Pasco

Pasco

Practical Guide for Travelers

Pasco

Location Central Mountains and Jungle of Peru

Capital

Cerro de Pasco (at 14,232 ft / 4,338 m)

Elevation

Min.:

Max.:

984 ft (300 m) (Puerto Bermúdez)

14,216 ft (4,333 m) (Chaupimarca)

Weather

Max.:

Min.: 24 °F (–2 °C) 53 °F (12 °C)

Temperature Dec-Mar Jun-Sept

How to get here?

By Land

Lima-Cerro de Pasco: 183 miles (295 km) / 8 h

Huancayo-Cerro de Pasco: 158 miles (255 km) / 5 h

Mar-Jun Sept-Dec

Huánuco-Cerro de Pasco: 65 miles (105 km) / 1 h 45 min

Lima-Oxapampa: 239 miles (385 km) / 10 h 30 min

Lima-Villa Rica: 228 miles (367 km) / 10 h

Pasco is a region of abundant mining, cultural and natural resources. Due to its geographical location with mountain and jungle areas, it has snowy and beautiful tropical forests.

Pasco

Restos arqueológicos de Chumpivilca

Complejo arqueológico Astobamba y Huarautambo

Baños termales de Tambochaca y Villo

Restos arqueológicos de Ichugán

Yanahuanca

Restos arqueológicos de Goñicutac

Laguna de Punrun

Páucar

Chacayán

Vilcabamba

Pallanchacra

Huariaca

Ticlacayán

Restos arqueológicos de Gorish

Tinyahuarco

Santuario Nacional de Huayllay

Baños termales La Calera

Department capital

Province capital

District capital

Tourist attraction

HUÁNUCO

LIMA to Huanuco to Tarapoto to Junín to Lima

Baños termales de Conoc Nevado de Huaguruncho

Huachón

Cerro de Pasco

Paucartambo

Puente colgante Emperador

Barrio de Prusia

Huancabamba

Planta lechera Floralp

Chontabamba

Wharapo

Piscigranja La Cumbre

Recreo turístico Tunqui Cueva Mirador La Florida

Huayllay Vicco

Ninacaca

JUNÍN

colgante Emperador Guillermo I

Provincial border

Main road Important mountain

Protected Natural Area

Paved road Dirt road Lake or lagoon

Floralp

Chontabamba

Iscozacín

Reserva Comunal Yánesha

Parque Nacional Yanachaga - Chemillén

Casa Cultural Yánesha

Oxapampa

Rancho Aníbal Ruffner

Catarata del río Tigre

Villa Rica

to Junín to Lima

Ciudad Constitución

Reserva Comunal El Sira

Puerto Bermúdez

Bosque de Protección San Matías San Carlos

Cascadas El León Mirador de Villa Rica

Laguna El Oconal

DISTANCE TIME

From Cerro de Pasco to Yanahuanca 40 miles (64 km) 1 h 30 min

From Cerro de Pasco to Oxapampa 8 h 239 miles (385 km)

3 days (minimum recommended stay)

Ancient and modern city of Cerro de Pasco

Oxapampa: city tour, Miraflores neighborhood, Tigre River waterfall, Tunqui Cave tourist recreation, Floralp dairy plant, trout hatchery, El Wharapo trapiche

Pozuzo: San José church, Museo Schafferer, typical houses, settlers’ cemetery, Emperador Guillermo I suspension bridge, natural pools of the Macaw River

1 day

2 days

Villa Rica: coffee route across coffee farms, El Oconal lagoon, viewpoint, El León waterfalls

Pasco: Santuario Nacional de Huayllay, La Calera and Yanahuanca thermal springs

Agenda

January 1-8

March (date may vary)

April (date may vary)

June

July 24-30

July 25-30

August 25-31

August-September

November 21-27

December 24-31

Vicco Negritos Festival

Festival de la Herranza Andina

Easter Week and Expo Oxa

Central Jungle Tourist Week (Oxapampa)

Ecotourism Festival and anniversary of the arrival of the Austro-German settlers

National Coffee Festival and Villa Rica Coffee Festival

Tourism Week and Oxapampa local holiday

Ecotourism Festival of Rural and Tourist Communities (Ruraltur Huayllay)

Pozuzofest and Dörcherfest

Anniversary of the political creation of the department of Pasco

Huayllay Negritos Tourist Festival

What to eat?

