La Merced: Squares, Parks and Excursions

La Merced has many different sides: a historic main square, a park with cultural significance and destinations nearby. In the center, architecture, local history and coffee shape the visit; outside town, waterfall trails, a viewpoint to the west and a nature conservation center offer further discoveries. Which holiday rental best suits your plans also depends on whether you mainly want to explore the town center or include destinations in the surrounding area.

Squares, History and City Life

La Merced’s Plaza Principal has simple, harmonious architecture. Marble benches, gardens shaded by acacia trees and a variety of flowers shape the square. It is considered the first square to be established in the Selva Central. A bust commemorates Colonel José Manuel Pereyra, regarded as the city’s founder; the city’s founding is dated to September 24, 1869.

Around the Plaza Principal are the city’s main Catholic church, restaurants, accommodations and tourism agencies. This makes the square a clear point of reference if you want to include local history and central amenities in your travel plans. Individual businesses may change. Chanchamayo Highland Coffee operates a cafeteria on the main square where you can buy and drink coffee; if you are planning a specific visit, it is worth checking briefly whether it is currently open.

Parque de la Integración was established in 1998 as a symbol of the integration of the Asháninka and the colonists in this part of the Peruvian Amazon. An Electrocentro report dated August 12, 2023, listed Parque Integración on Avenida Chanchamayo among the most visited attractions in the district of La Merced. The report described lighting intended to allow visitors and local residents to spend more time there and feel safer.

Destinations Nearby

The route to Catarata La Borgoña starts at Plaza de La Merced and runs via Puente Kimiri and Camino Herradura, followed by a short stretch along the road to the waterfall. The distances include 3.6 km to the bridge, 1.8 km to Camino Herradura and 700 m to the waterfall. As official route details may change, check the route before setting out.

The Indigenous community of Pampa Michi is an Asháninka community on the main road, about 26 minutes from La Merced. Actual travel time depends on road conditions. Pampa Michi and Catarata La Borgoña therefore offer different options for excursions: a visit to the community, or a route via the bridge and Camino Herradura to the waterfall.

Mirador Cruz de Chanchamayo is located west of La Merced. The ten-meter-high cross commemorates the city’s centenary and was inaugurated on September 24, 1989. The viewpoint includes a recreation area, a leisure area, children’s play equipment, and food and drink sales. Most of these amenities operate only during the high season; if you are counting on them, check their availability before your visit.

Another option in the surrounding area is Catarata El Tirol, located near San Ramón. A footpath of about 30 minutes leads to it. Trail and visiting conditions may change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out. The travel time given for Pampa Michi is approximate, while the time for El Tirol refers to a walk—two different measures to bear in mind when planning.

El Reino del Machetero nature conservation center is certified by SERFOR and keeps 16 Machetero specimens (Dinomys branickii). The species is considered South America’s second-largest rodent. The animal population and certification status may change; check these details before making a visit specifically to the center.

Choose a Holiday Rental That Fits Your Travel Plans

For plans that include destinations in the surrounding area, different journey distances and times, as well as the seasonal availability of amenities at the viewpoint, are relevant. This makes it possible to balance city explorations and excursions without treating the waterfalls, viewpoint and nature conservation center as a single route.

For the broader travel overview: La Merced.