Moyobamba's BEST Kept Secret: Educol Lodging! Unbeatable Prices!
Moyobamba's BEST Kept Secret: Educol Lodging! Unbeatable Prices!
Alright, folks, listen up! You're about to stumble upon a secret, a genuine treasure hidden in the lush, green heart of the Peruvian Amazon: Moyobamba's BEST Kept Secret: Educol Lodging! Unbeatable Prices! Forget those cookie-cutter hotels, because this place… this place is something special.
First off, let's just say I hate writing reviews (I mean, who doesn't, right?). But after my stay at Educol? I had to. This place needs the word to be spread! Especially because the price?! Unbeatable. Trust me, I travel on a shoestring, so "unbeatable" to me is basically a steal.
Getting There and Around (Because Let's Be Real, No One Wants a Nightmare):
Okay, this whole "accessibility" thing? Important. I mean, I saw other reviews mentioning elevators, things you kinda need when you're schlepping luggage (or, you know, just plain tired). Educol's got an elevator, which, honestly, is a huge win in this part of the world. Getting around Moyobamba itself is pretty straightforward: taxis are available. You can also snag a free car park on site, and they even offer an airport transfer! Nice!
The Rooms: Your Jungle Oasis (Mostly):
The rooms… well, they're good. Really good. I mean, I'm not expecting the Ritz here, and frankly, I prefer character over sterile perfection. My room had everything I needed: Air Conditioning (absolute lifesaver!), Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (which, by the way, worked surprisingly well!), a comfy bed, a refrigerator (essential for keeping those Inca Kola's cold!), and a decent shower (hot water! Not always a given in the Amazon!). I also had free bottled water, which is a godsend when you're hydrating in the jungle heat. (And seriously, the blackout curtains? Amazing for sleeping in after a long day of exploring the area!) It's worth noting that they even have smoke detectors and a smoke alarm! Non-smoking rooms are available, which is a plus, and there's even a window that opens! (I'm a fan of this!)
The Food: Fueling Your Adventures (And Maybe Indulging a Little):
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get really interesting. Forget bland hotel breakfasts! Educol offers a real feast. They've got a Breakfast [buffet], Western Breakfast, Asian Breakfast, and Buffet in Restaurant! I am not a huge buffet fan… but wow! Everything was fresh, the fruit was divine, and I definitely took advantage of the coffee/tea in restaurant! (Multiple cups, if I'm being honest). They also have a restaurants and Happy hour, and I have to admit, after climbing waterfalls all day, that happy hour was the thing! They even had a small Coffee shop. The salad in the restaurant was the thing I would keep coming back for. I'm a sucker for a good salad! I didn't try the A la carte in restaurant or Soup in restaurant, not a huge soup or a la carte guy, but from what I've heard they have some great stuff.
Relaxation Station: Unwinding After the Amazonian Grind:
Alright, so you've wrestled with monkeys, hiked through mud, and dodged giant bugs. You're gonna need to chill. Educol gets this. They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view! I mean, the view is basically jungle as far as the eye can see. Pure bliss.
And, for the ultimate pampering? They have a Spa! I didn't spring for the full spa experience, but I did go for a Massage. Oh my god. After all that hiking, It was so worth it. Just… sigh. They also have a Sauna and Steamroom, if you're into that sort of thing.
Cleanliness, Safety, and Peace of Mind: The Essentials:
This is important, especially now. Educol is on it. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff is trained in safety protocol. I also saw a doctor/nurse on call. They even have Rooms sanitized between stays. They even go the extra mile with things like Individually-wrapped food options, even though I mostly just wanted to eat the fruit! I felt genuinely safe, which is HUGE when you're in a new place. Also, they have First aid kit on-site, which is pretty necessary.
For The Kids:
I went on my own, but I did notice that they had facilities for kids. They had babysitting service, kids meal, and are family friendly! They even have a playground!
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easy:
They have your essentials: Laundry service, Dry cleaning, a Convenience store (useful!), and even a Currency exchange. There's a 24-hour front desk and concierge. They even have the convenience of Cashless payment service! There are also facilities for disabled guests here, which I found amazing.
