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The Pasco region, located in the heart of Peru’s central Andes, is a fascinating destination that offers contrasting landscapes and unparalleled natural wealth. Its geography is marked by the imposing Nudo de Pasco, a crucial set of mountain formations that defines the country’s hydrographic system and gives rise to vital rivers like the Marañón and the Huallaga, which feed the Amazon basin.
 
This territory is home to the city of Cerro de Pasco, its capital, known worldwide as the highest city in the world, located at 4,338 m.a.s.l. (14,200 feet). It is famous for its mining tradition and extreme climate. In a radical shift of scenery, the department also invites you to discover the exuberant Oxapampa countryside, a fertile and green valley that contrasts sharply with the cold of the highlands. The natural attractions continue with jewels like the Huayllay Stone Forest National Sanctuary, where thousands of rock formations sculpted by time create a surreal and unique landscape.
Pasco is, in short, a destination that invites adventure and the exploration of vibrant ecosystems and cultures.
 
Nature, culture, and the Oxapampa countryside. Discover this destination with us. Book your trip today!
 
 

Important details

  • Location: Central Peruvian Rainforest (in the Pasco region).
  • Distance from Lima: 366.5 km (227.73 miles) by road / 7 to 9 hours by bus.
  • Average Altitude:
    • Cerro de Pasco (capital): 4337 m.a.s.l. (14,230 feet).
    • Oxapampa (high jungle): Around 1800 m.a.s.l. (5900 feet).
  • Climate:
    • Pasco (Andean zone): Cold. The average annual temperature is between 6°C and 11°C (42°F and 52°F).
    • Oxapampa (high jungle): Temperate. The average annual temperature is between 18°C and 23°C (64°F and 73°F).
  • Important Festivals: Feast of Saint John (June 22-24), anniversary of the first arrival of the Austro-German settlers (July 25), anniversary of Oxapampa (August 25-31), coffee festival in Villa Rica (October 2-5), and anniversary of Pasco (November 21-28).
  • Best time to travel: May to October (dry season).

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS IN YOUR VISIT TO Pasco

Villa Rica (renowned for having one of the finest coffees in the world), Oxapampa (located northeast of La Merced, known for housing Austro-German colonies), Pozuzo (excellent for adventure sports such as canoeing and trekking), Tigre River Waterfall, Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park (Biodiversity Sanctuary with a world record of flora species: 2500 species and fauna), Tsachopen Native Community (exhibits a magnificent orchid nursery), Tunqui Cave (cave with strange stone designs), The Roads of Prussia (winding roads with old houses dating from the 20th century).

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More Interesting details

Typical dishes of Pasco

  • Spicy Guinea Pig Stew: An exquisite guinea pig stew bathed in a peanut and aji panca pepper sauce.
  • Head Broth: A comforting mutton broth prepared with mutton head, mint, and a touch of aji pepper.
  • Maca Punch: An energizing drink made from the nutritious maca fruit.
  • Mote Patasca: A thick soup of mote (hulled corn) with pork and mutton, seasoned with annatto, chili peppers, and local herbs. It is served with small potatoes.
  • Green Broth: A nutritious broth made with chalona (dried catfish meat), potatoes, vegetables, and aromatic herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and rue.

We recommend you…

The highest-rated restaurant in the Pasco region, according to platforms like TripAdvisor, is El Colono Coffee Shop, located in Oxapampa.

Other highly-rated restaurants in the Oxapampa tourist area include Tunki Restaurante and Italo’s Parrilladas.

In the region’s capital, the city of Cerro de Pasco, the best-reviewed options are usually Sallka and Plaza Gourmet.

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KNOW OUR NEW TRAVEL CONDITIONS

Flexible Reservations

Reschedule your Full Day up to 7 days before the date of your trip and pay zero penalties.

Cancel Free

Do you have a medical emergency and need to cancel your Full Day?

Don’t worry! Cancel up to 3 days before your reservation (*) and you will receive a full refund.

Small Groups

Groups of 15 people maximum to avoid crowds during activities.

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