Pozuzo : Complete Guide to Visiting This Unique Village in Peru

Perched at 731 meters above sea level in the Oxapampa province, in the heart of the Pasco region, Pozuzo is much more than a simple village in the Central Jungle. Nicknamed "the only Austro-German colony in the world", this preserved enclave reveals a surprising cultural synthesis where Tyrolean traditions blend with Amazonian exuberance.

The name Pozuzo comes from the Yanesha word "Pozuzu", which means "salt water" or "pools of salt water", referring to the natural springs that characterize the region. Today, the village is composed of three distinct sectors: Montefuner, La Colonia and Prusia, each preserving the imprint of its European founders.

Pozuzo is recognized as the capital of Austro-German colonization in Peru. Its unique history, typical architecture, fusion cuisine and commitment to sustainable tourism make it an essential destination for travelers seeking authenticity. In 2023, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) distinguished it as one of the "Best Tourism Villages in the World", while in December 2025, MINCETUR officially awarded it the "Pueblo con Encanto" label.

The history of Pozuzo is an exceptional human epic. Long before the arrival of European settlers, the valley was inhabited by indigenous peoples Amajes and Amueshas (Yaneshas), whose lithic and ceramic remains, as well as andenes (terraces), bear witness to an ancient presence, including the Inca advance into the region.

During the viceregal period, Franciscan missionaries evangelized the area from 1712 onwards. In 1730, Pozuzo had two reductions: Asunción de Pozuzo (164 natives) and Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Tillingo (100 natives). But in 1742, the rebellion of Juan Santos Atahualpa in the Gran Pajonal sowed fear among the Spanish authorities, who ordered the depopulation of the Pozuzo villages in 1753.

The great adventure of the Austro-German settlers began in 1855, when Baron Cosme Damián Freiherr Schütz von Holzhausen signed a contract with President Ramón Castilla to colonize the region. On March 27, 1857, 184 Tyroleans and 120 Rhine Germans embarked at Antwerp on the ship "El Norton". After a long crossing, they arrived at Callao on July 21, 1857, then began a perilous overland journey through the Andes, facing cold, altitude sickness and avalanches. It was only in July 1859, after two years of effort, that the 170 survivors arrived in Pozuzo and founded their "Nueva Patria".

Main festivals and celebrations:

• Fiesta de San José (March 19): patron saint of the village, celebrated with fervor.
• Holy Week (April): traditional religious celebrations.
• Central Jungle Tourism Week (June 24-30).
• Aniversario de Pozuzo – Día del Colono (July 24-30): the biggest festival of the year, with allegorical floats, dances, music and tribute to the settlers.
• Typisches Fest: annual event organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, with gastronomy, dances and skill games.
• Pozuzo Fest (September): craft beer festival celebrating Austro-German culture.
• Fiesta de Santa Rosa (August 30): patron saint festival of the district.

The Austro-German settlers built Pozuzo following the architectural patterns of their countries of origin. The houses are built according to geometric plans, with wooden floors and gabled roofs, characteristic of Tyrolean and Bavarian constructions. A remarkable feature: the wood is assembled without using nails, a technique that in no way compromises the solidity of the structures.

Monuments and heritage sites to discover:

• 🏛️ Museo Schafferer: Two-story wooden museum that preserves the history of the first settlers through photographs, texts, tools, kitchen utensils, ceramics and furniture. Remains of pre-European cultures are also exhibited. A guide is highly recommended to discover the most traditional anecdotes.
• ⛪ Iglesia San José: Built between 1868 and 1876 under the direction of Father José Egg, with the support of the second group of settlers. Simple in style, it features a gabled roof, a single nave and an apse. Its walls mix stone, clay, lime and sand, with wooden finishes. Inscriptions in Spanish and German adorn the interior.
• ⚰️ Cementerio de los Colonos: A 500 m² space where the founders of the village rest: Father José Egg (spiritual guide), Father Francisco Schafferer and Father Luis Ipfelkofer, as well as their families. An inscription in German is engraved there: "Es ist ein frommer und heiliger Gedanke, für die Verstorbenen zu beten" ("It is a pious and holy thought to pray for the departed").
• 🌉 Puente Emperador Guillermo I: Suspension bridge of 63.5 meters built in 1877 over the Huancabamba River, thanks to a donation from Emperor William I of Germany. Initially named "Puente Central", it facilitated trade with Puerto Mayro and the Huánuco region. Rebuilt in 1995 with the support of the German embassy, it is now a major tourist asset.
• 🏠 Casa Budweiser: Bavarian-style house with cellar, fireplace and meat smoker.
• 🏠 Casa de la Cultura: Built in 2004 in Tyrolean style, with the support of the association "PRO KULTURVEREIN POZUZO" (Tyrol-Austria). Venue for dance performances and cultural activities.

Access to Pozuzo is an adventure in itself, but the reward is well worth the journey. Several options are available to visitors depending on their budget, available time and desire for adventure.

