Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 52-4016;
www.qtperu.com
; San Martín 373-377)
A full-service travel and tour
agency that books flights, offers information on and arranges higher-end tours to local
sites.
Sleeping
JUNGLE LODGE
Pumarinri Amazon Lodge $$$
( 042-52-6694;
www.pumarinri.com
;
Carretera Chazuta Km 16; s/d/ste incl
breakfast S159/209/309; )
Located 30km east of Tarapoto on the banks of the Río
Huallaga and surrounded by transitional mountain rainforest, this thatched-roof retreat is a
perfect escape from the
mototaxi
blues. Most rooms are upscale-basic but very comfort-
able with expansive river view terraces while the newer annex adds flat-screen satellite
TVs, air-con and concrete Jacuzzi soaking tubs big enough for three. Excursions from the
tranquil setting include nearby waterfalls, treks to spot the poison dart frog, boat tours and
bird-spotting some 260 recorded species within a 16km radius. Upon return, the Lima-
trained kitchen fishes your
gamitana
straight from their own breeding pond. Three-day,
two-night packages (S450) including all meals, excursions and transfers are perfect value.
La Patarashca Hospedaje $
( 52-3899, 52-7554;
www.lapatarashca.com
; Lamas 261; s without/with air-con S50/
70, d without/with air-con S90/135, tr without air-con S120, all incl breakfast;
GUESTHOUSE
)
It's
not without issues, but a pregnant cat didn't come crashing through the ceiling of our
room this time around, so things are on the up and up. Tucked away on sprawling grounds
flush with jungly fauna, the varied rooms here all have hot-water electric showers (some
squeezed into rather cramped bathrooms) and cable TVs, while nice bits of furniture and
crafty lamps make them feel homey and welcoming. A few ornery macaws drive home a
sense of place; as does the best regional restaurant in town, attached by a small walkway.
Tucan Suites $$$
( 52-8383;TK;
www.tucansuites.com
;
1st de Abril 315; s/d S209/249, apt from S369;
)
This brand-spanking new apart-hotel in the
barrio
(neighborhood) of Banda
de Shilcayo is Tarapoto's first four-star hotel. Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites fea-
ture chrome-tiled kitchenettes and soundproof glass, another city first (and wholly wel-
comed). Eight of the duplex rooms have open-air kitchenettes and the restaurant drops out
onto a tri-level pool terrace. You'll sleep no sounder in town.
APART-HOTEL
