Overview
On the Ucayali River, this port city is a base for outings to Lake Yarinacocha. Lake excursions and visits to nearby indigenous communities shape much of the appeal.
River · Lake · Culture
Did you know?
- La Isla de Amor sits in Lake Yarinacocha.
- Mercado numero 3 near the Ucayali River is known for hammock shopping.
- Motor-tricycle taxis provide the standard way around town.
Why go?
Pucallpa is the second most important river port in the Peruvian Amazon after Iquitos, serving as an excellent base for ecological tourism and shamanic experiences. The city sits on the banks of the Ucayali River and offers access to Lake Yarinacocha, where visitors can explore La Isla de Amor island and local indigenous communities. Unlike more touristy Amazon destinations, Pucallpa provides a more authentic and budget-friendly experience for travelers willing to rough it.
Getting in
The FAP Captain David Abensur Rengifo International Airport connects Pucallpa to Lima via LATAM and LC Perú. The road from Tingo María to Pucallpa is now mostly paved (as of 2011) but remains infamous for robberies—avoid traveling at night or during Christmas. Most goods arrive by river on the Ucayali River, making boat travel a primary mode for regional transport.
Getting around
Mototaxis (motor-tricycle taxis) are the standard mode of transportation—expect S/2 for downtown trips, S/3 from outskirts, and up to S/6 from suburbs. Collectivos (shared cars on fixed routes) cost S/1 per person solo or S/1.50 to Yarinacocha. The downtown is walkable, though locals may give inaccurate directions out of politeness.
When to go
The climate is warm year-round. Avoid traveling the Tingo María road during Christmastime when robberies and police corruption peak. The road improvements since 2011 have made land travel safer, but caution remains advised during December and special event periods.
See
Pucallpa's attractions center on water: the Ucayali River and Lake Yarinacocha are the main draws. In the middle of the lake sits La Isla de Amor, a romantic island perfect for a day trip. The city itself has limited traditional sightseeing beyond Plaza de Armas.
Things to do
Parque Natural is Pucallpa's zoo where animals are in small enclosures rather than natural habitats—you can get close to big cats and hand-feed some animals. The Recreation Center (25 km from city) offers a pool, waterslides, and restaurant. Yarinacocha has two beaches reachable by 30-minute walk or S/2 boat ride, though sand is muddy. Another park across the river offers anaconda photo ops, toucan feeding, and crocodile tasting.
Buy
Hammocks are best bought at Mercado numero 3 near the Ucayali River. Indigenous crafts and artifacts from surrounding tribes are available throughout markets. For imports, try Los Andes (European/North American products), Fisa (Asian products), or Valdivia near Plaza de Armas (wide liquor and wine selection). Custom furniture can be ordered from "El Huecito."
Safety
The road between Tingo María and Pucallpa has a history of bus robberies where armed passengers stop vehicles and rob travelers. Organize a taxi from Huanuco if possible. Never travel this road at night. Christmas and special event periods see increased robbery activity and police corruption. The paved road since 2011 has improved the situation.
Connectivity
Limited internet infrastructure; WiFi available at select hotels like Hotel Happy Day and Hotel Los Gavilanes. For reliable connectivity, consider local SIM cards available in town.
Budget
Pucallpa is extremely budget-friendly. Hostals range S/10-40, meals S/2-15, mototaxi rides S/1-6, and activities free to S/10. A comfortable backpacker daily budget of S/60-100 covers accommodation, food, and transport.
Go next
Atalaya lies upstream on the Ucayali River for further Amazon exploration. Iquitos is downstream—the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon and a major tourist hub. Both destinations are reachable by river boat from Pucallpa's port.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Sleep
Hostal Delfines
Large but slightly broken rooms in a concrete building with private bathrooms in a garden setting
Price when recorded: S/15 (without TV), S/20 (with TV)
Sleep
Hostal Richard
Grotty dark singles.
Price when recorded: S/10
Sleep
Hotel Happy Day
Decent rooms with and without airconditioning. Wi-Fi and small breakfast included. New towels and sheets every day.
Price when recorded: Single or double S/35 or 40; with aircon S/60 or 70
Sleep
Hotel Los Gavilanes
Has WiFi and a pool.
Price when recorded: From US$28
Eat
Chez Maggy
Although there are other good pizza restaurants in town this one is the best wood-oven pizza.
Eat
Mijanos
A seafood place only open for lunch (12:00-17:00). It serves imaginative dishes with seafood that is as fresh as can be gotten in Pucallpa. Their chef had culinary training in Lima, and it shows. The biggest downside about Mijanos is that it is quite pricey by Pucallpa standards (nearly US$30 for two people, including a shared appetizer and 2 beverages).
Eat
Parilladas Orlandos
A hidden gem, a block off the plaza, they sell a wide selection of barbecued meats, and the quality and price is excellent.
Eat
Portal Chicken
Their specialty is Pollo a la Braza, a Peruvian favorite. For US$3 you can get a quarter chicken with french fries, and the food is excellent. Their frozen lemonade is also quite tasty. For the cost of round trip motocarro fare from the plaza to your location, they will deliver to you.
Before you go
Food
Street food and local restaurants are very cheap (S/2-15). Portal Chicken offers excellent quarter chicken with fries for S/3 equivalent.
Money
Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the local currency. Banks and exchange services available near Plaza de Armas.
Safety
Avoid the Tingo María road at night and during December. Organize taxis rather than buses for this route.
Transport
Mototaxis are the main transport at S/2-6 per ride; colectivos are cheapest at S/1/person. Airport is 2 km from town.
