Sunday, June 1st, 2003 – Day 103
Woke up in a sweat at 8.00am. Didn’t turn on my fan when I got in this morning. That combined with a hangover and the extreme heat and humidity outside – well ouch. Packed and got my stuff ready to leave. Walked around town but is was way too hot and that meant one thing – thunder storms. It lasted maybe an hour and I waited until 1.15pm to catch a 4 Sole moto to get me 7km from the town to the airport.
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The flight from Pucallpa to Iquitis in Peru. Shot of a TANS airline stewardess telling a young lady it wasnt time to board just yet. (01-06-2003)
Boarding was at 2.00pm for the 3.30pm flight. Easy check in as my bags were simply weighted – my backpack came in at 21 KG. It is a very small airport but clean. No air conditioning thought so very stuffy. At 3.00pm it was announced that the flight would not arrive until 4.30pm. Very little to do except have lunch and wait. At 4.30pm the flight arrived from Lima. I paid the 12 Sole local tax and boarded. It was almost full with people who boarded in Lima. Got a poor window seat above the wing and off we went. Staff were professional and very smart looking. No meal although we got a glass of Inca Cola. Anyway, I was looking out at the Amazon below with all the winding rivers and green jungle. With the blue then red sky, clouds, couldn’t keep my eyes from the views. Beaufiful but short 40 minute journey until we reached Iquitos. It was dark and starting to rain when we arrived. I was tired while waiting for my bags. Lots of touts selling accommodation and jungle tours. Just went outside, picked a moto driver without engaging in conversation with any of the touts and paid the 6 Soles for the 7km trip to town. They are all paid commission, so they will all try and get you to go to cetain hostels. Don’t believe their stories of your chosen hostel been full or having been burned down .. insist on your preferred choice. There is a list of approved hostels, hotels etc WITH their prices in the tourist office based in the baggage/arrivals area. Check it out and make your choice. It also gives details of what facilities each hostel has.
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The flight from Pucallpa to Iquitis in Peru. (01-06-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in it´s original size
The flight from Pucallpa to Iquitis in Peru. Nice rainbow and jungle below. (01-06-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in it´s original size
The flight from Pucallpa to Iquitis in Peru. The Amazon. (01-06-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in it´s original size
The flight from Pucallpa to Iquitis in Peru. (01-06-2003)
Nice looking town as we drove in with lots of bars and clubs. Decided on the expensive Florentia hostel (30 Soles) as I required comfort after the two cheap nights in Pucullpa (13 Soles per night). This hostel has double beds, clean sheets, ensuite bathroom with shower and cable TV. It was the first time I could relax in my chosen room for a while without been forced out my boredom and humidity. After watching coverage of the solldiers shooting on protesters in Pun (Oeru), I watched Austin Powers in Goldmember on TV which has a few funny moments. At 9.00pm, I left and walked around town until 12.00pm. The river front area is very popular and there were various street acts and musicians playing. After last night, decided to have an early enough night.