Isolated Pataz District, Entirely Enveloped by Forest, Sits as Lone Forest-Covered Region in the Province
Kingdom of Nature: La Libertad's Hidden Gem Unveils Peru's Three Great Landscapes
Step off the beaten path and explore the splendors of La Libertad, a department in Peru that leaves both locals and visitors in awe. Here, the coast, the sierra, and the jungle nestle comfortably within its borders. But it's the little-known region of Pataz that really makes heads turn. An adventurous trip through Pataz brings you from the sun-kissed shores to the mist-shrouded mountains, then plunges you into the lush greenery of the high jungle.
Curiouser and Curiouser: Exploring Pataz's Mysteries and Scandals
La Libertad is no ordinary department. With Trujillo as its capital, it comprises 12 provinces. However, it's Pataz that catches the eye of intrepid travelers. More than just a quaint destination for tourists, Pataz is home to Ongón - a jungle-covered district that's hard to miss.
Tucked away and difficult to access, Ongón pulls in tourists eager to witness its untouched landscapes, immerse themselves in local culture, and discover the riches of the jungle.
Dark Shadows in the Heart of the Green: Ongón's Untold Stories
At an altitude of between 780 and 1,100 m.s.n.m., Ongón lies within the borders of the province of Pataz, in the region of La Libertad. The varied altitudes give it a mostly warm climate, despite its humid soil.
Inhabited by just over 1,200 residents, Ongón covers an area of 1,394.89 km2, making it the largest district in the province. Dubbed the Amazonian portion of La Libertad, it's no surprise that the region boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes and ecosystems.
A Kingdom forged in Time: The History and Soul of Ongón
Ongón was established as a district on November 25, 1876, during the government of Mariano Ignacio Prado Ochoa. It was part of the province of Huallaga until November 5, 1897, when it officially became a part of the province of Pataz.
Notable locales within Ongón include Cocalito, which borders Tocache on the Mishollo river; La Piña, located opposite Cocalito; Bellavista, famous for its pineapples and sweet lemons; Pampa Seca, home to one of the region's highest waterfalls; and Uctubamba, the gateway to the jungle.
The Heart of Ongón: Culture, Cuisine, and Festivities
Agriculture and livestock form the backbone of Ongón's economy. The district's fertile soil yields a range of crops like bananas, pineapples, oranges, coffee, cassava, chili peppers, sweet potatoes, and coca leaves. Local livestock includes cattle, pigs, sheep, and a multitude of poultry. The region's verdant forests also contribute to the economy through wood extraction.
Celebrating its vibrant culture is essential to the district. Ongón observes its anniversary on November 25, while the patronal festival honoring the Virgin of Carmen takes place from July 14 to 17. The district's culinary scene is no less enchanting, boasting delectable dishes such as catfish chilcano, trout sudado with yuca, and crispy pork with mote.
Ongón: A Territory Still Shrouded in Secrets
The provincial Municipality of Pataz recently showcased some of Ongón's alluring attractions on its Facebook page. Among them, the Pampa Seca waterfall stands out, a mesmerizing 100-meter waterfall nestled in the heart of the jungle vegetation, situated along the road connecting Tayabamba to Ongón. Another noteworthy point is the Door of the Mountain, a breathtaking natural formation that marks the boundary between the sierra and the jungle.
A historical turning point for the district occurred on February 28, 2018, when the road connecting Tayabamba to Ongón was inaugurated. After years of longing, improved connectivity transformed the area, allowing the journey between both points to be completed in approximately four hours.
Continuing the journey towards progress: The road connecting Ongón and Tayabamba
The road linking Ongón and Tayabamba was the result of years of collaborative effort between the Ministry of Transport, the Regional Government of La Libertad, and the provincial and district municipalities. The project garnered an investment of around 40 million soles, with the intention of benefiting over 4,000 inhabitants.
Despite the advances in connectivity, Ongón, a district in the heart of Pataz, remains enshrouded in mysteries. Its diverse landscape, transitioning from sun-kissed homes-and-garden scenes to weather-beaten travel routes, offers a lifestyle that seamlessly blends with the regions' natural beauty. As you embark on your journey through the fresh produce-rich lands of Ongón, be sure to sample its unique cuisine, celebrate its vibrant culture, and immerse yourself in the untold stories that still linger in its jungle-covered corners.
