Puerto Ocopa Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Puerto Ocopa, Peru with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, and more!


Introduction to Puerto Ocopa

Located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, Puerto Ocopa is a hidden gem that boasts an incredible natural environment and rich cultural traditions. This small town is the gateway to the Junin River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River, and offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. It’s also home to several museums and historical sites that showcase the region’s history and culture. With few tourists, Puerto Ocopa offers an authentic and off-the-beaten-path travel experience.

List of Places to Visit in Puerto Ocopa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Junin Regional Museum: Located in the town center, this museum features exhibits on the history, culture, and natural environment of the Junin region.
  • Ocopa Monastery: Founded in the 18th century, this monastery houses a library with over 24,000 books and manuscripts, as well as a collection of religious art and artifacts.
  • Cerro de la Libertad: This hill overlooks the town and offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle. It’s also home to a monument dedicated to the country’s independence.

Natural Attractions of Puerto Ocopa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Junin River: This scenic river is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. It’s home to a variety of fish species, including piranhas and catfish.
  • Tawana Waterfall: This stunning waterfall is located 12 km from Puerto Ocopa and offers a challenging hiking trail that will take you through the jungle to the base of the falls.
  • Cerro Potosi: This mountain offers incredible views of the surrounding jungle and is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Puerto Ocopa

  • Cerro Potosi Trail: This challenging trail will take you to the top of Cerro Potosi, offering stunning views of the jungle en route.
  • Tawana Waterfall Trail: This trail is a moderately challenging hike that leads to the base of the Tawana Waterfall, passing through lush jungle and crossing streams along the way.
  • Junin River Trail: This easy trail follows the Junin River, offering beautiful views of the river and jungle. It’s perfect for biking or hiking.

Best Things to Do in Puerto Ocopa: Activities and Tours

  • Fishing Tour: The Junin River is an excellent fishing spot, where you can catch a wide variety of fish, including piranhas and catfish. Book a fishing tour with a local guide for an unforgettable experience.
  • Oropesa Food Tour: Visit the nearby town of Oropesa, known for its traditional culinary scene. Take a food tour to taste local specialties, such as chicharron, tamales, and empanadas.
  • Ocopa Monastery Tour: Take a guided tour of the historic Ocopa Monastery, where you can learn about the monastery’s history, view a collection of religious art and artifacts, and browse the vast library of books and manuscripts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Puerto Ocopa

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Puerto Ocopa and check-in at your accommodation.
Day 2 Visit Junin Regional Museum in the morning and go fishing in the afternoon.
Day 3 Take a guided tour of Ocopa Monastery and its library.
Day 4 Hike to Tawana Waterfall and swim in the refreshing pool.
Day 5 Rent bikes and explore the Junin River trail.
Day 6 Take a food tour of Oropesa and taste local specialties.
Day 7 Relax and enjoy your last day in Puerto Ocopa before departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Puerto Ocopa

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chicharron: This traditional Peruvian pork dish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s often served with sweet potatoes and corn on the cob.
  • Tacacho con Cecina: This dish is made with mashed green plantains, fried pork, and a tomato and onion salad. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch.
  • Juane: This dish is made with rice, chicken or pork, and spices, and is wrapped in banana leaves before being boiled. It’s a popular dish during the festival of Saint John, celebrated in June.

Local Beverages

  • Masato: This drink is made from fermented yucca or corn and is a popular beverage in the Amazon region.
  • Coca tea: This tea is made from the leaves of the coca plant and is said to help with altitude sickness and digestion.
  • Chicha: This fermented corn beverage is often served at festivals and celebrations and has a tangy and slightly sweet taste.

Where to Stay in Puerto Ocopa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Casa del Rio: This hotel is located on the banks of the Junin River and offers comfortable rooms with river views and a restaurant that serves traditional Peruvian cuisine.
  • Hostal Cumbres Blancas: This cozy guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves delicious local food.
  • La Casona del Prado: This hotel is housed in a colonial-style mansion and offers comfortable rooms, a garden, and a terrace with views of the surrounding jungle.

What to Buy in Puerto Ocopa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local artisan crafts: Look for handmade textiles, jewelry, and pottery at the local markets and shops.
  • Coffee: The Junin region is known for its high-quality coffee, so grab a bag to take home.
  • Cacao: The Peruvian Amazon is also home to some of the world’s best cacao, so be sure to try some or take a bag home.

Local Culture and Customs of Puerto Ocopa

Puerto Ocopa is home to a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, and the local people have a deep connection to the land and the river. They celebrate several festivals throughout the year, including the festival of Saint John in June and the Feast of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception in December. Visitors are welcomed to join in the festivities and experience the local culture firsthand.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Ocopa

The best time to visit Puerto Ocopa is from May to September, during the dry season. The weather is mild and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Puerto Ocopa

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Take plenty of water and mosquito repellent during outdoor activities.
  • Ask for permission before taking photos of people or their homes.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in public.
  • Dispose of trash in the river or on the ground.
  • Attempt to hike or bike alone in the jungle; always go with a guide or a group.

Safety and Health

Safety in Puerto Ocopa

Puerto Ocopa is generally a safe place to visit, but it’s always important to take precautions. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Don’t carry large sums of cash or valuable items with you, and keep them locked up in your accommodation if possible.

Health in Puerto Ocopa

The Peruvian Amazon is a region with a risk of malaria and dengue fever, so it’s recommended to take preventive measures, such as using insect repellent with DEET and sleeping under mosquito nets. It’s also important to stay hydrated and avoid drinking tap water. Medical facilities are limited in Puerto Ocopa, so it’s advisable to bring any necessary medication with you.

Getting to Puerto Ocopa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Puerto Ocopa

The nearest airport is in Jauja, located approximately 150 km from Puerto Ocopa. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Puerto Ocopa.

Bus Stations Near Puerto Ocopa

The town has a bus station that offers connections to cities like Huancayo, Lima, and Pucallpa.

Other Options

You can also reach Puerto Ocopa by river boat from cities like Pucallpa and Iquitos.

How to Get Around Puerto Ocopa

The town itself is small enough to explore on foot, but if you want to venture out to the surrounding areas, it’s best to rent a bike or hire a guide. Taxis are also available, but make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand.

Where to Go Next from Puerto Ocopa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tingo Maria: This town is located approximately 120 km from Puerto Ocopa and is known for its scenic landscapes and natural attractions, such as the Tingo Maria National Park.
  • Pucallpa: This city is located approximately 220 km from Puerto Ocopa and is one of the largest cities in the Peruvian Amazon. It boasts a vibrant cultural scene and several natural attractions, such as the Yarinacocha Lake.
  • Lima: Peru’s bustling capital city is located approximately 270 km from Puerto Ocopa and offers a wealth of attractions, including historic sites, museums, and restaurants.

Conclusion

Puerto Ocopa is a hidden gem that offers a unique travel experience in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Whether you’re interested in cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing in a tranquil jungle environment, Puerto Ocopa has something for everyone. Remember to respect the local culture and customs, take precautions for your safety and health, and enjoy this off-the-beaten-path destination.