Circuito de Matara y Jocos

This content is still in development or in editorial review.

Dogs Off-leash

On this trail you pass through the Caseríos (small towns) of Casa Loma, Jocos, and Matarita. This trail follows rural roads and provides you with views in every direction by the time you return back to the Plaza de Armas in Matara.

Parking is permitted in the Plaza de Armas, where the trailhead is located.

This is a great route for trail running and mostly consists of gravel. It is recommended to follow the trail counterclockwise to avoid steeper climbs.

The loop begins with an immediate climb out of Matara, heading steadily uphill along the hillside toward the caserío of Casa Loma. Reaching this high point on the slope rewards you with expansive views of the surrounding agricultural fields and valley floor.

From Casa Loma, the trail turns toward the caserío of Jocos along quiet, unpaved agricultural tracks. Here, you'll encounter the first of two steeper descents as you drop down the hillside. Following this brief steep section, the path contours smoothly along the hill to avoid unnecessary elevation gain and loss before making a second steeper descent directly into Jocos, where the local Plaza de Armas makes an ideal resting spot. Aside from these two distinct downhill drops, the route contours effectively to avoid the heavy elevation shifts typical of the area.

Leaving the plaza, you begin a gentle, gradual ascent up the opposite side of the hill. On a clear day, this stretch offers vistas reaching roughly 42 km across the region to the highest peaks near Cajabamba. The final leg is an easy, low-gradient walk or ride through the caserío of Matarita before returning to the start in Matara.

Composed entirely of unpaved rural roads with virtually no vehicle traffic, this versatile route works equally well for a walk, high-altitude trail run, or mountain bike ride. For exceptional sunset views, consider tackling the loop in reverse, heading through Matarita first and finishing with the climb up toward Casa Loma as the sun goes down over the valley.

While wild flora and native wildlife are sparse along this heavily farmed route, the trail showcases the daily agriculture of the Peruvian highlands. Leaving Matara, the path passes through a stand of eucalyptus trees before opening into working farmland filled with plots of wheat, corn, potatoes, and alfalfa. Domestic livestock, including cattle, horses, sheep, and donkeys, are common in the surrounding pastures and fields.