From the Plaza de Armas in Nuevo Imperial, a 16 km paved route leads to the Bosque de Protección Aledaño a la Bocatoma del Canal Nuevo Imperial. The journey time given for a public minibus is about 20 minutes; it may vary. The forest offers a different focus from the festivals and cultural sites around the plaza: here, river landscapes, irrigation infrastructure and historic routes come together.
Protected Forest and Qhapaq Ñan
The protected area is in the district of Nuevo Imperial, covers 18.11 hectares and has been protected since May 19, 1980. Along the Río Cañete, the forest acts as a natural barrier and protects water infrastructure. The area includes the canal and the Bocatoma, a water intake that is important irrigation infrastructure for the Cañete Valley.
Plants along the riverbanks include Huarango, Algarrobo, Caña brava, Pájaro bobo, Sauce llorón and Cardo. The wildlife is also described as diverse: examples include the Peruvian woodpecker, Fringilo-inca, Turtupilín, Fringilo apizarrado, herons and ducks, as well as the coastal fox, desert cat, rodents, lizards, Jergón costero, shrimp and crabs. The species mentioned range from riverbank vegetation and birds to mammals, reptiles and aquatic animals.
A section of the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca road, runs along the edge of the forest. Stone remains and original structures can be found there. In the district, the forest is considered a place to observe birds, plants and animals; walking the Qhapaq Ñan and photographing the river landscapes are also considered visitor experiences. Check current entry requirements before visiting.
Regional Cuisine and Dated Festivals
Nuevo Imperial’s culinary connections range from local specialties to Pisco. At the II Festi Cerdo on August 17, 2025, at the Plaza de Armas, local pork-based culinary specialties were offered; there was also music and dancing. The 2023 Vendimia was the XI Festival de la Uva, el Vino y el Pisco and took place on April 1 and 2. A municipal report from 2023 describes the district of Nuevo Imperial as a Pisco producer.
A tourism study from 2021 lists Sopa de frijolito, Sopa seca de camarones, Dulce de membrillo and Mermelada de higo in connection with the district and the travel corridor as typical dishes or products of the area. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the latest dates and program in advance.
Traditions and Cultural Sites
The Bajada de Reyes was celebrated at the Plaza de Armas on January 6, 2023. According to the municipal description, the celebration returned after many years. A municipal report dated June 22, 2026, records ceremonial events in the plaza for the district anniversary. Both references concern specific celebrations, not a future events calendar.
A 2021 tourism study lists the pilgrimage to Pócoto and the celebration of the Virgen de Chapi among the district’s religious traditions. Check current dates and arrangements if you plan to travel specifically for one of these occasions.
The Iglesia de Santo Domingo de la Candelaria de Pocoto in the district of Nuevo Imperial has been designated a historic monument since April 26, 1989; the designation is numbered R.J. No. 191-89-INC/J. The archaeological heritage also includes the Sitio Arqueológico Puntón de Caltopilla, a residential settlement with stone walls that are partly heavily weathered and had plastered exterior surfaces. A 2025 resolution by the Ministry of Culture established temporary protection for the site for a period of two years; an extension is possible. Check access before visiting the cultural sites.
Other Points of Interest in the District
In summer, young people and adults use the Tirimpul irrigation canal for recreation. It lies between the district’s town center and Anexo Cantera. This is a seasonal point of interest alongside the protected forest and cultural sites, but it is no substitute for checking access before planning an activity.
Nuevo Imperial is also part of a wider regional context: the 2022 documented inaugural trip along tourist Route No. 4 of the Cañete Basin included the districts of Nuevo Imperial, Lunahuaná, Pacarán and Zúñiga. For planning, it helps to distinguish this regional context from the specific places within the district: the route to the protected forest, the Plaza de Armas and the cultural sites are separate points of interest for your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Cañete.
