Pucallpa

The Ucayali river in Pucallpa. Image © Raintree Nutrition, Inc.

Pucallpa is a fast growing town in the lowland jungle and the capital of the department of Ucayali. After Iquitos, Pucallpa is the second important jungle town in Peru with a population of about 200,000. Unless Iquitos, which lies totally isolated in the Peruvian selva, Pucallpa can be reached directly by road from Lima although it is a trip that can last several days by car or bus.

Another view from the Ucayali. Image © Raintree Nutrition, Inc.

Pucallpa is situated along the Ucayali river, together with the Marañon the main source river of the Amazon. It is a modern town, without colonial buildings. It is a good starting point for making river trips along the Ucayali or Amazon, or for jungle excursions. Nearby is the beautiful lake Laguna Yarinacocha.