chontawood

About me

Englishman. Travel writer. About 3 years total backpacking in South America. Been living in Tarapoto, Peru for about 2 years. That should cover it…


Two blogs, HowtoPeru.com (Peru backpacking tips and info) and Tarapoto Life (about where I live in the Peruvian jungle).

Recent activity

  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Lima to Tarapoto - Cheapest way in the Americas - South America Branch

    Movil Tours is currently the best option (normally S/.120, but can vary). On average, the trip takes about 28 hours if there are no major...
    9 months ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Off the beaten path: from Tarapoto to Tingo Maria in the Americas - South America Branch

    You shouldn't have any problems getting from Jaunjui to Tingo Maria. Head to the Pizana office in Juanjui and they'll tell you what free...
    12 months ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Off the beaten path: from Tarapoto to Tingo Maria in the Americas - South America Branch

    I've done plenty more research! Sadly, results have been inconclusive. Mixing beer with rum is a terrible idea, that's for sure. I have...
    12 months ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Off the beaten path: from Tarapoto to Tingo Maria in the Americas - South America Branch

    I've done the Tarapoto to Tingo route a few times (I live in Tarapoto). I took my mum, dad and brother along it when they came to visit, so...
    12 months ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Tingo Maria to Juanjui in the Americas - South America Branch

    I've done the Tarapoto to Tingo Maria route a few times in the last year or so (I live in Tarapoto). The route isn't 100 percent safe, but...
    about 1 year ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Huancayo Peru Andino in the Americas - South America Branch

    I'm not sure what it's like these days, but it does still exist (www.peruandino.com)....
    about 1 year ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Malaria a concern? in the Americas - South America Branch

    In a word, no. Malaria maps vary greatly depending on the source, but most would probably put the Kuelap region and Mancora in a "low to no...
    about 1 year ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Yarinacocha area in the Americas - South America Branch

    I spent about a week in and around Yarinacocha, but that was about 2 years ago probably. Puerto Callao is the port area on the lake, and a...
    over 1 year ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Water in Arequipa in the Americas - South America Branch

    I live in Tarapoto. I buy large plastic barrels of drinking water (delivered) that cost 3.50 soles each, and one barrel lasts about 2...
    over 1 year ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Northern Peru Earthquake? in the Americas - South America Branch

    If you are coming from the coast with the intention of heading for Chachapoyas, Tarapoto etc, then double check the situation before you...
    about 2 years ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Peruvian airforce in the Americas - South America Branch

    If you're an Admiral Miguel Grau fan (like I am) you might want to check out the Casa Museo Gran Almirante Grau...
    over 2 years ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called regarding long term stay in peru in the Americas - South America Branch

    There are a few different options, each one with its own complications. Depends what you want to do here, how much money you have said etc....
    over 2 years ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Places to stay in Peru in the Americas - South America Branch

    For Lima I'd recommend Friends House (http://peru-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/recommended_lima_hostels_friends_house_peru) in...
    over 2 years ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Helpful Police in the Americas - South America Branch

    Bad things can happen in Peru, but that can apply anywhere in the world. People here will try to overcharge you every day – it's a pain,...
    over 2 years ago
  • replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Helpful Police in the Americas - South America Branch

    ceannaire85, are you serious here, or is this a wind-up like some people think? ...
    over 2 years ago

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135x135
  • Country Peru
  • Gender Male
  • Website HowtoPeru.com
  • Languages English, Spanish
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