Helen & Chris Binge, two Brits living in Lima did an extended (and reversed) version of our Tarapoto & Gocta itinerary.
They flew into Jaen airport and out of Tarapoto.
4 nights at Gocta Lodge, with visits to Kuelap, Karajia and Gocta Falls.
Then 3 nights at Pumarinri Lodge, giving them 2 full days to explore the montane rainforest of the region, and its people.
‘Thanks for the email ... the holiday was really great.
What were your favourite cultural destinations in the itinerary?
Kuelap and the Chocolate farm [Chazuta]
What was your favourite natural destination in the itinerary?
Pucayaquillo waterfall
Who were your guides? How did they perform?
Gustavo was our guide for most of the trip. He was lovely, always punctual, considerate, spoke good English, always helpful. We would certainly recommend him.
Jesus the driver was superb too.
We also had Alex at Pumarinri, who was also fine, and very pleasant.
The local guide that accompanied us to Pucayaquillo was excellent also
Which was your favourite accommodation and why?
Rainbow over Gocta Andes Lodge.
We liked both Gocta Lodge and Pumarinri.
At Gocta Lodge, the suite was great with amazing views. The breakfast was fun, but the other meals were fine, but not stunning. The staff were super help there in all aspects.
Pumarinri: suite was fine but a few things didn’t work and we had to ask several times for things to be fixed. the staff were generally slow there… on the other hand the Kitchen and waiting staff were excellent
Which was your favourite restaurant / dish / drink? Did you lose or gain weight over the course of the holiday!?
I gained weight!! We loved the Trout Sudado at the the restaurant near Kuelap, and the fish and vegetarian dishes at Pumarinri
What forms of transport did you use? Pros/cons?
Minibus, Car and Horses ... all excellent!
Did your itinerary involve any hiking? How would you rate it in terms of difficulty?
Horses available to hire at start of Gocta Falls trek.
We found the return from Gocta falls quite hard, so we hired horses for the last 2 kms back.
The descent to the Sarcophagi [Karajia] was very muddy (we were provided boots, which worked well) and it was a long haul back in the rain.
What was the most pointless item in your luggage!?
Nothing
What was/were your favourite natural encounter (eg. animal / bird / flora seen)?
All the trees, especially at the Cacao farm.
Also the hummingbirds.
Did you suffer any insect bites? Other physical discomforts?
Yep.. I suffered many mosquito/ sandfly bites, despite using lots of mossie repellent. My husband on the other hand had very few
Did you have much interaction with locals? Where and how did this occur?
Lots of interaction at Gocta falls, at the Chazuta Cacao farm and the Ceramic tour
Did you feel your money was going to local businesses and people?
Yes
Were you given any information regarding sustainability during the course of your trip (e.g. talks on environmental issues from guides)?
Yes, especially at the Sarcophagi and at Kuelap
Did you notice any areas where environmental practices could be improved?
Nothing stood out.
Overall, we had a marvellous and exciting trip. Apart from one lack of communication at Pumarinri, everyone was super helpful and prompt.
The excursions we chose were all fascinating, the Underground limestone caves [Quiocta] less so.
At the cacao plantation in Chasuta, San Martin.
We especially enjoyed both waterfalls [Pucayaquillo & Gocta] and the visit to the Cacao farm, Jorge (Coco) the owner was great, highly informative and we learnt a lot.
Gustavo, our first guide was top notch.
It was most memorable and it was fascinating to see a different part of Peru and learn about history
Highly recommended. Thank you.’