The main reason to visit Chanchamayo is to see the very beautiful scenery, especially the rivers and waterfalls. There are dozens of waterfalls that are easily accessible, and a few others that are a bit further out, but worth the effort.
****Río Bayoz area
Probably the most beautiful spot in the area is around the Río Bayoz. Here, there are two waterfalls close to each other, and this area is truly a tropical paradise. The Cataratas de Bayoz, a ten-minute walk above the road (entrance $0.30) are actually three very beautiful waterfalls with a total drop of 60m. There is a good pool for bathing below the final falls, although this often gets quite crowded. If you climb to the second set of falls, there is another pool that receives very few visitors. Ten minutes below the road is the Velo de la Novia waterfall, with a 120m drop. Despite being higher than the Bayoz falls, it is less spectacular, although beautiful none-the-less. Next to the Velo de la Novia is the stunning Cañon de Yurimaki. This narrow gorge, with cliffs of 50m on either side, is only five metres wide in places, and is a wonderful bathing and diving spot, especially as the water is warm. It is possible to follow the Bayoz River several kilometres through the gorge, eventually emerging in the Chanchamayo River. The whole area is very beautiful and an excellent place to spend the day. Bring food, however, as there is very little available. The falls are 5km from Yurimaki, which can be reached by combi or colectivo from La Merced. From there it is either a rather hot and sticky 1½-hour walk, or you can hire a truck to take you for about $2. Alternatively, it is possible to take an agency tour. Although this makes it easier to get here, it only gives one to two hours in the area, which is not really enough.
***Caverna La Olada
On the road to Yurimaki is the Caverna La Olada, a deep cave with interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is possible to enter 150m with a torch, although the cave continues much further. It has not been deeply explored, as specialist equipment is required. Additionally, there are many bats in the cave, and the fumes from the guano is very noxious. The walk up to the cave is lovely, and there are many butterflies. There are also many parakeets in the trees near the entrance to the cave. To get to the cave, catch a combi or colectivo going to Yurimaki, and ask to be let off at the cave. It is possible to then catch a passing combi to Yurimaki and go to the Bayoz River. Alternatively, guided tours from Chanchamayo go to the cave.
The Cataratas de Tirol are beautiful falls in three sections, with a small pool at the bottom, although you cannot bathe here. Take a mototaxi from San Ramón to the start point, from where it is a 40-minute walk through the jungle.
It is also possible to visit the native Ashaninka communities near La Merced. Although these are now hardly authentic, it is still an interesting experience to see what life must once have been like. The Kimiri Suspension Bridge is also worth a visit. This was built across the River Chanchamayo by the railway company in 1907, allowing access to land granted to the company in compensation for the construction of the La Oroya line. The bridge was originally built with railway girders.
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