In the Pasco mountains, pachamanca and patasca, ram’s head broth, charquican, peas and picante de cuy stand out. Maca punch is a highly energizing drink. Beef, pork and chicken are abundant in the jungle, as well as cassava, cheese and bananas. Austro-German dishes are popular, such as Wiener Schnitze (breaded pork steak) accompanied by Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) and Goulash (pieces of beef stewed for 4 hours).

What to buy?

In Oxapampa you can find exquisite cheeses, manjarblanco, yoghurt, fresh milk, and beef and pork sausages. Its coffee and sugar cane derivatives, such as brandy and cane honey, also stand out. In Pasco there are cheeses, yoghurt, products made from maca and alpaca fabrics.

What to visit?

Pasco Province

Replica of Daniel Alcides Carrión’s house

Av. Los Incas s/n, 1.8 km from Cerro de Pasco (10 min by car).

The Daniel Alcides Carrión Hospital displays this house dedicated to the memory of the martyr of Peruvian medicine on its website.

Iglesia San Pedro de Ninacaca

25 miles (41 km) southeast of Cerro de Pasco (30 min by car)

In 1580, construction began on this church that combines Andean elements (thatched roof) and Spanish elements (wooden altar and gold leaf). In 1626 the church, with a single nave and stone walls, was consecrated to Saint Peter, its patron saint.

Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción de Vicco

Vicco’s Main Square, 11 miles (18 km) from Cerro de Pasco (25 min by car).

Opening hours during mass and holidays.

This quaint stone temple with gabled roofs dates back to the 17th century.

Laguna de Punrun

23 miles (37 km) southwest of Cerro de Pasco (1 h 15 min by car)

This extensive lagoon of cold waters is located at an elevation of 13,780 ft (4,200 m). Its fauna is made up of birds, such as wild duck, huachua, seagulls, diver and kingfisher, and fish, such as trout and catfish. Nearby, boxwood, garbancillos and ichu grow.

Santuario Nacional de Huayllay

Huayllay District, 43 km south of Cerro de Pasco (40 min by car).

Entrance fee charged.

Wind and water have sculpted the rocks into shapes that resemble human profiles, animal silhouettes, arches and covers. Its forest is home to deer, vicuñas, bobcats, skunks and sparrow hawks, and its hot springs have healing properties.

Baños termales de La Calera

28 miles (45 km) northwest of Cerro de Pasco (1 h 15 min by car) or 3 km from the district of Huayllay (25 min on foot). Entrance fee charged.

The water of La Calera thermal springs is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, sulphates, chlorides and bicarbonates, and reaches a temperature of 140 °F (60 °C) and relieve muscle and nerve conditions.

Baños termales de Conoc

Pallanchacra District, 66 km east of Cerro de Pasco (2 h by bus).

Entrance fee charged.

The water of Conoc thermal springs reaches 84 °F (29 °C) and have healing properties.

Huaguruncho Snow-Capped Mouintain

53 miles (86 km) east of Cerro de Pasco (3 h by bus) to Huachón, from where you can travel 6 km to the foothills of the snow-capped mountain (45 min by car)

It is made up of 4 main glaciers: the Jacahuay (16,995 ft / 5,180 m), the Ranrajanca (16,995 / 5,180 m), the Carhuaraj (16,929 ft / 5,160 m) and the Incatama (16,831 ft / 5,130 m). Before climbing this 18,799 ft (5,730 meters) high mountain, we recommend visiting its Huaguruncho, Leche Cocha, Suyro Cocha, Talaya and Pacchapata lagoons.

Oxapampa Province

Oxapampa

239 miles (385 km) east of Lima (10 h 30 min by bus)

In 1891, German and Austrian settlers founded Santa Rosa de Oxapampa on the right bank of the Chontabamba River. The European influence in this city of the Peruvian high jungle is notorious in its architecture, gastronomy, dances and festivities. The city’s main square has an obelisk built in 1959 in tribute to the founding settlers of Oxapampa and Villa Rica. Around the square are the Santa Rosa church built in wood in 1939, the Paseo de los Colonos and the Oxapampa Social Center Club. The Miraflores neighborhood also stands out, characterized by its houses of typical Austro-German style.