From Lima by bus: Most travelers opt for this solution. Interprovincial buses connect Lima to the town of Oxapampa in a journey of approximately 8 to 10 hours. It is advisable to book in advance, especially for night buses which are very popular. Once in Oxapampa, you need to go to the local terminal to take a colectivo (shared minivan) to Pozuzo. This second journey takes about 2 to 3 hours on a largely unpaved road. The total journey from Lima therefore takes about 12 to 14 hours.

From Lima by private car: The route follows the Carretera Central passing through Ticlio (highest pass at 4,818 m altitude), La Oroya, Tarma, San Ramón and La Merced to Oxapampa. The road is paved up to Puente Paucartambo, then becomes a dirt track for about 77 km to Pozuzo. The total journey from Lima is approximately 472 km and takes between 10 and 12 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. Extra caution is required during the rainy season, as landslides can block the road.

From Lima by plane: There is no direct flight to Oxapampa. The fastest option is to take a 50-minute flight to Jauja airport, then continue by bus or car to Oxapampa (about 4 hours) and finally by colectivo to Pozuzo (2 to 3 hours). A small airstrip exists in Pozuzo (550 m), but it is only served once a week by very small planes, and this option is not recommended for inexperienced travelers.

Pozuzo offers a wide range of activities, combining cultural discovery, historical immersion and exploration of the lush nature of the Central Jungle.

Must-sees:

• 🏛️ Visit the Museo Schafferer: This two-story wooden museum preserves the memory of the first settlers through photographs, tools, kitchen utensils, furniture and everyday objects. Remains of pre-European cultures are also exhibited. Using a local guide greatly enriches the visit, as they share anecdotes and family stories passed down through generations.
• ⛪ Discover the Iglesia San José: Built between 1868 and 1876, this simple-style church with a gabled roof mixes stone, clay, lime and wood. Inscriptions in Spanish and German adorn its walls, testifying to the village's dual cultural heritage.
• ⚰️ Pay respects at the Cementerio de los Colonos: This 500 m² cemetery houses the graves of the village founders, including Father José Egg, spiritual guide of the settlers. An inscription in German recalls the piety of the deceased. A pilgrimage is organized there every year on Día del Colono.
• 🌉 Cross the Puente Emperador Guillermo I: This 63.5 m suspension bridge, built in 1877, spans the Huancabamba River. Rebuilt in 1995 with the support of the German embassy, it offers a spectacular view of the river and surrounding vegetation. It marks the start of an interpretive trail that connects the bridge to the cemetery.
• 🏞️ Explore the Yanachaga Chemillén National Park: This 122,000-hectare national park is considered a Pleistocene refuge, harboring exceptional biodiversity. It is home to three human groups: the Yanesha indigenous community, the Austro-German settlers and Andean immigrants. Crossing the park offers breathtaking panoramas of forest-covered mountains and deep canyons.
• 🌊 Swim at the Pozas de Agua Salada: Located at Bajo Chancarizo, 10 km from the center (30 min by car), these turquoise water springs contain sulfur and salt, which are said to have healing properties.
• 💦 Admire the Catarata El Delfín: This 100 m high waterfall is reached after about an hour's walk from the Prusia district. The route offers breathtaking views of the Huancabamba Canyon, the deepest in the Amazon rainforest.
• 🏡 Stroll through the neighborhoods of La Colonia and Prusia: These sectors of the village feature typical Alpine-style houses, with their gabled roofs and wooden structures assembled without nails. Prusia, in particular, is considered the gateway to the village and offers a particularly photogenic rural setting.

Additional activities:

• 🎵 Attend a traditional dance performance: The Bayrisch Polka, Finger Polka or Vier Schritt are typical dances registered with Indecopi, testifying to the rich cultural heritage of Pozuzo.
• 🎭 Participate in the Typisches Fest or Pozuzo Fest: These annual events celebrate Austro-German culture through gastronomy, music, dances and skill games.
• 🌿 Practice vivencial tourism: Locals offer immersive experiences: wood cutting, agricultural work, cow milking, horseback riding, learning traditional dances or wood carving.
• 📸 Photograph the landscapes: The Huancabamba Canyon, waterfalls, typical houses and panoramas over the forest offer exceptional photographic opportunities.

Pozuzo offers a range of accommodations suited to different budgets and expectations, ranging from family guesthouses to lodges in the heart of nature, including typical bed & breakfasts that perpetuate the Tyrolean architecture of the settlers.

Pozuzo's accommodations often stand out for their typical architecture, with wooden structures and gabled roofs. Many of them offer vivencial tourism activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of the locals.

Types of accommodation available:

• 🏠 Family guesthouses: Run by Pozuzo families, they offer a warm and authentic atmosphere. Hosts are happy to share their history and traditions. These accommodations are ideal for a cultural immersion.
• 🏨 Town center hotels: Located close to main shops, restaurants and heritage sites, they offer standard comfort with basic services. Convenient for visitors who want everything within reach.
• 🌿 Lodges and eco-lodges: Located on the outskirts of the village, often near the Yanachaga Chemillén National Park, they allow privileged contact with nature. Some offer hiking, birdwatching and discovery of local biodiversity.