The Real Deal: Why Educol is Different (And Why You Should Book Now):
Okay, so here's the thing. Educol isn't just a hotel. It's an experience. It's a feeling. It's that sense of discovery, of finding a genuine gem off the beaten path. It's a slice of authentic Moyobamba, wrapped in comfort and ridiculously good value.
The "Unbeatable Prices" part isn't just a catchy phrase. It's the truth. Seriously, I've spent more on hostels in Europe with less charm and fewer amenities. This place is a steal!
The Offer You Can't Refuse (Seriously, You Can't):
Book your stay at Educol Lodging NOW! Tell them the "Mad Reviewer" sent you (they probably won't know who that is, but hey, it's worth a shot!). Seriously, book it. Before the word REALLY gets out. You'll get:
- Unbeatable Prices: The best value in Moyobamba, hands down.
- Comfort and Convenience: You'll be taken care of.
- Amazing Food: Fuel your adventures with some delicious food.
- A True Amazonian Experience: Escape the tourist traps and discover the real Moyobamba.
- A Chance to Rant About How Good It Is Later! (Just kidding… mostly).
Don’t hesitate, people. Book it. You won't regret it. This isn't just a hotel; it's an adventure waiting to happen. And it’s worth every single penny!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits You: Square One City KL's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your pristine, colour-coded travel brochure. This is the real shit, my friends. Prepare for the raw, the unfiltered, the possibly-slightly-unhinged experience of planning a goddamn trip to Hospedaje Educol in Moyobamba, Peru. Here we go…
Operation: Moyobamba Mayhem (and Maybe Mangoes)
Phase Zero: The Pre-Trip Panic (aka, "Did I Remember My Passport? Oh God, Did I?")
- Date: The week before I leave. (Because who plans further in advance? My life is a spontaneous combustion of good intentions.)
- Location: My tiny, cluttered apartment.
- Activity: 80% frantic packing, 10% questioning my life choices, 10% devouring Peruvian food blogs to make myself feel less like a complete tourist moron.
- Emotional State: A swirling vortex of excitement and abject terror. I'm picturing myself swallowed by a piranha, lost in the jungle, and simultaneously devouring all the exotic fruit. I have a problem, I know…
- Anecdote: Found my passport! Buried under a pile of unpaid bills (joy!) and a half-eaten bag of gummy bears (don't judge). Also, I've ordered a phrasebook app. Let's see if my Spanish beyond "Hola" and "Cerveza, por favor" is up to scratch. I'm not holding my breath.
Phase One: Arrival & Educol Indoctrination (Day 1-2… Maybe?)
- Day 1, 7:00 AM: Land in Tarapoto. Bleary-eyed, slightly nauseous from the flight, and already regretting the pre-trip celebratory Pisco Sour. (Worth it, though.)
- Day 1, 8:30 AM: Scramble to find a collectivo (shared taxi!) to Moyobamba. This is where the fun begins. Negotiating prices with aggressive taxi drivers? Pure immersion, baby! (I'm already wondering if that phrasebook is actually downloaded.)
- Day 1, 11:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Hospedaje Educol. Breathe. It's actually real. And it looks… charmingly rustic. My room, however, is slightly smaller than my shoe. Which is fine. Because, adventure! (Or, you know, mild claustrophobia. Time will tell.)
- Day 1, Afternoon: Settling in. Unpacking. Flailing with the shower. (Hot water? A luxury, I gather.) Then, a walk around Moyobamba. Discover the Plaza de Armas. Admire… or rather, attempt to admire… the orchids. I'm a sucker for anything floral.
- Day 1, Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. (This is where I will inevitably butcher the language and point at something vaguely edible on the menu.) Pray for safe digestion. Pray for no surprise "gifts" in the food.
- Day 2, Morning: Attempt a proper breakfast: Bread, and some fruit. Possibly some eggs, scrambled.
- Day 2, All Day: Exploring the city, going to the orchid farms. Okay, I love orchids, so this will be a blast. Prepare for hours looking at the beautiful things, and getting a lot of photos.
Phase Two: Jungle Fever (and Maybe Some Actual Fever)
- Day 3, 9:00 AM: Organized jungle trek! (Hopefully with actual guides, not just some dude with a machete.) Anticipate bug bites. Anticipate sweat. Anticipate getting lost and eaten by something horrifying. (But hopefully, the photos will be worth it.)