Catarata del río Tigre

8.7 miles (14 km) from Oxapampa, Caserío Cañera, 9.3 miles (15 km) from Oxapampa Square, (30 min by car). Mon-Sun, 8:00-18:00. Entrance fee charged. The waterfall of Tigre river has a drop of approximately twenty meters. It is surrounded by lush vegetation. Along the way you can see several livestock farms, pomegranate plantations and beautiful landscapes.

Mirador La Florida

4.2 miles (6.75 km) from the main square of Oxapampa (Oxapampa-Yaupi road). Entrance fee charged.

Natural viewpoint with a privileged view of the Chontabamba valley, the countryside, and the city of Oxapampa.

Recreo turístico Tunqui Cueva

Chontabamba District, 4.5 miles (7.3 km) from Oxapampa (10 min by car). Entrance fee charged. This limestone cave stands out for its stalactites. Once inside you’ll be able to see some of the figures that have made it famous, such as the witch.

Fish farm La Cumbre

4.6 miles (7.4 km) from the main square of Oxapampa, Chontabamba district (10 min by car). Mon-Sun, 7:30-17:00. Entrance fee charged.

The visit allows you to appreciate the growth and breeding of trout, in addition to participating in providing them with food.

Recreo turístico El Wharapo

5.7 miles (9.15 km) from the main square of Oxapampa, Chontabamba district (15 min by car). Mon-Sat and holidays, 8:00-18:00. Entrance fee charged. It is a trapiche moved by hydraulic force that dates back to 1890, where fermented cane juice, better known as guarapo, is produced. Products made from sugar cane can also be purchased while enjoying the recreational environment of the place.

Rancho Aníbal Ruffner

3.4 miles (5.48 km) from the main square of Oxapampa, Chontabamba district (5 min by car). Requires an admission ticket on holidays; other days, prior coordination.

It is the only estate that is visited by the public to participate in traditional Oxapampa activities, such as the ribbon tournament, rodeo, and Austro-German dances.

Floralp dairy plant

In the direction of Chontabamba, main road km 2 s/n, Nueva Florida neighborhood (5 min by car). Mon-Sat, 8:30-13:00 and 14:15-16:30. The visit allows you to learn about the production processes of dairy products, such as yoghurt, butter, manjarblanco and cheeses of various types.

Parque Nacional de Yanachaga Chemillén

39 miles (62 km) north of Oxapampa (2 h 30 min by car). Ticket sales at their offices: Jr. Pozuzo C-3 s/n, Oxapampa, tel. (063) 462-544. Mon-Sun and holidays, 8:00-17:30. Entrance fee charged.

Yanachaga Chemillén National Park owes its name to the color of its mountains (yanachaga, “black” in Quechua; chemillén, “burnt” in Yánesha). Its 122,000 hectares cover different altitudes: from high Andean punas to tropical and mist forests. Trees grow, such as uculmano, the strong devil and cedar, as well as moss, ferns, orchids, bromeliads, shrubs, and reeds. It is inhabited by 59 species of mammals, such as the river wolf, the jaguar, and the spectacled bear; 427 species of birds, such as the harpy eagle, the cock of the rocks and the watchmaker; and 31 species of fish, such as the corvina, the boquichico and the lisa. It is inhabited by 60 Yanesha communities. There are tourist routes in the Huampal, San Alberto and San Daniel sectors.

Villa Rica

41 miles (65.7 km) from Oxapampa (1 h 15 min by car), via Oxapampa-Villa Rica paved road (Paucartambo bridge)

In this peaceful town, visitors can participate in agricultural activities in its coffee,

Laguna El Oconal

1.8 miles (2.8 km) from Villa Rica (12 minutes by car). Free and ticketed admission. Located on a plain, El Oconal lagoon has an area of approximately 200 hectares, much of it is covered by vegetation, but it is possible to take boat trips. In its perimeter it is possible to observe waterfowls.

Coffee plantations

Admission prior coordination with each farm

Villa Rica has coffee farms where you can learn about the coffee production process, from planting to the cup. Some of these farms have a food and lodging service.

