Pucallpa is a city in the Peruvian Amazon on the banks of the Ucayali River, a major tributary of the Amazon River. It's an excellent base for visits to Lake Yarinacocha. Among the main attractions of the city include ecological tourism, such as the Parque Natural, or cultural tourism, in the case of shamanism. This article also covers the town of Yarinacocha, which has few places to eat or sleep.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Most of the transport to Pucallpa is done on the Ucayali River. It is the second most important river port in the Amazon (behind Iquitos). The Federico Basadrees highway is the main center of land transportation, and connects the northwest of the city with the Captain Rolden International Airport.
Mototaxis are motor-tricycle taxis that are the standard mode of transportation for Pucallpa. Expect to pay about S/2 for a trip within downtown, S/3 for a trip in from the outskirts of town, and as much as S/6 for a trip from one of the suburbs (you might need to switch mototaxis). About S/4 to Yarinacocha. Collectivos are normal passenger cars that run set routes (like buses). They are a cheaper option for travel (especially if you are alone - S/1 per person). The colectivos can get crowded - two people in the front seat and four across the back seat. Pucallpa to Yarinacocha is S/1.50. On foot: Downtown Pucallpa is small enough that you can get to many places just by walking.
There is not very much in the way of sightseeing in Pucallpa. Most of its attractions are water-related: Pucallpa sits on the shores of the Ucayali River, and there is a lake near the city called Lake Yarinacocha. In the middle of the lake is an island called La Isla de Amor. This is a nice place for a day trip.
Recreation Center. There is a recreation center about 25 km (15 miles) from Pucallpa. At this center is a restaurant, a pool, and several waterslides. This is a relaxing way to spend a day, and the food won't break the bank. If you travel here when the weather is warm (as it often is) you may find that an ice cream from the stand there hits the spot. Parque Natural. Pucallpa's zoo is called the 'Parque Natural'. The tour operators will try to sell you a trip to the zoo with a trip to Lake Yarinachocha, but this is not necessary. Ask any motocarro operator and they will take you there. You can also take the bus from near the Plaza de Armas.
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. Mijanos (About 2 km from the airport, on Calle Alamedas). 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 road between Tingo María and Pucallpa is infamous for robberies. Particularly buses are prone to suffer, as some of the robbers get on as paying passengers and then stop the bus while more robbers get on and strip the passengers of all valuables. If you have to use the road, try organizing a taxi or lorry from Huanuco. Avoid travelling when there are special events in Pucallpa (or Christmastime), as the robbers are known to be more active then. And don't ever travel this road at night. Pucallpa is particularly dangerous around Christmastime. Many robberies occur during December, and police corruption is at its worst then, too.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Pucallpa typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 6 rainy days.
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