- Day 3, Afternoon: The jungle. The humidity. The sounds of a thousand unseen creatures. The sheer intensity of it all! My senses will be OVERLOADED. And I'll probably trip over several roots.
- Day 3, Evening: Exhausted, but exhilarated. Dinner. Bed. Praying I didn't accidentally touch any poisonous plants or get a tropical disease.
- Day 4, Morning: Time for a Waterfall visit! The Huacamayo waterfall sounds really good.
- Day 4, Afternoon: After the waterfall, I'll go to the Laguna Azul. This will be wonderful and a change of pace from everything there.
Phase Three: Souvenir Shopping & Existential Dread (Day 5 & Beyond)
- Day 5, All Day: Souvenir shopping. Because, tourist. Trying to barter, failing miserably, and then buying everything anyway. (The little trinkets will be used to remind myself of my "adventures" for years to come.)
- Day 5, Night: More food for a while. Then, resting.
- Day 6, Morning: The last day.
- Day 6, Afternoon: Head to the airport to leave.
- Day 6, Night: After arriving home, I will plan the next trip.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- The "Tourist Gape": Expecting this. That moment when you walk around, mouth agape, completely flabbergasted by everything. Embrace it.
- The Language Barrier: I will definitely embarrass myself. Repeatedly. But hey, "No pain, no gain," right? (Or, as they say in Spanish, más o menos… I think.)
- The Food: I'm mostly excited, but also a little apprehensive. Will I love the Cuy (guinea pig)? Will I survive the aji (chili peppers)? Only time (and a very strong stomach) will tell.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Expecting everything from sheer glee to moments of existential dread, where I question every life choice that led me to this point.
- The People: I hope they're friendly. I hope they're patient with my terrible Spanish. Honestly, I hope they're just happy to have me.
- The Insects: I am terrified of all of the insects. I will be wearing a lot of bug spray. Prepare for me to scream.
- The Feeling of Being Alive: I will be alive.
Messy Structure & Occasional Rambles:
- I'm sure the itinerary will change. Things always do. This is more of a "suggestion" than a rigid plan.
- I'm probably forgetting things. I'll probably get lost. That's the beauty of it.
- I'll have to remember to bring some medication, a first aid kit, a sun hat, and a willingness to completely embarrass myself.
Stronger Emotional Reactions (Good or Bad):
- I'm thrilled about the orchids. I can't even control myself. I love orchids.
- I'm slightly concerned about the jungle. (I'm picturing the bugs. The biting insects. The snakes. Ugh.)
- I'm optimistically hoping the food is amazing. (And that I don't get food poisoning!)
- I'm going to be really tired, and probably a little grubby by the end but hey, the stories will be worth it. Because these are the things you remember.
Opinionated Language & Natural Pacing:
- I'm not a fan of the "packaged tours" thing. I prefer to explore on my own terms, even if it means getting completely lost.
- I expect the accommodations to be on the basic side. That's fine. I'm not looking for luxury. I'm wanting adventure.
- I'm anticipating a serious dose of culture shock. Bring it on, Peru!
- I'm positive the food will be good. (I really hope so!)
Let's do this! This trip will be amazing, even if it's a complete disaster. After all, a trip is always about the good, the bad, the ugly, and the crazy. It's about leaving your comfort zone and doing something real and memorable. And, hopefully, coming back with some truly great stories (and maybe a few mosquito bites). Wish me luck, and may your own adventures be just as gloriously messy.
Bangalore Bliss: FabHotel BNS Comforts Awaits!
1. Wait, Educol *what* now? And why is it a secret? Seriously, is it safe?
Educol Lodging, my friends. Think of it as Moyobamba's well-kept, slightly-battered, incredibly charming secret. It's a budget-friendly haven, tucked away from the tourist hordes (which is a *massive* plus, let me tell you). And ‘secret’ because...well, the internet doesn't exactly scream about it. You mostly find it through word-of-mouth, a dusty guidebook, or a stroke of unbelievable luck.
And safety? Fine. It's not a five-star hotel with security detail, okay? You're in Peru, not some gated resort. Use your common sense. Lock your door. Don't flash your fancy watch. Mostly, it’s fine. The staff is lovely, though communication can be…interesting (more on that later). I never felt unsafe, but I always kept my wits about me, you know?
