Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
there are stores but stock (slightly pricier than elsewhere in Peru) is limited, so it's wise to
bring your own supplies as back-up. There are no money-changing facilities and hardly
any public phones.
Tours & Guides
Spanish-speaking guides are locally available to visit Pacaya-Samiria. It is illegal to hunt
within the reserve (though fishing for the pot is OK). The going rate is a rather steep S120
to S150 per person per day for a guide, a boat and accommodations in huts, tents and
ranger stations. Food and park fees are extra, although the guides can cook for you.
Several years ago, there was such a plethora of guides in Lagunas that to avoid harass-
ment and price-cutting, an official guides association was formed. This then split into two
separate organizations with the highly regarded Estypel ( 40-1080;
www.estypel.com.pe ; Jr Padre Lucero 1345) , headed by the reputable guide Juan Manuel
Rojas Arévalo, considered the best. The office is located near the market. The other or-
ganization formed from the original guiding association is Etascel ( 40-1007; etas-
cel@hotmail.com; Fiscarrald 530) , found down a side street near the market. Both or-
ganizations give guides jobs in turn, so it is hard to get a particular guide. Juan Guerro,
working for Estypel, and Etascel's Kleber Saldaña are experienced guides getting good re-
ports from travelers. However, you don't know who you will get until you arrive.
In addition to these two associations, there's also Huayruro Tours
( www.peruselva.com ; Lagunas 40-1186; Alfonso Aiscorbe 2; Yurimaguas 35-3951;
Río Huallaga Hotel, Arica 111), an increasingly prominent association that is great for
helping plan tours (agency staff speak English; their guides are Spanish-speaking but
know the reserve extremely well). They offer tours of up to 22 days and are involved in
programs like turtle reintroduction within the reserve.
Sleeping & Eating
Accommodations are improving, but still very basic. Hostels provide cheap meals; if you
like chicken and fried banana, try the basic restaurant on the plaza.
Hostal Eco $
( 50-3703; hospeco@hotmail.com; r S25-40) Seven simple, clean rooms here flank a
small courtyard. All have private bathrooms and nightlights for when the power cuts out.
GUESTHOUSE
Hostal Samiria $
GUESTHOUSE
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