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 traditionals 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.


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


Tourist Site Attractions:

Bosque de Piedras de Huayllay National Sanctuary, located at 40 kilometers 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, extense plain-land surrounded by a varied flora and fauna. It is located at 35 kilometers from the city of Cerro de Pasco.

Thermal Baths of Calera, located at 43 kilometers of Cerro de Pasco. Baths rich in calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium. It is very popular for its curative properties.

The Snow Mountain of Huaguruncho, located at 66 kilometers from Cerro de Pasco. 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. Ideal for mountain climbing.

Yanachaga-Chemillen National Park, with 122.000 hectares, 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.

City of Oxapampa, located 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 reminiscense of the old German colony. Most of the houses and buildings are made of wood, according to the style of the German and Austrian inmigrants.

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.

The town of Puzuzo, 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.