Pozuzo

52 miles (84 km) north of Oxapampa (3 h by car)

It was the first place where Austro-German settlers arrived in 1859. It was founded following the design of its hometowns: houses with geometric plants, wooden floors, and gabled ceilings. Some of its tourist attractions are the San José chapel, the monument to Father José Egg, the House of Culture, the settlers’ cemetery, the natural pools of the Guacamayo river and the craft brewery.

Daniel Alcides Carrión Province

Yanahuanca

Quebrada de Chaupihuaranga, 40 miles (64 km) from Cerro de Pasco (1 h 30 min by car)

This town (10,446 ft / 3,184 m) is known for its landscapes of High Andean Forest. Farming communities and archaeological sites are located in its surroundings.

Baños termales de Tambochaca y Villo

3.2 miles (5.2 km) from Yanahuanca on the route to Oyón (15 min by car).

Entrance fee charged.

The locals flock to its 167 °F (75 °C) waters to relieve respiratory, rheumatic, and nervous ailments, while enjoying the good weather.

Chumpivilca archeological remains

Tápuc District, 7.5 miles (12 km) from Yanahuanca (25 min drive)

Chumpivilca functioned as an administrative-religious center of the Yaro culture.

Goñicutac archeological remains

Rocco town center, 4 miles (7 km) from Yanahuanca (15 min by car).

Entrance fee charged.

The buildings functioned as warehouses, houses, and watchtowers. They show the influence of the Yaro and Chaupihuaranga cultures.

Ichugán archeological remains

Chipipata town center, 3 miles (5 km) from Yanahuanca (15 min by car)

The towers, of Inca influence, reach two meters high.

Gorish archeological remains

Vilcabamba District, 10 miles (16 km) from Yanahuanca (40 min by car)

Roads with bleachers, prosecution centers, observation towers and terraces built by the Yaro.

Cerro de Pasco

Campamento Primero de Mayo

Estadio Coloso Yancachino

Universidad Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión

Instituto Superior Tecnológico

Público de Pasco

Instituto Pedagógico

Gamaniel Blanco Murillo

Colegio Nuestra Señora del Carmen

Mercado de Yanacancha

Mercadillo Santa Rosa

Gobierno Regional de Pasco

Réplica de la casa de Daniel

Alcides Carrión

Post office

Interdepartmental Bus Terminal

Jr.RicardoPalma

Jr.ColumnaPasco

Av.deLasAméricas

Jr.CésarVallejo

Jr.RicardoPalma

Jr.CarlosA.Mariátegui

Jr.Ciro Alegría Cl.LosHeraldos

yJr.Pardo Aliaga Jr.CarlosSalaverry

Jr.Valdelomar

Cl.Lima

Plaza Arenales

Jr.HilarioCabrera

Av.6de Diciembre

Av.LosPróceres

DIRCETUR PASCO

Parque Infantil

PascoJr.Columna

SanJr.Joséde Martín

Av.DanielAlcidesCarrión

Jr. Gamaniel Blanco

Cl. M. Melgar

Av. Micaela Bastidas

Jr. 5 de Octubre

Parque de la Madre

Jr.CrespoyCastillo

Jr.GamanielBlanco

Av.ElMinero

Av. 6 de Diciembre

Av.MicaelaBastidas

Av. Los Próceres

Av.LópezdeAlbújar

Parque Universitario

El Comercio BANCO DE LA NACIÓN

Av. de los Incas

Av.ElMinero

Av. La Cultura Jr. Huánuco

Av.DanielAlcidesCarrión

Mina Tajo Abierto

Av.Andrés Avelino Cáceres

Av.TúpacAmaru

Av.MiguelGrau

Av. La Cultura

Av.LaCultura

Cementerio de Cerro de Pasco

Av. Huancavelica

iperu@promperu.gob.pe

The information contained in this brochure has been updated in September 2023. To prepare it, PROMPERÚ has used information from the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (DIRCETUR) - Pasco and other official sources.

The opening hours and telephone numbers are subject to vary at each tourist attraction. Confirm the hours and telephone numbers with IPERÚ.

Published by PROMPERÚ - Peru for Exports and Tourism Promotion Agency Calle Uno Oeste 50, 14th Floor, Urb. Córpac, San Isidro, Lima, Perú Tel. +511 616-7300 www.promperu.gob.pe © PROMPERÚ. All rights reserved

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