Cerro de Pasco was founded in 1771 by order of the viceroy Amat. The region has been highly relevant to the Peruvian economy since the colonial period on account of its valuable lead, copper and zinc deposits (also noted by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt in the closing years of the 18th century). During the struggle for independence, loyalists and republicans fought over mineral-rich Cerro de Pasco, which witnessed the deeds of the Martyr of Peruvian Medicine, Daniel Alcides Carrion.

The rainforest basins of El Palcazu, Pichis, Pachitea and the Janachaga reserve provide striking contrast with sites in the Andean zone (ruins of Punta Marca, Yarus, Huancho, Bambamarca, Tajma and Huarautambo - lakes of Pumrum, Huaraconcha and Shegue – hot springs at Janahuanca, Calera and Conoc – Bosque de Piedra petrified forest – Cueva de Tunqui – Nevado de Huaguruncho and the Cordilleras of La Viuda, Yanachaya, San Martin and El Sira).