Villa Rica & El Oconal Lagoon Day Trip

Explore two renowned locations in the Oxapampa region of central Peru on a captivating day trip to Villa Rica and El Oconal Lagoon. This journey unveils a habitat that dates back millions of years and showcases a rich diversity of life.

Day Trip to Villa Rica & El Oconal Lagoon

Your adventure begins at 8 am with a pickup from your accommodation in La Merced, paving the way to discover a selection of stunning sites within the Oxapampa province.

Interestingly, this area has been home to three distinct civilizations. To the east lived the Campas, to the west the Amueshas, and to the northeast the Cashibos. These groups were Amazonian tribes coexisting harmoniously. Presently, the landscape is defined by its breathtaking waterfalls and the cultivation of coffee, pineapple, and rocoto, all of which you will encounter throughout your journey.

Your first destination will be the village of Villa Rica, where you will learn about the municipality's significant contribution to coffee production. While walking through the streets, admire the Chapel of Our Lady of Rosario, notable for its all-wood construction, as well as the iconic Plaza de Armas situated in the town's center.

Afterward, you'll have some leisure time for lunch before continuing to El Oconal Lagoon. This vital wetland is home to a variety of fish including catfish and tilapia, along with white herons. Remarkably, recent research indicates that the lagoon originated from fluvial deposits during the Cenozoic period around 50 million years ago.

At the end of this memorable 9-hour day, we’ll return you to La Merced and drop you off at your hotel.