Experience about the trip in my own car:
A car, a group of girls, and a road between Lima and the Pasco region are the perfect ingredients for this adventure. Peruvian communicator Andrea Portella narrates her group road trip to Oxapampa: nature, disconnection, and a Tyrolean touch.
We left at 2 am on July 27 from Lima (it's a good time because you encounter less traffic on the Central Highway); however, keep in mind that there may be landslides on the road before reaching La Merced or some kind of strike in La Oroya, so it's better to leave in the early morning. To be honest, up to that point, my maximum experience driving alone had been in Lima traffic. I didn't know I would be dealing with trucks, trailers, buses, and much more... At 8 am, after driving non-stop, we arrived in La Oroya (we passed through Ticlio, which is the first high-altitude location, but since everything was closed, I didn't feel the change). We stopped there for 3 hours because we encountered a transportation strike (this sometimes happens, especially during these times, so you need to be prepared because long lines of cars form).
After 3 hours of travel, near the end of the road, I saw the first sign that said "Oxapampa or Villa Rica" (Villa Rica is a city known for its delicious coffee and more), right at the location of a bridge that divided both routes. You can't imagine how happy I was because it meant that we were getting close (at least about an hour or so away). So, I kept driving, but be cautious in this area because there are many downhill curves. Believe it or not, when I arrived, I encountered two accidents, so it's always better to be cautious and prevent accidents.
Finally, after 16 hours and having fulfilled the dream of driving on the highway while listening to the Peruvian song from the 90s, "Carreteras Mojadas" by Christian Meier, I saw the sign that said "Welcome to Oxapampa." It was like seeing LAND after sailing for years. We entered the city, and it truly felt like arriving in the village of the hobbits from the movie "The Lord of the Rings," or at least very similar. The sky and the landscape are beautiful, and the houses as well. Let's remember that Oxapampa is mostly populated by a German colony, who are super friendly and welcoming in making you feel at home. You absolutely have to try their meats and sausages. Delicious!
Activities:
In Oxapampa, besides enjoying their delicious food and scenery, we were able to engage in adventure sports. Just a few minutes from the city center, you can do both regular canopy or extreme canopy. If you enjoy adventure, you HAVE TO DO IT! You won't regret it. You can also visit their ranches or haciendas, such as "Rancho Ruffner," where there was no shortage of music and beers to have a great time with friends.
Another option that I definitely recommend is taking a full-day trip to Pozuzo, a beautiful province of Oxapampa. There, you'll not only find even more beautiful landscapes but also enjoy their own beer factory. The German community will make you feel right at home. During my visit, I did a full-day excursion, but honestly, I would have liked to spend the night there because it was so worth it. That city really knows how to lift your spirits and truly cheer you up. On the other hand, I don't recommend driving there because the road to Pozuzo has a lot of rough terrain and cliffs, so for safety, it's better to take a guided tour. They already know the route and will ensure you arrive safely.
Ending
After spending about 3 days in Oxapampa and Pozuzo, it was time to return to Lima.
I would definitely recommend mustering the courage to take a road trip through such a beautiful route like the one to Oxapampa and Pozuzo. These are two Peruvian cities that I really like, and you should definitely visit them. Keep in mind that it's not only a great idea to visit them in July but also in October, as they also celebrate the famous "Oktoberfest." If in Lima, this event is a lot of fun and enjoyable, in Pozuzo, the experience is even more entertaining.
Taken From:
Urdí, R. L. (2019, 15 mayo). «Mi viaje a Oxapampa . . . Manejando» by Andrea Portella. Caminante del Planeta - Blog de viajes. https://caminantedelplaneta.com/oxapampa-peru/
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