Province of Pasco

Capital: City of Cerro de Pasco
Altitude: 4.340 m.a.s.l.
Distance: not available

The province is located in the central Andean part of the Peruvian territory, comprising Andean zones and Amazon jungles.

The silver and gold mines that made the province of Pasco famous were already known and exploited by the Inkas when the Spanish arrived.

Cerro de Pasco, the highest city of the world, calls the attention for contrasts between the old city, with it irregular outlay, the tunnels and galleries that cross its strange traditional streets and the new city of San Juan de Pampa, with its modern and symmetrical features, its churches of Andean architecture, broad streets and modern electrical service.
How to arrive

Pasco is situated on Perú central mountain range area. Despite its location, the most beautiful places of this department are in the jungle area in the limits with Junin province.
 
- You can arrive to Paso from Lima by land; the trip takes 7 hours approximately by car.

- You can arrive to Pasco Mountain from Lima (296 kilometers); by the central highway, the trip takes 8 hours approximately by car.

Festivities

Cruces Festivity (May)

Traditional party that takes place during all May, since colonial times with the participation of butlers and dance groups from San Cristóbal Uliachin, Rosario de Yanachaga, San Juan Pampa, Huancapucro neighborhoods, Paragsha; the elegant and the famous “negrería” dances, chonguinada, etc.

Ecotourism – Ruraltur Huayllay Festival (September)

It takes place the first September Saturday and Sunday at “Bosque de Piedras” National Sanctuary, is a fraternal party where folkloric performances accompanied by bands, and typical food made with alpaca meat, trout and products as maca, potatoes, chuño, etc. Also a trekking and adventure sport takes place in “Bosque de Piedras” circuit.

Other important festivities:
 

1. Touristy and archeological Chaupihuaranga 2000 Yanahuanca Festival (May),
2. Eco touristy central jungle of native and tourist communities - Villa Rica Festival (July),
3. Livestock farmer – Eco-touristy – Pozuzo Festival (October).

Tourist Site Attractions:

It is interesting to visit:

- San Pedro de Ninacaca Church
- Inmaculada Concepción de Vicco Church
- Columna de Pasco Monument
- Bell Clock
- The highest mine of the world a Tajo Abierto
- House of Stone
- Municipal Art Gallery Leoncio Lugo
- Museum of General Anatomy of the Universtity Daniel Alcides Carrion
- Waterfall El Encanto
- Waterfall El Leon

Bosque de Piedras de Huayllay National Sanctuary

It is located at 40 kilometers away from Cerro de Pasco. It is characterized for rocks of different sizes and shapes (human profiles and animals) spread out inside the forest. There is a thermal water fountain known for its curative properties.

The plateau of Bombon

It is a vast plain-land surrounded by a varied flora and fauna. It is located at 35 kilometers from the city of Pasco Mountain.

Thermal Baths of Calera

There are located to 43 kilometers from Pasco Mountain. Thermal baths are rich in calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium. It is very popular for its curative properties.

The Snow Mountain of Huaguruncho
The mountain is situated at 66 kilometers from Pasco Mountain. It reaches an altitude of 5.730 m.a.s.l., and is surrounded by four important glaciers: The Jacahuay, the Ranrajanca, the Carhuaraj and the Incatama. At its foot there are several lagoons among which the following stand out: The Huaguruncho, the Leche Cocha, the Suyro Cocha and the Pacchapata. It is considered ideal to practice mountain climbing.

Yanachaga-Chemillen National Park

It has 122.000 hectares approximately; it is located in the region of Oxapampa, at 25 kilometers from the town Oxapampa. The park comprises the Forest of San Matias San Carlos and the Comunal Reservation Ashaninka or Campa.

Its compound name comes from the Quechua word: Yanachaga, that means "black" and Chemillen, that means "burned". Thus, both names allude to the darkness appearance of the mountains.

To enter the National Park Yanachaga-Chemillen, it is necessary to arrange an autorization at its office in the city of Oxapampa.

Oxapampa City

It is situated 400 kilometers from Lima. It was founded by a group of German and Tyrolean settlers who came from Pozuzo in 1891. It represents the living reminiscence of the old German colony. Most of the houses and buildings are made of wood, according to the style of the German and Austrian immigrants.

The name Oxapampa means "Pampa of Paja". At present, Oxapampa is a mixture of German, Austrian and Peruvian customs and traditions that are shown in the gastronomy, dances and parties.

Puzuzo Town

It was founded in 1857 by a German colony. The immigrants built the city conserving European architectonic patterns. It is located at 94 kilometers from Oxapampa. It is interesting to visit: The church of Quillazu, and the National Park of Yanachaga-Chemillen.

Useful information
 
Tourism and industry General Direction

Statal 3, building, San Juan Pampa
Pasco Mountain
Phone/fax: (064) 72-2275

PromPerú
Tourist information service

Phone/fax: (511) 224-9355.
Attention Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:30.
Phone: (511) 574-8000.
Attention: 24 hours.

PromPerú / Indecopi
Tourist protection service

Phone/fax: (511) 574-8000.
Attention: 24 hours.
Phone: 0-800-42579 (Toll Free for provinces)

Attention: Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:30.