Services generally offered:

• Breakfast included (often made with local products)
• Wi-Fi (varies by area)
• Hot water
• Parking for vehicles
• On-site dining possible (by reservation)
• Organization of excursions and activities

Vivencial tourism activities offered by some accommodations:

• Participation in agricultural work
• Cow milking and animal care
• Learning traditional dances
• Horseback riding
• Discovering wood carving
• Traditional cooking workshops

The gastronomy of Pozuzo is one of the gems of its cultural heritage. A true Austro-German and Peruvian fusion, it delights the most discerning palates with its diversity and authenticity. The recipes, passed down from generation to generation, use local products while preserving European culinary techniques.

Specialties not to miss:

• 🌭 Wurst (salchicha pozucina): Typical sausage, a direct heritage of Austrian tradition, prepared according to ancestral recipes.
• 🥩 Wiener Schnitzel: Breaded veal or pork cutlet, served with local accompaniments.
• 🍲 Knödelsuppe (meatball soup): Comforting and flavorful meatball soup.
• 🍜 Schittelsuppe: Chicken broth with noodles, a classic of Pozuzo cuisine.
• 🥣 Brennsuppe: Chicken broth made with toasted corn flour, a unique specialty.
• 🍖 Gulasch mit Spätzeln: Meat stew served with fresh pasta, typical of German cuisine.
• 🍰 Käsekuchen (cheesecake): Cheesecake, an emblematic dessert of the settlers.
• 🥧 Strudel: Banana and cinnamon roll (local version) or apple (traditional version).
• 🍩 Shtrukala: Dessert made with elastic dough and banana jam.
• 🍞 Schtraubalan: Typical tortillas, perfect for a snack.

Where to taste these dishes:

• 🍽️ Family restaurants: Run by Pozuzo families, they offer generous and authentic home cooking, often in a warm and typical setting. Recipes are passed down from mother to daughter and products are fresh and local.
• 🥨 Counters and small stalls: Ideal for a gourmet break, they offer local specialties to take away, such as Wurst or pastries.
• 🍺 Craft breweries: Pozuzo perpetuates the Austrian brewing tradition. Several establishments offer local craft beers, to enjoy on site or to take away.
• 🎉 Festivities: The Typisches Fest, Pozuzo Fest and Día del Colono are privileged occasions to taste a wide variety of traditional dishes in a festive atmosphere.

General tips:

• 🦟 Protection: Bring an effective mosquito repellent, especially during the rainy season. Pozuzo is known for its low number of harmful insects, but prevention is still recommended.
• 💧 Hydration: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water.
• 👕 Clothing: Bring light clothing for the day, a raincoat during the rainy season, and hiking shoes for walks. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen.
• 📱 Phone: Mobile coverage is good in the village center, more sporadic in remote areas.
• 💵 Cash: ATMs exist in Pozuzo, but they can be out of order or empty. It is strongly recommended to bring enough cash in soles from Oxapampa or Lima.
• 🗺️ Guides: Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for visiting the Museo Schafferer and heritage sites. They share anecdotes and family stories that you won't find in any guidebook.
• 🚗 Transport: The Oxapampa-Pozuzo section is largely unpaved. During the rainy season, check road conditions before leaving, as landslides can occur.

Pozuzo and sustainable tourism:

Pozuzo is actively committed to responsible and sustainable tourism. Locals practice organic farming, promote reforestation and protect water sources, flora and fauna. The "Pozuzo Sostenible 2023" program brings together local government, the community, universities and international cooperation to preserve biological corridors and ecosystems.

Establishments use biodegradable packaging and promote the consumption of local products ("Km 0") to boost the local economy. Solar energy is used for public lighting, and organic waste from restaurants and hotels is recycled into compost and humus.

Pozuzo is much more than a simple village in the Central Jungle. It is a true bridge between two worlds, where the Austro-German heritage and Amazonian exuberance have harmoniously merged to create a culture unique in the world.

Whether you are passionate about history, a food lover, a nature enthusiast or simply seeking authenticity, Pozuzo will captivate you with its charm, the kindness of its inhabitants and the beauty of its landscapes. The settlers' journey, the typical architecture, the living traditions and the exceptional biodiversity of the Yanachaga Chemillén National Park make this village an unforgettable destination.

Its international recognitions – "Best Tourism Villages" by UNWTO in 2023 and "Pueblo con Encanto" by MINCETUR in 2025 – are no coincidence. They reward years of effort to preserve a unique heritage and offer visitors a responsible and immersive travel experience.

🇦🇹🇩🇪 Ready to discover the settlers' "Nueva Patria"? Pozuzo awaits you, with its colors, flavors and age-old stories.

Source: MINCETUR - Pueblos con Encanto Program | UNWTO - Best Tourism Villages