Pozuzo in Pasco is a unique village in the Peruvian Amazon, founded by Austro-German settlers in the 19th century, with European architecture and a fascinating hybrid culture.
The district of Pozuzo is one of the eight districts that make up the Province of Oxapampa, located in the Department of Pasco, under the administration of the Pasco Regional Government. It is one of the most extraordinary destinations in Peru — a village that seems to have been transplanted from the Austrian Tyrol into the heart of the Peruvian jungle.
Located in the upper jungle region (Selva Alta), Pozuzo covers an area of approximately 1,394.4 square kilometers and extends across the eastern slopes of the mountains that form the Central Jungle. Its average altitude is 824 meters above sea level, though it ranges from 600 to 1,850 meters — spanning the transition from the lower jungle, through the upper jungle, to the edge of the cloud forest. The contrast between natural forest and artificial pastures creates a visually striking landscape mosaic.
Pozuzo is the name of the zone where the old Tyrolean colony was established, at around 750 meters above sea level near the Huancabamba River, and today has approximately 1,000 inhabitants. The name comes from the Pozuzo River, a tributary of the Huallaga River. The word “Pozuzo” derives from the Amuesha (Yanesha) language and means “river of salt water.”
Pozuzo Today
The Austrian Embassy in Lima, together with the “Tiroler Freundeskreis für Pozuzo” (Tyrolean Friends Circle for Pozuzo), supports a project focused on creating sustainable income for the indigenous population in the small village of San Salvador, in the Pozuzo–Oxapampa–Pasco area.
The project is executed by the Pozucino Friends of the Tyrol Circle and the Pozuzo district administration. It includes the restoration of Pozuzo’s oldest church, San Salvador, and integrates this remote village into a tourism program that promotes the commercialization of its artisan products.
Tourist Activities
Schafferer Museum
Pozuzo preserves its history in places such as the Schafferer Museum, a small two-story house that houses artifacts from the first settlers: photographs, texts, tools, and more. During a visit, the guide recounts anecdotes about the lives of the region’s first inhabitants.
Near the museum is the Colonos Cemetery, where the remains of priests José Egg, Francisco Schafferer, and Luis Ipfelkofer — the founding fathers — are laid to rest. A walk to the Church of San José de Pozuzo is essential. Built by the first settlers in 1875, some of its sculptures are carved in wood, including the retable of the Virgin, which features two neoclassical stained glass windows. Each year on March 19, the feast of San José — the town’s patron saint — is the most important celebration on the calendar.
Museum admission: S/3.00 soles for adults; guided tour service: S/5.00 soles.
Río Azul (Agua Salada) Natural Pools
The natural pools are located in Bajo Chancarizo, 10 kilometers or about 30 minutes by car from the town center. Their waters are turquoise in color and contain sulfur and mineral salts, giving them reputed medicinal properties.
Nearby are the Pozas de Guacamayo (Macaw Pools), managed by the Castro Gstir family, where crystal-clear waters are surrounded by natural rope swings.
Delfín Waterfall
The neighborhood of Prusia is located 5 kilometers from town and features typical German-style houses and large churches. From there, after an hour and a half of hiking, you can reach Catarata Delfín — a spectacular waterfall with a 100-meter drop.
This beautiful natural setting includes bathing pools and offers views of the impressive Huancabamba Canyon.
Immersive Tourism
In Pozuzo, a variety of accommodations offer adventure and cultural tourism activities. Visitors can milk cows, learn traditional German folk dance steps, and receive woodcarving instruction from local artisans — many of whom are skilled craftspeople and excellent cooks.
Personal visits to local homes allow guests to hear family histories firsthand. Activities on offer also include:
- Guided walks around surrounding properties
- Horseback riding
- Canoeing
- Zip-lining
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
How to Get There
Lima to Pasco: Bus — approximately 7 hours
Lima to Oxapampa: Bus — approximately 10 hours 44 minutes
Oxapampa to Pozuzo: Bus — approximately 3 hours
Hours
- Depends on the operator
Admission Price
- Depends on the operator
