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Voykit pocket guide · Peru
Pichanaki
Spend a half‑day in Pichanaki to see the nearby waterfalls; one night in town if you want a quiet base.
Pichanaki sits at 525 m on the Rio Perené between La Merced and Satipo. It offers easy access to several small waterfalls and a basic hostel, making it suitable for a short stopover or a quiet night before heading to the larger towns.
- Country
- Peru
- Best months
- May–Oct (check)
- Avoid
- Jan–Mar (rainy season, check)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PEN
- Money
- Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/). Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants in Lima and Cusco; markets, small towns, taxis and entrance fees in villages need cash.
- Daily spend
- Budget S/.250–350 excl. bed · Mid S/.350–500 excl. bed · High S/.500+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Claro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.
- Emergency
- Police 105 · Fire 116 · SAMU ambulance 106
- Plugs
- Types A, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US devices need to be dual-voltage (most chargers are).
- Tipping
- Restaurants: About 10% if service is not included.; Inca Trail porters and cooks: Per the operator's guidance; pooled at the end.; Guides: S/ 20–50 per person for a day tour.
- Water
- Not safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.
- Toilets
- Paper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Catarata de Bayoz entry (adult) | S/.1.50 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- JAU · Francisco Carle Airport, Jauja
- Nearest airport with scheduled flights; road from Jauja via Tarma and La Merced, several hours — check current schedules
- LIM · Jorge Chávez International, Lima
- Long road transfer via La Merced; most travellers arrive overland — check
Typical fares
- Taxi Pichanaki → Catarata de Bayoz
- ≈ S/.30 round trip (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Walk or hire a local taxi for short trips to waterfalls; roads are unpaved, so allow extra time.
See and do
Known for
- Catarata de Bayoz
- Velo de la Novia waterfall
- Caverna la Olada
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Catarata de Bayoz | Drive 55 km (34 mi) from La Merced, turn left at bridge for Puerto Yurinaki; 30‑min road from PichanakiDrive 34 mi (55 km) from La Merced, turn left at bridge for Puerto Yurinaki; 30‑min road from Pichanaki | ≈45 min each way |
| Velo de la Novia | Follow same road downstream 600 m from Catarata de Bayoz | ≈1 h total |
Sleep
- Hospedaje Hower Ilich
- Double room S/.50 (often S/.40 after bargaining); large rooms, private bath, no hot water, noisy during plaza fiestas.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Disculpedisˈkulpe |
| Thank you | Graciasˈɡɾasjas |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta?ˈkwanto ˈkwesta |
| Where is the bathroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño?ˈdonde esˈta el ˈβaɲo |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake; one cheek kiss among acquaintances; avoid: Skipping greetings
- Food pride: Ask about local dishes; avoid: Comparing pisco or ceviche unfavourably with Chile's
- Photos: Ask and pay if asked; avoid: Photographing people without asking
- Politics: Listen; avoid: Taking sides in protests
Scams and watch-outs
- No hot water in most rooms; bring a towel.
- Waterfalls may be slippery after rain; wear sturdy shoes.
Generally safe during daylight; watch for slippery rocks at waterfalls and occasional night noise in the plaza.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Pichanaki yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Catarata de Bayoz
- Velo de la Novia waterfall
- Caverna la Olada
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Pichanaki, revision 4970236 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=4970236
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/pichanaki). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.