Oxapampa offers a concrete introduction to its history at the Plaza Principal: an obelisk stands there, with figures that reflect various cultural influences. Wooden buildings and the architectural history of the Iglesia Matriz Santa Rosa are also defining themes. If you’re looking for accommodation in Oxapampa, you can start by considering whether to focus your stay on the town center or on natural attractions across the wider destination.
Plaza Principal, obelisk, and wooden houses
The obelisk in the Plaza Principal de Oxapampa was built in 1959. Its base is octagonal and decorated with wood carvings. The figures represent Santa Rosa de Lima, a Yánesha person, an Austro-German settler, and Father Bardo Bayerle. These four motifs appear together on a single monument; the obelisk can therefore be seen as a tangible reference point for the different cultural representations in Oxapampa.
Another cultural highlight is the Iglesia Matriz Santa Rosa de Oxapampa, which has been declared a National Cultural Heritage site. It was built between 1939 and 1940 under the direction of Don Juan Tino Balarín and designed by architect Otto Müller. The church and the obelisk offer different points of interest: at the plaza, the carved figures are the striking detail, while at the church, the construction period and design take center stage.
The traditional Barrio Miraflores is one of Oxapampa’s oldest neighborhoods and is characterized by typical Austro-German wooden houses. Together with the vibrant cultural traditions of Oxapampa’s Austro-German colony, this gives the cultural side of the trip more than just one point of interest. The Plaza Principal is also the starting point for most sightseeing tours to nearby districts.
Nature in the town and across the wider destination
Oxapampa is considered the core zone of the Oxapampa–Asháninka–Yánesha Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2010. For a better sense of the area, it is useful to distinguish between the town and the wider Oxapampa destination. The Catarata Río Tigre is not in the town but in the hamlet of La Cañera, in the district and province of Oxapampa in the Pasco region. This natural attraction is 18 kilometers from the city of Oxapampa.
In the wider Oxapampa destination, the San Alberto tourist use zone is part of Yanachaga Chemillén National Park. It is located in the Selva Alta and covers 180 hectares. From the control post, the El Cedro Trail runs through dense mountain forest and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The approximate duration and trail description help visitors understand how long the walk takes and what kind of landscape to expect.
At Manantial de la Virgen, visitors can swim in natural pools and walk along nature trails. At the MARIPOXA butterfly house, the guided tour lasts approximately 20 minutes and is led by staff. Together with Oxapampa Ecobiological Park, it offers an educational and relaxing experience for all ages. The wider destination therefore offers a range of activities: water and nature trails at Manantial, mountain forest on the trail, and a short guided visit at MARIPOXA.
Getting there from Cerro de Pasco
An interprovincial bus journey from Cerro de Pasco to Oxapampa is listed as taking 10 hours and 30 minutes. The journey by private car is listed as taking 10 hours over 385 kilometers. These estimates vary by mode of transport; schedules and road conditions can change. Before setting out, check the times and conditions relevant to your trip.
For the broader travel overview: Oxapampa.
