Peru · 2026 itinerary
Oxapampa 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Oxapampa: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Covered market with local crafts: woven textiles, wooden carvings, honey, and cheese. Stalls run by artisans from Oxapampa and surrounding indigenous communities.
🕐 Daily 08:00-18:00
Free entry💡 Cheapest prices at the far end stalls. Try the queso mantecoso (butter cheese) before you buy; it costs 12 soles per kilo. Go in the morning for freshest produce.
Hotels near Feria Artesanal de Oxapampa →Small colonial-era wooden chapel built in the 19th century by settlers. Whitewashed interior with simple benches and a timber altar. Peaceful spot.
🕐 Open during mass: Sun 08:00-09:30; otherwise locked
Free entry💡 It's often locked; ask at the house next door (yellow gate) for the key. No cameras allowed inside during mass on Sunday mornings.
Hotels near Capilla de San Francisco de Asís →Don Pepe · ££
El Tizón · ££
Deeper Into Oxapampa
Central square with a bandstand, gardens, and the main church. Benches shaded by huge trees. Locals gather here in the evening.
🕐 24 hours
💡 Go at sunset when the light hits the church tower. Street food vendors sell grilled corn and anticuchos for a few soles.
Protected cloud forest with walking trails, waterfalls, and birdwatching. Can see toucans, monkeys, and orchids. Entrance is at the ranger station 5 km from town centre.
🕐 Daily 06:00-18:00
💡 The trail to Catarata Las Pavas is 4 km round trip and free. Bring insect repellent and waterproof shoes. No food inside, so pack lunch.
Divina Montaña
Oasis
Final Favourites & Departure
Small museum covering the local Austrian-German settler history, pre-Columbian artefacts, and natural history exhibits. Has a stuffed jaguar and old photos of t
💡 Entry is 5 soles (about £1). Ask the caretaker to unlock the back room with the traditional costumes. Allow 40 minutes.
El Tarmeño
Casa Italia
Getting Around Oxapampa
Haggle to 8 soles max if you're solo. For luggage or groups, wait for a three-wheeled motocar—more stable than a regular mototaxi. Tip: confirm driver knows Frau Carolina Egg (it's a well-known hotel near the plaza).
Catch the 10 pm bus for the most comfortable ride. Book VIP seats for reclining beds—the road gets winding after La Merced. Alight at the terminal, then take a mototaxi to Frau Carolina Egg (10 mins, $2–$3).
Book through Turismo Oxapampa or Hotel Frau Carolina directly. Negotiate a flat rate for the 8-hour drive through La Oroya—drivers know the shortcuts.
Cheapest option if you're already in La Merced. Collectivos leave when full—arrive early. The driver can drop you near Jr. Alejandro von Humboldt, a short walk from Frau Carolina Egg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Oxapampa?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Feria Artesanal de Oxapampa and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Oxapampa?
See our full best time to visit Oxapampa guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Dolce Vita, Centro Yanachaga, Frau Carolina Egg. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.