Amazon Basin Trans-Ucayali Route
Deep jungle expedition through Peru's Amazon heartland
The Trans-Ucayali cuts through Peru’s densest Amazon territory, where jaguars still pad through primary rainforest and rivers run chocolate-brown with sediment. This 180-mile beast starts in Pucallpa’s dusty outskirts and hammers northeast through logging camps and Shipibo communities to reach Contamana on the Ucayali’s eastern bank. You’ll ford at least six unnamed tributaries, dodge logging trucks hauling mahogany, and navigate sections where the “road” is just tire ruts pressed into black jungle soil.
This is legitimate expedition territory — moderate to difficult depending on season, requiring high-clearance 4WD minimum and serious recovery gear. Dry season (June-September) is mandatory; wet season makes it impassable. Carry extra fuel, water purification, and spare everything. Local guides in Pucallpa know the current conditions and ferry crossings. What you get: authentic Amazon immersion far from any tourist trail, plus stories that’ll last decades around future campfires.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 180 mi / 289.7 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 650 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Pucallpa, Ucayali |
| Land manager | Regional Government of Ucayali |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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