2. Okay, Unbeatable Prices? Like, *how* unbeatable? I'm talking REAL numbers here, people.
Alright, alright. Let's talk cifras! I stayed at Educol a few years back, so prices might have shifted a tad. But I’m talking shockingly cheap. I remember paying maybe... $10-15 USD a night? For a room. WITH a bed. That's not a typo, either. You're not getting luxury, but you're getting a roof, a bed, and the warm fuzziness of knowing you're saving a boatload of money. And trust me, in Moyobamba, that cash adds up quickly when you’re itching to go see all those waterfalls, and that’s where the real fun is!
3. The Rooms! What's the Vibe? Expecting a five-star suite here? (Doubtful, but still...)
Ha! Five stars? Bless your heart. Let’s just say the vibe is… rustic. Think "rooms that have seen some things." My room had, let's see, a bed (check!), a fan (yay!), and a window overlooking… well, sometimes the jungle, sometimes a rather enthusiastic rooster. Don't expect pristine perfection. Expect a certain, shall we say, *lived-in* charm. I'm talking chipped paint, maybe a few questionable stains (don't look too closely!), and the occasional friendly gecko darting across the ceiling. Honestly, it's part of the experience. Embrace the grit!
4. The Hot Water! Is there even ANY hot water?! Because cold showers in the Amazon can be a soul-crushing experience.
Okay, lemme preface this with: it's *Peru*. This is not a guarantee, my friends, not a guarantee! When I was there, the hot water situation was… intermittent. Sometimes it was glorious, a scalding cascade of pure joy after a jungle hike. Other times… well, let's just say it offered a *refreshing* wake-up call. Be prepared for the potential, and pack your mental fortitude. And maybe sing a little song to the shower gods for help. They seem to be capricious in the tropics.
5. Food, Glorious Food! Is breakfast included? And if not, where do I get my fill?
Breakfast? Nope. But that’s part of the adventure too! The upside is, there are a few tiny, cheap *comida* places nearby. You can get incredible, fresh-baked bread and local jam just a few steps away. The staff *might* (and I mean *might*) be able to whip something up, but don't count on it. Embrace the local food, darling! Explore those street vendors! That's where the real magic happens. I can still taste that *jugo de naranja*…ah, bliss.
6. The Staff! Are they friendly? Speak English? Give me the lowdown!
The staff are lovely. Truly. Always with a smile, always trying to help. But English? That's where it gets *interesting*. My Spanish is… functional. Let’s put it that way. We managed with a hilarious mix of broken Spanish, enthusiastic gestures, and a whole lot of patience. Prepare to brush up your Spanish or download Duolingo! Communication can be a challenge, but it's also part of the fun. Embrace the miscommunications, the misunderstandings… they make for the best stories, trust me.
One time, I tried to ask where the bus station was. Ended up getting directions to a *completely* different town. (It was an adventure, honestly). But they tried their best! They really did!
7. Location, Location, Location! Is it close to the action? Or am I trekking miles to get anywhere?
The location is pretty darn good! Not *right* in the heart of things, but close enough. A short walk to the main plaza, where you can find everything, including the *mercado* (market – GO! It's an assault on the senses in the best way possible). You're also close to restaurants, shops, and the starting points for many of the amazing day trips (like the Laguna Azul! Do it!). Public transport is readily available and cheap. Consider it a perfect blend of accessibility and relative tranquility.
8. So, what's the BEST part about Educol? And the worst? Be brutally honest!
BEST: The PRICE! Seriously, it's ridiculously good. And the fact that it's not teeming with tourists. That feeling of discovering something a little bit… *off the beaten path* is gold. I mean, I got the best local insider tips from other travelers! The staff’s kindness, even with the language barrier. And the general *vibe*. It's just… authentic. It's real.
WORST: The intermittent hot water. (I'm traumatized, can you tell?). The rooms aren't exactly squeaky clean. And sometimes, the noise from the street can be a bit much (earplugs are your friend). And the whole "secret" aspect means you have to work for it. It doesn’t have a fancy website. You might spend a while finding it, and that can be frustrating. But the whole experience makes it special, but you need to be prepared to roll with the punches.
Comments
Post a Comment