Monterrico is in Chanchamayo Province, one of the provinces that, together with Satipo and Oxapampa, make up the Selva Central. Chanchamayo is the specific provincial setting for the town; the Selva Central provides the broader regional context. It is considered a tourism region with themes ranging from culture and adventure to nature, health, anthropology, and entertainment. This context offers more than one perspective when planning a trip: a historic river bridge, agriculturally oriented haciendas, and waterfalls associated with outdoor activities represent different facets of the surrounding area.
A Historic Crossing in the District
The Puente Colgante Kimiri is located in the district that includes the town. Local residents built it in 1901 to connect both banks of the Chanchamayo River and facilitate the transport of local produce. The bridge is 75 meters long; it is designed to accommodate pedestrians and motorized vehicles such as cars and pickup trucks. At the main arch, built of calicanto masonry, there is a four-meter-high entrance gate. These two measurements describe different aspects of the structure: the length of the crossing and the height of the entrance. Before planning to cross, it is advisable to check the current conditions.
Materials, Engineering, and Cultural Heritage
The structure combines local materials such as stone, wood, and brick with industrially manufactured girders and metal cables. Puente Kimiri is considered a functional engineering structure that fits harmoniously into its surroundings. Peru’s Ministry of Culture declared the bridge part of the national cultural heritage by Resolution No. 063. The resolution was published in the official gazette El Peruano on November 22, 2012. The year of construction, 1901, and the 2012 heritage resolution refer to two different moments: the bridge’s construction and its subsequent recognition.
Waterfalls and Activities
The bridge is also associated with several attractions, including the La Borgoña and La Reyna waterfalls. Both are known as destinations for sporting activities such as hiking and cycling. Here, the history of the river crossing sits alongside natural attractions associated with outdoor pursuits. This gives visitors a clear distinction when planning a trip: the bridge represents engineering and cultural heritage, while the waterfalls are associated with hiking and cycling.
Haciendas in Chanchamayo Province
The haciendas of Chanchamayo Province also add an agricultural and historical dimension to the regional context. At Fundo Brasil, a hacienda, visitors can see plantings of coffee, citrus fruits, bananas, pineapples, cassava, and yacón. Fundo Monterrico is also located in the province; it is a hacienda built in 1875 by the Tremolada family. The examples highlight different aspects: Fundo Brasil is known for its crops, while Fundo Monterrico is distinguished by its construction date and builders.
Discover more destinations: Pichanaki, Jauja, Casacancha, San Ramón, Satipo, San Martín de Pangoa
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