Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Combis
going directly to Quillabamba (S10, two hours) depart from Santa María's
Plaza de Armas every 15 minutes.
Colectivos
to Santa María leave often from the bus ter-
minal. From Santa María you can connect to Cuzco (S25-50, five to six hours).
QUILLABAMBA
084 / POP 8800 / ELEV 1050M
Welcome to the jungle! Quillabamba's tropical vibe is palpable, with heat that becomes
oppressive by 9am, music that blares all night, and the land-that-time-forgot feel to most
hotels and restaurants.
Quillabamba itself has few attractions and sees little tourism, but there are some out-
standing, watery natural attractions nearby. The streets north and south of the Mercado
Central, rather than the eternally somnolent Plaza de Armas, are Quillabamba's commer-
cial center.
Sights & Activities
Locals are justifiably proud of
Sanbaray
(admission S5; 8am-late)
, a delightful com-
plex of swimming pools, lawns, bars and a decent trout restaurant. It's a 10-minute
moto-
taxi
ride (S3) from the center.
La Balsa
, hidden far down a dire dirt track, is a bend in the Río Urubamba that's per-
fect for swimming and river tubing. Enterprising locals sell beer and food here on week-
ends.
Mandor
,
Siete Tinajas
and
Pacchac
are beautiful waterfalls where you can swim,
climb and eat jungle fruit straight off the tree. Siete Tinajas and Pacchac are accessible via
public transport for a few soles each to Charate; taxi transport to Mandor with waiting
time will set you back S25.
Tours & Guides
Eco Trek Peru
( in Cuzco 24-7286;
www.ecotrekperu.com
)
This agency has passionate specialists in
multiday trips in this part of the world.
ADVENTURE TOUR
Bici Aventura
(Calle 2 de Mayo 423)
Provides information, bikes and guides for road and single-track
missions.
BIKING
