with numerous trails through cloud forests and diverse wildlife, perfect for day hikes and camping.
An expansive grassy plain surrounded by mountains, offering a variety of trails for all levels of hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Oxapampa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Oxapampa by plane.
Located in Lima, approximately 300 km from Oxapampa. It is the largest and busiest airport in Peru, serving as the main hub for international flights.
Situated around 290 km from Oxapampa, this airport caters primarily to domestic flights, with limited international connectivity.
Located about 400 km from Oxapampa in Arequipa, it serves both domestic and some international flights.
Approximately 450 km from Oxapampa, located in Tarapoto, this airport primarily serves domestic flights with some international options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Including groups such as the Asháninka and Yanesha, indigenous communities form an integral part of the demographic landscape.
A significant portion of the population is of mixed Indigenous and European descent, contributing to the cultural diversity.
Descendants of Spanish and other European settlers, they primarily reside in the urban areas and have a notable influence on local culture.
There are smaller communities of immigrants from other countries, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Oxapampa.
The Soul of Oxapampa
Discover the essence of Oxapampa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Oxapampa, with many local teams and enthusiastic fans. Matches often draw large crowds, reflecting the community's passion for the game.
Basketball is also widely played in Oxapampa, especially among the youth. The town has several courts where local competitions are held regularly.
Volleyball enjoys significant popularity, particularly among women and girls. It's commonly played in schools and community events.
Cycling is popular due to the scenic mountainous terrain. Many residents engage in recreational cycling and participate in local races.
Hiking is a favorite activity in Oxapampa, given the beautiful landscapes and trails in the area. Many people participate in hiking excursions and nature walks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oxapampa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many traditional dishes revolve around meat and fish, several restaurants and cafes in Oxapampa cater to vegetarians and vegans, offering creative plant-based versions of local specialties and a variety of vegetable-based dishes.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free alternatives at select eateries, particularly those that emphasize the use of natural and unprocessed ingredients.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Oxapampa with these cultural adventures.
