Oxapampa is the gateway to Peru’s renowned Coffee Route, and Villa Rica sits at the heart of this celebrated region. Set out on a full-day tour that promises an immersive cultural experience, from exploring the historic center to marveling at the cascading Cascada del León waterfall. But the true highlight lies in uncovering the secrets of sustainable coffee farming at the Santa Rosa hacienda. What delights await as you delve deeper into this coffee-infused wonderland?
Key Points
- A full-day tour from Oxapampa to Villa Rica, the capital of Peru’s Coffee Route, offering exploration of the historic center, cascades, and coffee tasting.
- The tour includes a boat ride on El Oconal lagoon and an ichthyotherapy session, along with a visit to the Shollet forest, a cloud forest conservation area.
- Visitors can experience the vibrant birdlife and serene atmosphere of the Shollet forest, as well as learn about organic coffee farming practices at the Santa Rosa hacienda.
- The tour is priced at $35 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and features a knowledgeable live guide available in Spanish and English.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off service from Oxapampa, with transportation provided by comfortable bus or minibus throughout the day.
Trip Overview and Highlights
This full-day tour from Oxapampa takes visitors to explore Villa Rica, the capital of Peru’s renowned Coffee Route.
Priced at just $35 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Explore the historic center, visit Cascada del León waterfall, and discover Villa Rica’s world-famous coffee.
The tour features a knowledgeable live guide, available in Spanish and English.
Enjoy a boat ride on El Oconal lagoon and an ichthyotherapy session for stress relief.
With a duration of 1 day, this comprehensive experience showcases the best of Villa Rica’s coffee, nature, and culture.
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Itinerary Details
The tour begins with pickup at 8:00 a.m. from Oxapampa, heading directly to Villa Rica, the capital of the Coffee Route.
The first stop is Shollet forest, a conservation area of cloud forest. Next, the group will tour the historic center of Villa Rica, including the main square and the giant coffee pot.
Guests explore the Shollet cloud forest before touring the historic center of Villa Rica, including the iconic giant coffee pot.
After admiring the stunning El León waterfall, they’ll head to the Cumbre viewpoint for a panoramic jungle view.
Lunch is self-arranged, then it’s off to the Santa Rosa hacienda to learn about organic coffee farming and taste the renowned Villa Rica coffee.
The day concludes with a boat ride on El Oconal lagoon.
Pickup and Transportation
The tour kicks off with a pickup service from Oxapampa at 8:00 a.m.
Travelers are transported by bus or minibus to the capital of the Coffee Route, Villa Rica.
The transportation includes:
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Convenient pickup and drop-off at the starting point in Oxapampa.
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Comfortable bus or minibus for the journey to explore the region.
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A boat ride on the picturesque El Oconal lagoon, providing a unique perspective of the landscape and biodiversity.
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An experienced, Spanish-speaking guide to provide commentary and assistance throughout the day.
Shollet Forest: A Conservation Gem
One of the first stops on the Villa Rica tour is the Shollet forest, a conservation area of cloud forest. Visitors are immersed in the lush greenery, breathing in the fresh, earthy scents. As they walk the trails, they’ll spot vibrant birds and hear the gentle rustling of leaves. The forest is a haven for wildlife, providing refuge in its misty canopy. Exploring Shollet is a chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature.
| Tranquil | Lush | Diverse |
| — | — | — |
| Peaceful trails | Verdant foliage | Thriving ecosystem |
| Serene atmosphere | Towering trees | Abundant wildlife |
| Calming silence | Misty ambiance | Extraordinary beauty |
More Great Tours NearbyExploring the Historic Center of Villa Rica
After exploring the serene Shollet forest, visitors move on to the historic center of Villa Rica, the capital of the Coffee Route.
They’ll discover:
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The bustling main square, with its colonial architecture and thriving local cafes.
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The giant coffee pot monument, a symbol of the town’s coffee heritage.
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The charming streets lined with traditional buildings and friendly locals.
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The opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural and coffee-centric history of this picturesque Peruvian town.
Exploring Villa Rica’s historic heart provides a deeper understanding of the Coffee Route and its significance.
Cascada Del León and Cumbre Viewpoint
After departing the historic center, visitors make their way to the stunning Cascada del León, a breathtaking waterfall nestled in the lush jungle.
They can take a refreshing swim in the natural pool below the cascade, surrounded by the verdant foliage.
Next, the group ascends to the Cumbre viewpoint, which offers a panoramic vista of the surrounding rainforest canopy.
From this elevated vantage point, travelers can truly appreciate the vast, untamed beauty of the region.
This scenic stop offers a chance to connect with the stunning natural environment of Villa Rica and the Coffee Route.
Coffee Tasting at Santa Rosa Hacienda
Next, visitors tour the Santa Rosa hacienda to learn about the organic coffee farming practices that produce Villa Rica’s renowned coffee, protected by a designation of origin.
They’ll:
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Discover the importance of shade-grown coffee and composting techniques.
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Observe the harvesting and processing methods that produce the region’s signature flavors.
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Savor a tasting of the estate’s finest arabica beans, carefully roasted and brewed.
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Chat with the farmers about the challenges and rewards of sustainable coffee cultivation.
This immersive experience offers a true appreciation for the care and craftsmanship behind Villa Rica’s celebrated coffee.
El Oconal Lagoon and Ichthyotherapy Experience
The tour then moves on to El Oconal lagoon, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat ride amidst the stunning jungle landscape and diverse wildlife.
As they glide across the tranquil waters, they’ll have the chance to spot a variety of birds, reptiles, and other creatures that call this ecosystem home.
After the boat tour, guests can experience the unique ichthyotherapy session.
This involves dipping their feet into a pool filled with small fish that gently exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, providing a soothing and therapeutic experience to help relieve stress and tension.
Things To Know
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
Yes, there are discounts available for children and seniors on this tour. Children under 12 get a 20% discount, and seniors over 65 receive a 15% price reduction. However, the discounts must be requested at the time of booking.
Can We Customize the Itinerary to Focus More on Coffee or Nature?
Yes, you can customize the itinerary to focus more on coffee or nature. The tour operator offers flexibility, so you can adjust the schedule to suit your interests and priorities. Just let them know your preferences when booking.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Activity During the Tour?
The tour dedicates about 1-1.5 hours to exploring Villa Rica’s historic center and coffee culture, 1 hour for the waterfall and lagoon activities, and around 2 hours for the coffee hacienda tour and tasting.
Are Any Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Meal Options Available?
The itinerary doesn’t mention specific meal options, but the tour provider likely can accommodate vegetarian or dietary-restricted requests if arranged in advance. Guests should inquire about meal options when booking to ensure their dietary needs are met.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?
The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate. The tour provider will confirm the tour is running based on the number of bookings received prior to the scheduled departure date.
Sum Up
This full-day tour from Oxapampa to Villa Rica offers a captivating exploration of Peru’s Coffee Route. Visitors can enjoy the historic town, marvel at stunning natural wonders, and gain insights into sustainable coffee farming. The diverse itinerary, including a boat ride and coffee tasting, ensures an unforgettable experience for all who embark on this journey through the heart of the coffee-producing region.
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