Villa Rica & El Oconal Lagoon Day Trip

Explore two of the most renowned destinations in the Oxapampa region of central Peru with our day excursion to Villa Rica and El Oconal Lagoon. This journey takes you to a site that boasts millions of years of natural history and rich biodiversity.

Day Trip to Villa Rica & El Oconal Lagoon

The adventure begins at 8 am, when we will collect you from your accommodation in La Merced and set out to uncover some of the stunning attractions in the Oxapampa province.

Are you aware that this region has been home to three distinct civilizations? To the east, the Campas thrived, while the Amueshas occupied the western areas and the Cashibos settled to the northeast. These indigenous cultures coexisted peacefully, and today, the area is known for its breathtaking waterfalls along with its flourishing coffee, pineapple, and rocoto crops, all of which you'll see on this journey.

Our first destination will be the village of Villa Rica. We’ll share insights about the municipality’s significant contribution to coffee production. As we stroll through the charming streets, you’ll marvel at the Chapel of Our Lady of Rosario, a stunning wooden structure, and the lively Plaza de Armas, located in the town’s center.

Following this, you'll have some leisure time to enjoy lunch before we continue to El Oconal Lagoon. This vital wetland is home to species like catfish and tilapia, as well as elegant white herons. Interestingly, recent studies indicate that this lagoon originated from fluvial deposits during the Cenozoic era, around 50 million years ago.

We will conclude our unforgettable 9-hour trip with a return to La Merced, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.